Nigerian Defence Headquarters insists the army chief of staff is taking a well deserved rest after rumours spread he had died and there will be no coup d’etat
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in the capital Abuja, Monday, said the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant-General Taoreed Lagbaja was on a “well deserved rest” as part of his annual vacation.
Over the weekend rumours were rife that the 56 year old three star general had passed away due to stage 3 cancer at an undisclosed hospital in Europe. Lagbaja has not been seen in public since September 10 when he inaugurated several Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects in Nigeria’s south west Osun State.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, is currently on a well- deserved rest as part of his 2024 annual leave. The HQ 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 statement signed by the Director Defence Information Brigadier General Tukur Gusau read.
“Media organizations are advised to verify information with the appropriate authorities before releasing fake news to the public.” Gusau added confirming that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa had spoken with the Chief of Army Staff minutes ago.
DHQ said the army chief was well and was being given daily operational briefings by the army chief of policy and plans Major General Abdulsalam Bagudu Ibrahim, in accordance with standard military procedures. It also stated that there is no post as the “acting chief of army staff” neither was anybody appointed to that position contrary to media reports.
General Gusau went on to warn Nigerians advocating for a coup that will replace the Tinubu administration as many social media commentators had called for the army to remove the president and install opposition figure Peter Obi as head of national unity government.
“Those advocating for a military takeover, as seen in a viral video, should be aware that such actions are treasonable under the Constitution.”
Lt-General Lagbaja with the Olokuku of Okuku, His Royal Highness, Oba Abioye Oyebode Oluronke II Sept 10.
“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.” Gusau stressed.
He then went on to state that the relative peace that Nigerians enjoy was due to the support from Tinubu and commitment to democracy from the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) leadership.
“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.”
Lagbaja from the Infantry Corps is also a special forces officer and was appointed as COAS in 2023 when Tinubu assumed the presidency.
Akowe with reports from Lagos