BREAKING: DHQ clarifies alleged appointment of new Chief of Army Staff

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed no new appointment has been made in any guise to replace Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja as Chief of Army Staff in acting capacity. Brigadier General  Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information made the disclosure on Monday.

Reports had emerged that Lieutenant General Lagbaja, who is said to be on annual leave, had died of cancer in an undisclosed hospital abroad, therefore, leaving a vacuum in the position of the Chief of Army Staff.

However, the Nigerian Army had refuted the reports that Lagbaja is dead, tagging the reports as fake news. Also, Gusau in a statement, refuting the alleged appointment of Acting Chief of Army Staff on Monday, insisted that Lagbaja is “currently on a well-deserved rest”.

The statement reads: “The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) wishes to clarify that it has not announced the appointment of any senior officer as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), contrary to speculation by certain media outlets.

“For the record, no such appointment exists within the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, is currently on a well-deserved rest as part of his 2024 annual leave.

“The AFN is professionally managed and all the Service Chiefs are performing their duties as stipulated in the Constitutionof the FGN.  Major General Abdulsalam Bagudu Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, is providing routine briefs to the COAS in accordance with standard military procedures.

“The DHQ urges individuals spreading unfounded rumours to desist from doing so immediately. The COAS is hale and hearty and will soon resume normal duties at the end of his leave.

“Media organizations are advised to verify information with the appropriate authorities before releasing fake news to the public. The CDS had only spoken with the COAS a few minutes ago.

“Additionally, those advocating for a military takeover, as seen in a viral video, should be aware that such actions are treasonable under the Constitution.

“The AFN is steadfastly committed to the preservation and advancement of our democracy and are loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The military remains focused on achieving its statutory responsibilities of protecting the nation’s integrity.

“The relative peace being enjoyed today is a direct result of the President’s support for the military and the dedication of the AFN leadership.

“To this end, the AFN and relevant security agencies have been mandated to take necessary action against any individual or group advocating for unconstitutional changes in the country. The CDS appreciates Nigerians for  their support and prayers. Victory is assured”.