Defence
Alleged complicity by troops in Bishop’s kidnap unsubstantiated – Army
The Nigerian Army (NA) has described as unsubstantiated, social media reports alleging that its troops were complicit in the kidnap incident of the Methodist Prelate in Abia State recently.
In a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the army stated that the allegation raises several pertinent questions which are still unanswered.
While expressing concern and sympathy for the victim of the heinous crime, the army said the insinuations were not entirely premised on any findings of investigations and therefore cannot be swallowed hook line and sinker.
“Given the spate of insecurity in the region, the question would be, was the issue reported to the unit covering the area? Did the Methodist Church take the NA into confidence while negotiating the ransom with the kidnappers?
“No formal complaint has been received by the unit. More worrisome is the fact that it was alleged that the ransom was paid in less than 24 hours.
“Was the ransom paid to troops? These are questions that beg for answers,” the statement partly read.
General Onyema’s brief further noted that the NA unit has not received any debrief from the Prelate or the Methodist Church.
“It is, therefore, important to state that troops are deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Okigwe and in front of the Abia State University Uturu and no information was made available to them or to 14 Brigade or any other formation, except the information making the rounds in the social media.
“It must be clarified that troops’ deployment in the Nigerian Army is not done with considerations for ethnic affiliation, hence a deployment of troops of Fulani ethnic extraction who as alleged by the Prelate, carried out the dastardly act is not our practice or modus operandi in the NA,” the army spokesman explained.
He went on to spell out that given the army’s professional disposition and zero tolerance for any misconduct, the military will take the weighty allegation seriously and approach the Prelate and the Methodist church to unravel the basis for the allegation.
President Bola Tinubu has announced the passing of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who died at age 56.
According to a statement by the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the Army Chief passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after battling an illness.
In his message of condolence, President Tinubu extended heartfelt sympathies to Lagbaja’s family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, honoring his “significant contributions to the nation.”
The President wished the late General eternal peace and recognized his dedicated service during this difficult time for the military and the nation.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted claims of an acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), clarifying that no such appointment exists within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Monday in Abuja.
Gusau emphasised that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, had spoken with the COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, a few minutes prior to the statement, confirming that the Army Chief is currently enjoying a well-deserved rest as part of his 2024 annual leave.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is professionally managed, and all Service Chiefs are performing their duties in line with the Constitution,” Gusau said.
He also clarified that Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, has been providing routine briefs to the COAS in accordance with standard military procedures.
Gusau urged individuals spreading false information to desist immediately, reassuring the public that “the COAS is hale and hearty and will soon resume normal duties after his leave.”
He further called on media outlets to verify information with appropriate authorities before disseminating false reports.
In a strong warning, Gusau noted that any calls for a military takeover are treasonous under the Constitution, adding that “The Armed Forces remain loyal to President Bola Tinubu’s administration and are committed to the preservation and advancement of democracy in Nigeria.”
He added that the relative peace currently enjoyed in the country is a direct result of President Tinubu’s support for the military and the leadership of the Armed Forces.
Gusau concluded by stating that the military, alongside relevant security agencies, has been mandated to act against any individuals or groups advocating unconstitutional changes in governance.
“The CDS appreciates the continued support and prayers of Nigerians. Victory is assured,” he said.
Nigerian Army Debunks Rumoured Death of COAS Lagbaja, Labels Reports as ‘Mischief’
The Nigerian Army has firmly dismissed rumors circulating on social media about the death of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
The rumours, attributed to a post by one Jackson Ude, were labeled “Fake News” by the army on its official X handle on Sunday.
Speculations had spread that the Army Chief passed away in an undisclosed hospital abroad, with no official confirmation from the military or the Defence Headquarters.
In response, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, clarified that the COAS is on leave and attending to his health outside the country.
“There is no leadership vacuum in the Nigerian Army,” Nwachukwu emphasised, adding that Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim, Chief of Policy and Plans, is overseeing army affairs during Lagbaja’s absence.
He dismissed the rumours as mischievous, designed to cause panic and confusion.
“The Nigerian Army has a well-structured protocol for dealing with such situations, and this is not the first time a service chief has taken leave,” Nwachukwu explained.
The Army assured Nigerians that the service remains vigilant and fully prepared to safeguard the country’s security, while also expressing gratitude to those who have shown concern and prayed for Lagbaja’s swift recovery.
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