The Defence Headquarters has denied reports that a senior officer has been appointed as the acting Chief of Army Staff.
Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the current COAS, has been on leave and out of the country since September, which has led to speculation about his health.
Recently, viral reports regarding his death circulated, but these claims were swiftly dismissed by the Army Headquarters.
In response to the rumors, another report surfaced alleging that the DHQ had named an acting Chief of Army Staff.
However, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, refuted this in a statement on Monday, emphasizing that there is no provision for an acting Chief of Army Staff in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Gusau further clarified that Major General Abdulsalam Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, has been responsible for providing routine briefs to the Chief of Army Staff in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures, dispelling any notion of a leadership vacuum.
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He said, “The Defence Headquarters wishes to clarify that it has not announced the appointment of any senior officer as Acting Chief of Army Staff, contrary to speculation by certain media outlets. For the record, no such appointment exists within the 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 Service Chiefs are performing their duties as stipulated in the Constitution of the FGN. Major General Abdulsalam Bagudu Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, is providing routine briefs to the COAS in accordance with SOP.”
Gusau warned those behind the several rumours against the Army to desist from such acts.
He said, “The DHQ urges individuals spreading unfounded rumours to desist from doing so immediately. “
Gusau also noted that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has been in contact with Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, confirming that the COAS is in good health.
He added that Lagbaja is expected to resume his duties shortly after finishing his leave.
Gusau said, “The COAS is hale and hearty and will soon resume his normal duties at the end of his leave.
“Media organizations are advised to verify information with the appropriate authorities before spreading fake news to the public. The CDS had spoken with the COAS just a few minutes ago.”
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