COAS spoke with CDS, he’s on annual leave – DHQ
Reports that the Defence Headquarters had named a senior officer as the acting Chief of Army Staff have been refuted.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, confirmed the COAS’s good health in a conversation with Lt Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, according to the DHQ.
Lagbaja has been on leave and out of the country since September, raising questions about his health.
His alleged death was the subject of viral claims on Sunday, which the Army Headquarters refuted.
Amidst the speculations of his demise, a further story surfaced asserting that the DHQ had designated an interim Chief of Staff.
The Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, refuted the story in a statement on Monday, stating that the Armed Forces of Nigeria did not have a provision for an interim Chief of Army Staff.
He refuted any suggestion that there was a vacuum, explaining that the Chief of Policy and Plans, Maj Gen Abdulsalam Ibrahim, has been giving the Chief of Army Staff regular briefings in compliance with SOPs.
As certain media outlets have speculated, the Defence Headquarters would like to clarify that it has not announced the appointment of any senior officer as Acting Chief of Army Staff. For the record, the AFN does not have any such appointment.
As part of his annual leave for 2024, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, is currently taking a well-earned break.
“The FGN’s Constitution outlines the responsibilities of each Service Chief, and the AFN is professionally run.”
He stated, “In compliance with SOP, Major General Abdulsalam Bagudu Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, is routinely providing briefs to the COAS.”
Gusau issued a warning to anybody spreading false information about the army chief to stop.
“The DHQ advises individuals spreading unfounded rumors to cease doing so immediately,” he stated.
Gusau reported that Lagbaja was doing well and will shortly return to work following his absence.
The COAS is well and will shortly return to his regular responsibilities after his leave is over.
Before disseminating false information to the public, media outlets are urged to confirm information with the relevant authorities. Only a few minutes ago, the CDS and COAS had a conversation, he stated.
Gusau also chastised people advocating for the military to assume control of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“Moreover, as demonstrated in the widely shared video, individuals who support a military takeover ought to be cognizant that their actions are deemed treasonous in accordance with the Constitution,” he declared.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria are devoted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and are steadfastly committed to the preservation and advancement of our democracy.”
The military is committed to carrying out its legal obligations, which include preserving the integrity of the country.
“The President’s backing of the armed forces and the commitment of the AFN leadership are directly responsible for the relative calm that exists today.
In order to achieve this, the AFN and pertinent security agencies have been ordered to take the appropriate measures against any person or organization pushing for revisions to the nation’s constitution.
