DHQ denies appointing acting army chief as stand-in for Lagbaja

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied reports that an acting chief of army staff (COAS) has been appointed to stand in for Taoreed Lagbaja.

In a statement on Monday, the DHQ said Lagbaja is currently observing his annual leave and is “hale and hearty”.

There have been public concerns about the whereabouts of the army chief. On Sunday, the Nigerian Army described rumours of Lagbaja’s death as “fake news”.

On Saturday, the DHQ said Lagbaja is ill and is receiving medical treatment abroad.

Some online reports had claimed that the army authorities have appointed a senior officer as acting COAS to plug the leadership gap.

Reacting to the reports, Tukur Gusau, director of defence information, said Lagbaja is reviewing routine briefs from Abdulsalam Bagudu Ibrahim, the chief of policy and plans, in accordance with standard military procedures.

“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, is currently on a well-deserved rest as part of his 2024 annual leave,” the statement reads.

“The AFN 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.”

The DHQ was also warned those advocating for military takeover in a “viral video”.

“They should be aware that such actions are treasonable under the constitution,” the statement added.