JUST IN: Lagbaja’s Death: Nigerian Army Speaks On Acting COAS
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters on Monday denied reports that it had appointed an acting Chief of Army Staff as reported by some media platforms, adding that no such appointment exists within the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
It also warned those calling for military coup that their action is treasonable, noting that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, is currently on a well-deserved rest as part of his 2024 annual leave and would soon resume his duty.
This contained in a statement issued by DHQ on Monday, which was signed by Director Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, and titled: “DHQ Clarifies: No Appointment of Acting COAS; Calls For Military Coup Is Treasonable”.
It says, “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. For the record, no such appointment exists within the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).”
According to the statement, AFN is professionally managed, adding that all the Service Chiefs are performing their duties as stipulated in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FGN).
On Sunday, some media platforms reported that the Chief of Army Staff Lagbaja had died, which the Defence Headquarters immediately refuted, describing the report as fake news.
However, the DHQ in its statement clarified that Major General Abdulsalam Bagudu Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, is providing routine briefs to the COAS in accordance with standard military procedures.
“The DHQ urges individuals spreading unfounded rumours to desist from doing so immediately. The COAS is hale and hearty and will soon resume normal duties at the end of his leave,” the statement noted.
“Media organizations are advised to verify information with the appropriate authorities before releasing fake news to the public. The CDS had only spoken with the COAS a few minutes ago.
“Additionally, those advocating for a military takeover, as seen in a viral video, should be aware that such actions are treasonable under the Constitution.
“The AFN is steadfastly committed to the preservation and advancement of our democracy and are loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The military remains focused on achieving its statutory responsibilities of protecting the nation’s integrity.
“The relative peace being enjoyed today is a direct result of the President’s support for the military and the dedication of the AFN leadership. To this end, the AFN and relevant security agencies have been mandated to take necessary action against any individual or group advocating for unconstitutional changes in the country. The CDS appreciates Nigerians for their support and prayers. Victory is assured.”
Last Tuesday, it was reported that the Army General had been flown abroad by his family to attend to his medical needs.
Sources described his ailment as “strange”
“The Chief of Army Staff is nowhere to be found for many days now. He hasn’t been seen at the Army headquarters or any military function in the last three weeks. I can confirm to you that he is seriously sick and was taken to the hospital. However, his family members arranged for him to be moved out of the country for medical treatment,” one of the sources had said.
“The COAS is a leader and most of the Major Generals are doing anyhow because they have no one to report to currently. Anybody can fall sick but someone needs to be in charge. I wish him a very quick recovery, I have known him since our days in Makurdi, Benue State. We were both young officers then and he was a captain.”
