Nigerian Army Denies Appointing Acting COAS, Warns Against Military Takeover Calls

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted claims that an acting chief of army staff (COAS) has been appointed to fill in for Army Chief Taoreed Lagbaja.

In a statement released on Monday, October 21, the DHQ clarified that Lagbaja is currently on his annual leave and is “hale and hearty.”

There have been public concerns regarding Lagbaja’s wellbeing and whereabouts. On Sunday, the Nigerian Army labeled rumors of his death as “fake news.”

Some online sources had suggested that army officials appointed a senior officer as acting COAS to address the leadership gap.

In response, the director of defence information, Tukur Gusau, stated that Lagbaja is reviewing routine briefs from Abdulsalam Bagudu Ibrahim, the chief of policy and plans, in line with standard military procedures.

Gusau also cautioned those advocating for a military takeover, stating it constitutes a treasonable offense.

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 AFN is professionally managed and all the Service Chiefs are performing their duties as stipulated in the Constitutionof 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.

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,”