The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied reports claiming that it appointed an acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS). These rumors spread while Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the COAS, has been on leave since September, sparking concerns about his health.
On Sunday, false reports of Lagbaja’s death surfaced, which the Army quickly dismissed. Following this, another report emerged suggesting the DHQ had named a temporary replacement, but the DHQ refuted this claim.
In a statement, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, clarified that there is no provision for an acting COAS in the Nigerian Armed Forces. He emphasized that Major General Abdulsalam Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, has been providing updates to Lagbaja while he is on leave.
Gusau also warned against spreading baseless rumors about the Army and confirmed that Lagbaja is in good health and will resume his duties after his leave. He urged media outlets to verify their information before spreading false news.
Additionally, Gusau condemned calls for the military to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, following a viral video in which some individuals complained about current hardships and urged military intervention. He stated that such calls are treasonous and reiterated that the military remains loyal to Tinubu's administration and is committed to protecting the nation’s democracy.
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