Defence Headquarters Denies Appointment of Acting Army Chief

The Defence Headquarters has clarified that there has been no appointment of an acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

you In a statement released by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Monday in Abuja, the DHQ emphasized that the current COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, is simply on his 2024 annual leave. Gusau noted that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, had spoken with Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja, confirming that he is in good health and will resume his duties after his well-deserved rest.

The DHQ stressed that Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, has been providing routine updates to the COAS as per military procedures. Gusau urged individuals spreading false rumors about the appointment of an acting COAS to cease immediately, while also cautioning media outlets to verify information before publishing to avoid the dissemination of fake news. He reaffirmed that the Nigerian military is professionally managed, with all service chiefs, including Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja, diligently performing their constitutional roles.

Additionally, the DHQ issued a strong warning against any calls for a military takeover, labeling such actions as treasonous under the Constitution. Gusau assured Nigerians that the military remains loyal to President Bola Tinubu’s administration and is fully committed to safeguarding the country’s democracy and territorial integrity. He highlighted that the relative peace enjoyed in the nation is a result of the support provided by the president and the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).