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.

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has strongly denied allegations that certain staff were deliberately excluded from its 2024 promotion list.

The claims, made by an online media outlet, suggested that the exclusion was a result of staff participation in an April protest.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna, DICON’s Deputy Director of Information and Media, Maj. Haruna Sani, dismissed the accusations as “misleading” and called for them to be disregarded.

“The management of DICON has taken note of the unfounded allegations published against the noble image of the corporation by an online media outlet on Oct. 14,” Sani said.

“These allegations alleged that DICON leadership directed the exclusion of certain DICON staff members from the 2024 promotion list due to their participation in a staff protest held in April,” he added.

Sani emphasised that DICON operates under strict adherence to Public Service Regulations, with promotion decisions handled by independent committees composed of civilian members.

“The DG and DICON management only approve recommendations made by these committees based on objective assessments,” he noted.

He further clarified that DICON has no role in the enrollment of staff into the Integrated Personnel Payroll System (IPPIS), which falls under the Federal Government’s purview.

“The current DG did not invent these existing systems on assumption of office but has ensured that allowances due to DICON staff are paid,” Sani explained.

Addressing accusations of tribalism against the Director-General, Sani described them as “wholly unfounded.”

He pointed out that the DG’s personal staff and aides come from diverse states across Nigeria, including Oyo, Kebbi, Kogi, and Plateau, with none from Akwa Ibom.

“This diverse representation indicates a commitment to competence, inclusivity, and fairness, for which the DG DICON is widely known,” Sani added.

Regarding the exclusion of 46 staff from this year’s promotion list, Sani revealed that these individuals had been disciplined for absenteeism and violations of the DICON Act 2023.

“These personnel were absent for over two weeks without valid justification,” he said, adding that some of them admitted to participating in the April strike.

Sani also dismissed allegations that a factory fire on the eve of the March 2023 protest was orchestrated to distract from staff grievances as “utterly ludicrous.”

“No sensible individual would risk compromising an establishment that employs over 800 people,” he remarked.

On the matter of unpaid 2019 minimum wage arrears and promotion arrears, Sani stressed that these issues are the responsibility of the Federal Government, and DICON has submitted all required documentation for approval.

He concluded by urging DICON staff to remain disciplined and committed to the corporation’s objectives, while advising the media to verify claims before publication.

“DICON staff are encouraged to renew their commitment and collaboration in achieving DICON’s objectives,” Sani said.