The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that there has been no appointment of an acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) contrary to speculation by certain media outlets.
The DHQ issued this clarity on Monday morning in a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau.
“The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) wishes to clarify that it has not announced the appointment of any senior officer as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), contrary to speculation by certain media outlets,” Gusau said.
“For the record, no such appointment exists within the Armed Forces of Nigeria (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 the Service Chiefs are performing their duties as stipulated in the Constitution of the FGN.”
Gusau explained that the Chief of Policy and Plans, Major General Abdulsalam Bagudu Ibrahim is providing routine briefs to the COAS in accordance with standard military procedures.
The DHQ has, therefore, urged individuals spreading unfounded rumours to desist from doing so immediately.
According to Gusau, the COAS, Lagbaja is hale and hearty and will soon resume normal duties at the end of his leave.
He also advised media organizations to verify information with the appropriate authorities before releasing fake news to the public, adding that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General CG Musa only recently spoke with COAS Lagbaja.
