The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Monday said it did not appoint any officer as acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), maintaining that Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja is only on leave and receiving medical care.
This comes amid allegations that Lagbaja died of cancer abroad.
The Nigerian Army said on Saturday that before Lagbaja proceeded on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, to act on his behalf, stating there was no leadership vacuum as speculated in some quarters.
Clarifying misconceptions, the DHQ, in a statement by the Director Defence Information, Brig-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Monday, explained that the Chief of Policy and Plans is only “providing routine briefs to the COAS in accordance with standard military procedures,” and not the acting COAS, adding that such appointment doesn’t exist in the military.
The statement reads: “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. 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 Armed Forces of Nigeria is professionally managed and all the Service Chiefs are performing their duties as stipulated in the Constitution of the FGN. 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.
“Media organisations 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 DHQ assured that the military remains committed to the preservation and advancement of democracy and loyal to President Bola Tinubu.
 on Monday said it did not appoint any officer as acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), maintaining){kind=link}