Lagbaja Hale, Hearty, No Acting Army Chief Appointed — Defence Hqtrs

The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has denied appointing any acting Chief of Army Staff, COAS.

This is confirmed in a statement by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Monday in Abuja.

Gusau said that no such appointment existed within the Armed Forces of Nigeria, saying that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, had only spoken with the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, a few minutes ago.

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According to him, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, is currently on a well-deserved rest as part of his 2024 annual leave.

He said the armed forces were professionally managed, adding that all the Service Chiefs were performing their duties as stipulated in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Gusau clarified that Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, was 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,” he said.