Army Denies Appointment of Acting Chief of Army Staff Amid Speculations

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has officially refuted reports claiming the appointment of a senior officer as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in light of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja’s leave of absence. General Lagbaja, who has been out of the country since September, has been the subject of health speculations, including recent viral rumors regarding his death.

In a statement released on Monday, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, clarified that there is no provision for an acting Chief of Army Staff within the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). He emphasized that there is no leadership vacuum, as Major General Abdulsalam Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, has been providing routine briefs to the COAS according to standard operating procedures.

Gusau stated, “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 statement also sought to address the rampant rumors, urging individuals spreading unfounded information to cease immediately. Gusau confirmed that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, had recently spoken with General Lagbaja, who is reportedly in good health and expected to resume his duties shortly after completing his leave.

Gusau cautioned media organizations against spreading misinformation, stating, “The COAS is hale and hearty and will soon resume his normal duties at the end of his leave.” He also condemned calls for military intervention in the government of President Bola Tinubu, which surfaced in a viral video of individuals expressing dissatisfaction with the current administration.

He reiterated the military’s loyalty to Tinubu’s government, emphasizing, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria is steadfastly committed to the preservation and advancement of our democracy and remains loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.” Gusau stressed that the military would not entertain any unconstitutional changes to the government and that necessary actions would be taken against those advocating for such measures.