The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the Defence Chief, Major General Christopher Musa, spoke with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, moments ago.
The Army Chief has been in the news recently following his disappearance from media space, but the DHQ said the Army Chief is on a well-deserved rest.
In a statement by the Spokesman Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Defence Headquarters said contrary to reports, no officer has been appointed as acting chief of Army Staff.
“For the record, no such appointment exists within the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, is on a well-deserved rest as part of his 2024 annual leave,”.
The statement said the AFN is professionally managed and, as such, “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, provides routine briefs to the COAS by standard military procedures”.
He, therefore, urged 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,” he added.
The statement further urged organisations to verify information with the appropriate authorities before releasing “fake” news.
“The CDS had only spoken with the COAS a few minutes ago,” he said.
The Defence Headquarters warned those advocating for a military takeover that their “actions are treasonable under the Constitution”.
He reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is committed to preserving and advancing democracy and is 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.”
