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Tag: Taoreed Lagbaja

  • President Tinubu confers posthumous honour on Lagbaja

    President Tinubu confers posthumous honour on Lagbaja

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred a posthumous National Honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on the late Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

    Tinubu announced the award during his remarks at the burial of Lagbaja at the National Military Cemetery Abuja for his bravery, loyalty and service to the nation.

    “As an eternal symbol of our appreciation, I have granted late Chief of Army Staff, the posthumous National Honor of Commander of the Federal Republic of Niger, CFR.

    “I invite his wife, Maria, to collect the posthumous Honor of Commander of the Federal Republic of Niger. For me, he was a trusted advisor whose formidable intellect and breadth of knowledge served this nation well,” he said.

    The president said that Lagbaja was a trusted advisor, a man of prudent action who cared about the nation and men who served under him.

    He described late Lagbaja as “a true soldier, a general and officer who symbolized the best of his profession and whose commitment to the nation he loved was singular and undiluted.

    He said that Lagbaja had a clear understanding about the role of the military in securing and defending our country, its people, and their hard-won constitutional democracy.

    “He was more than I could have hoped for. He was one of my best appointments. Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja embodied the finest ideas of a patriot and a soldier. He had an abiding faith in the capability and readiness of our Armed Forces to save and keep us.

    “He displayed uncommon valor in the charge of his duty and in the administration of the rank and file for he cared about their welfare and that of their families.

    “Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja, our nation has indeed lost a regent who truly distinguished himself as a thoroughbred professional soldier. Though his departure could cause great dismay, late Lagbaja would not want sorrow to overtake us.

    Tinubu, Shettima, Akpabio, others pay farewell respects to Lagbaja

    President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, on Friday, paid their last respects to the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5 at the age of 56.

    Other dignitaries in attendance included the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, ministers, governors, serving and former service chiefs, and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

    The final interment of the late army chief began on Thursday with a service of songs, followed by a funeral service on Friday morning at the National Christian Centre in Abuja.

    The body of Lagbaja arrived at the National Military cemetery at 3:15 p.m., accompanied by full military honours, before the burial ceremony commenced in accordance with military tradition.

    The pallbearers and firing party took their positions, and the pallbearers marched with the casket through the firing party before the last post was performed. The burial oration was read by the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.

  • Despite family plea, Lagbaja’s remains arrive Abuja for state burial

    Despite family plea, Lagbaja’s remains arrive Abuja for state burial

    The remains of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja was taken from Lagos State to Abuja, the federal capital territory (FCT) on Thursday for state burial.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the head of the Lagbaja family had appealed to the government for the body of the deceased to be brought to his native Ilobu community of Osun State for burial.

    However, Lagbaja’s remains departed the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, aboard NAF918 at 10:14 a.m. today and arrived in Abuja via the the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 12:16 p.m. in preparation for his final burial.

    Recall President Bola Tinubu had ordered a state burial for the late COAS, who died on November 5 in Lagos Stater after failling sick. Born on Feb. 28, 1968, Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by Tinubu.

    As a mark of respect, senior military officers formed a guard of honour upon the arrival of Lagbaja’s remains at the airport.

    The farewell ceremony from Lagos was attended by dignitaries, including Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; Chief of Staff to the Governor,  Mr Tayo Ayinde, and the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, represented by White Cap chiefs.

    The Chief of Air staff, Air Marshal Hassan Balla Abubakar, and  the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede were at the event.

    The funeral services will commence on Thursday with a Service of Songs at the Army Headquarters Garrison Parade Ground, Mogadishu Cantonment Abuja.

    The funeral service is slated for Friday at the National Christian Centre, followed by an interment at the military cemetery.

    Lagbaja: Traditional ruler, family want burial in his Ilobu hometown

    Earlier, the head of Lagbaja’s family in Ilobu in Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun, had appealed for the body of the deceased to be brought to his hometown for burial.

    Speaking, Mr Tajudeen Lagbaja, head of the family said: “Lagbaja’s death  is like a dagger in my heart and it feels like it snuffed life out of me. He was like a son to me.  He is Taoreed and my son too is also named Taoreed. He used to call me uncle and always assured me that he will attend to my needs, but now he is gone”.

    The senior Lagbaja said that they took solace in the fact that death is inevitable and that Lagbaja’s death was the will of God

    “His death is painful to us. We have lost so many people in the town before, but Lagbaja’s death is the hardest and saddest. We the family, however, appeal to the Nigerian Army and Federal Government not to bury him in Abuja, but here in his home town,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the death of the Chief of Army Staff has thrown his native Ilobu Community into deep mourning. A correspondent, who was in the town, reports that the whole area looked unusually calm.

    At the Palace of the Olobu of Ilobi Land, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan, he appealed to the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to allow the community to bury the late COAS in the community.

    He said it would be a great honour, if the army would grant the community’s request to bury the deceased in his ancestral home.

    The traditional, who was seen in a mourning mood when NAN correspondent visited his Palace in Ilobu, directed the National  President of Ilobu-Asake Development Union (IDU), Oluremi Salako, to speak on his behalf.

    He said that the town was planning its annual “Ilobu 2024 Day” on Saturday, before the sad news of Lagbaja’s death filtered in.

    He said that in the last couple of weeks, the town had engaged in prayers for Lagbaja to get well, having learnt of his health challenges.

    “We were high in hope and confident about his quick recovery. Waking up this morning to the news of his death was a rude shock to the entire community.

    “We are downcast and in sorrow. He is not just the son of the soil, but one of the shinning stars of the entire Yoruba race. If you go round the community, you will see a community that is in deep sorrow.

    “Ilobu is a very happy town, but this morning, the sun suddenly snatched away from our sky,” the royal father said.

    He also said that the IDU executives had an emergency meeting, where they decided that Ilobu Day celebration be suspended indefinitely.

    Lagbaja did not enjoy life outside military, family head laments

    Meanwhile, a member of the Lagbaja family of Ilobu kingdom, Mr Demola Lagbaja, has expressed regret that the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, did not enjoy life outside the military.

    The family head spoke while receiving the St. Charles Grammar School, Osogbo, Old Boys Association, who paid condolence visit to the Lagbaja family house in Ibadan on Monday.

    He said that the expectations of the family was that their late son, would after serving his tenure, retire to enjoy the fruit of his labour.

    Lagbaja said the family had submitted to the will of God following the incident, saying that, “some tears will never dry.”

    He noted that the late Chief of Army Staff, had all his active years in the military, having completed his A level at the Polytechnic.

    “That was our wish, which never came. What happened has happened. We have to submit to the will of God, but we are very proud of our son, for he made us proud. All we can wish him is to rest in peace,”Lagbaja said.

    The head of Lagbaja family appreciated the association for the visit, adding that their late son had been well spoken off since his demise.

    Speaking earlier, the delegation led by the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the school, Mr Sola Omopo, on behalf of members of Ibadan branch of the association, presented a condolence letter to the family.

    Omopo eulogised the deceased, saying he had done well for the school and a proud and financial member until he passed on.

    “He was building a very standard project of about N550 million for the school which is about 80 per cent completion.

    “When we heard the news, it was very shocking for all of us both in Nigeria and diaspora, hence the decision to pay a condolences visit to the family,” he said.

  • JUST IN: Remains of late COAS Lagbaja leave Lagos for Abuja

    JUST IN: Remains of late COAS Lagbaja leave Lagos for Abuja

    The remains of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, on Thursday arrived at the Nigerian Air Force wing of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos en route Abuja.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that soldiers from the Guards Brigade at precisely 9: 00 am received the body, preparing to pay their final respects to the fallen General.

    TNG understands that the body of the late Chief of Army Staff was thereafter airlifted and flown to Abuja as final arrangements for his burial intensify.

    Recall, the late General passed away last week Tuesday at the age of 56, after an undisclosed ailment.

    He was appointed as Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023.

    Following his demise, tributes have poured in from across Nigeria, with military personnel, public officials, and citizens expressing condolences.

    Describing the late General, President Bola Tinubu, in a statement, said he was true patriot dedicated to Nigeria’s peace and unity.

  • We lost one of our best – NSA eulogises Lagbaja

    We lost one of our best – NSA eulogises Lagbaja

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has described the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, as one of the best military officers that Nigeria has ever produced.

    Ribadu said this during a condolence visit to the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher and the Acting COAS, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on Wednesday at Defence and Army Headquarters Abuja.

    He described the late army chief as an incredible man, loyal, committed, trustworthy, compatriot and a good leader.

    According to him, Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja loved his soldiers, worked for the Armed Forces and Nigeria and also loved the military.

    “I am here to condole the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, and the entire members of our Armed Forces, who have suffered a great loss.

    “We lost one of our best because Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja was an incredible man but that is what life is all about.

    “He has been called to a higher level and we will continue to pray for his family and those he left behind.

    “We will continue to be grateful to God for the life he led, for the service he gave, and the commitment he did for his country.

    “To our President, President Bola Tinubu, it is a very sad loss, a difficult one to feel, but we thank God for his life,” he said.

    Ribadu was accompanied by the National Coordinator, National Counter-terrorism Centre, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka and other top officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    He had meetings with both the CDS and the Acting COAS and signed condolence registers at both Defence and Army Headquarters.

  • Lagbaja did not enjoy life outside military – Family head laments

    Lagbaja did not enjoy life outside military – Family head laments

    The Head of Lagbaja Family of Ilobu kingdom, Mr Demola Lagbaja, says it is regrettable  that the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, did not enjoy life outside the military.

    The family head spoke on Monday while receiving the St. Charles Grammar School, Osogbo, Old Boys Association, who paid condolence visit to the Lagbaja family house  in Ibadan on Monday.

    He said that the expectations of the family was that their late son, would after serving his tenure, retire to enjoy the fruit of his labour.

    Lagbaja said the family had submitted to the will of God following the incident,  saying that, “some tears will never dry.”

    He noted that the late Chief of Army Staff, had all his active years in the military, having completed his A level at the Polytechnic.

    “That was our wish, which never came. What happened has happened. We have to submit to the will of God, but we are very proud of our son, for he made us proud. All we can wish him is to rest in peace,”Lagbaja said.

    The Head of Lagbaja family appreciated the association for the visit, adding that their late son had been well spoken off since his demise.

    Speaking earlier, the delegation led by the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the school, Mr Sola Omopo, on behalf of members of Ibadan branch of the association, presented a condolence letter to the family.

    Omopo eulogised the deceased, saying he had done well for the school and a proud and financial member until he passed on.

    “He was building a very standard project of about N550 million for the school which is about 80 per cent completion.

    “When we heard the news, it was very shocking for all of us both in Nigeria and diaspora, hence the decision to pay a condolences visit to the family,” he said.

    The Late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, died Nov. 5.

  • Traditional ruler, family tell FG to bring Lagabaja’s remains to home town

    Traditional ruler, family tell FG to bring Lagabaja’s remains to home town

    The death of  the Chief of Army Staff (COAS),  Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has thrown his native Ilobu Community into deep mourning. A correspodent, who was in the town on Wednesday, reports that the whole area looked unusually calm.

    At the Palace of the Olobu of Ilobi Land, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan, he appealed to the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to allow the community to bury the late COAS in the community.

    He said it would be a great honour, if the Army would grant the community’s request to bury the deceased in his ancestral home.

    The traditional, who was seen in a mourning mood when NAN correspondent visited his Palace in Ilobu, directed the National  President of Ilobu-Asake Development Union (IDU), Oluremi Salako, to speak on his behalf.

    He said that the town was planning its annual “Ilobu 2024 Day” on Saturday, before the sad news of Lagabaja’s death filtered in.

    He said that in the last couple of weeks, the town had engaged in prayers for Lagbaja to get well, having learnt of his health challenges.

    “We were high in hope and confident about his quick recovery. Waking up this morning to the news of his death was a rude shock to the entire community. We are downcast and in sorrow.

    “He is not just the son of the soil, but one of the shinning stars of the entire Yoruba race. If you go round the community, you will see a community that is in deep sorrow. Ilobu is a very happy town, but this morning, the sun suddenly snatched away from our sky,” the royal father said.

    He also said that the IDU executives had an emergency meeting, where they decided that Ilobu Day celebration be suspended indefinitely.

    Also speaking, Mr Tajudeen Lagbaja, the head of Lagabaja’s  family, appealed for the body of the deceased to be brought to the town for burial.

    “Lagabaja’s death  is like a dagger in my heart and it feels like it snuffed life out of me. He was like a son to me. He is Taoreed and my son too is also named Taoreed. He used to call me uncle and always assured me that he will attend to my needs, but now he is gone,” he said.

    The senior Lagbaja said that they took solace in the fact that death is inevitable and that Lagabaja’s death was the will of God

    “His death is painful to us. We have lost so many people in the town before, but Lagbaja’s death is the hardest and saddest. We the family, however, appeal to the Nigerian Army and Federal Government not to bury him in Abuja, but here in his home town,” he said.

    The COAS, who was born on Feb. 28, 1968, died on Tuesday night in Lagos. He was appointed Chief of Army Staff by the President on June 19, 2023. He hailed from Ilobu in Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun.

  • What Acting Chief of Army Staff said about Lagbaja’s death

    What Acting Chief of Army Staff said about Lagbaja’s death

    The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olatubosun Oluyede, on Wednesday expressed sadness over the death of his predecessor Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

    Oluyede, speaking with State House correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, said Lagbaja’s death was highly regrettable.

    “I mean the country as a whole under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, did the very best for him to be alive with us  today.

    “But as we all know, we all belong to God and He takes when He feels necessary for him to do so. So, it’s on a very sober note that I am talking this moment because the entire Nigeria Army is in a sorrowful mood because we have lost our leader, Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja,” said Oluyede.

    He said the late COAS gave his all to Nigeria, and was a selfless leader who was passionate about Nigeria and led the Nigeria Army very well.

    “He was courageous, he was known to be thorough and a professional to the core. So, it’s a big loss to us. And all we can say at this moment is that we pray that the good Lord will find a place for him to rest.

    “I want to enjoin Nigerians to celebrate him for the good work he did,” said Oluyede.

    Similarly, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru, Minister of Defence, said the death of Lagbaja was a great loss for the country.

    He said Lagbaja was a gallant and hardworking officer, who had been in all the theatres of war, adding that he had done commendably well for the country.

    Badaru and Alhaji Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed COAS.

    Defence Ministry condoles with Tinubu, Army, Lagbaja’s family

    The Ministry of Defence on Wednesday condoled with President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Army, and family of late Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on his passing.

    This is contained in a statement in Abuja, by Mr Henshaw Ogubike, Director, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence.

    Ogubike quoted the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle and the Permanent Secretary, Dr Ibrahim Kana as expressing rude shock with Lagbaja’s demise.

    He added, ”The ministers,  the management and entire staff of the ministry commiserate and extend their heartfelt condolences to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu on the transition to eternal glory of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja

    “The ministry also commiserates with the Nigerian Army, the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria and the family. His death has been described as a great loss to his family, the Army and the nation at large.

    “The passing on to eternal glory shocked us at the ministry as our working relationship with him was commendable as he exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate .

    “The late Chief of Army Staff contributed in no small measure to the internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited a high level of professionalism.

    “He will be greatly missed by the family, the military and the nation as he served the nation with commitment and dedication. May his soul rest in the bosom of the Lord,” the statement read in parts.

    Lagbaja was a courageous, loyal, dedicated officer – CDS

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has expressed sorrow over the passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

    The Army chief died on Tuesday after a brief illness at the age of 56.

    Musa, in a statement by the Director Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, described the late army chief as a courageous, loyal and dedicated officer.

    He also conveyed his deepest condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, family of the late Lagbaja and all Nigerians over the sad loss.

    According to him, Lagbaja was a courageous, hard-working, reliable, loyal, and dedicated service chief whose tireless efforts and unflinching commitment to the security and well-being of the nation were unparalleled.

    “Therefore, his passing is a tremendous loss, not only to his family, the Army and the AFN but also to the entire nation and humanity.

    “Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja’s legacy of exceptional service and loyalty leaves an indelible mark on the Nigerian Army, the AFN and the national defence security landscape,’’ he said.

    The CDS said that Lagbaja demonstrated exemplary leadership, spearheading the establishment of the Nigerian Army Aviation Wing and playing instrumental roles in multiple security operations across the country.

    He said that late COAS made tremendous contributions to operations such as Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States, as well as Lafiya Dole, Zaman Lafiya and Hadin Kai in Borno.

    Other operations, according to him, include Zaki in Benue and UDOKA in the Southeast, amongst others.

    “His contributions to these operations reflect his relentless dedication to ensuring a safer and more secure Nigeria,’’ he added.

    Musa prayed for Almighty God to grant strength and comfort to his beloved wife, Mrs Maria Lagbaja and his family during this period of immense grief.

    According to him, the military and the nation will deeply feel the void left by Gen. Lagbaja’s invaluable service, especially in these critical times of addressing national security challenges.

    He said that Lagbaja’s 16-month tenure as army chief demonstrated his sterling performance, courage and steadfast commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.

    “His enduring dedication and achievements will forever be remembered in the annals of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation at large,’’ he added.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu postpones FEC meeting over Chief of Army Staff’s death

    BREAKING: Tinubu postpones FEC meeting over Chief of Army Staff’s death

    President Bola Tinubu has postponed today’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting over the death of the Nigerian Army Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Tinubu announced the death of Lieutenant General Lagbaja on Wednesday, following the absence of the COAS that resulted in the appointment of Olufemi Oluyede as COAS in acting capacity.

    Initially scheduled for today, the FEC meeting was postponed by President Tinubu till another date to be announced in honour of Lagbaja, who served as the Chief of Army Staff from June 19, 2023, till his death on November 5, 2024.

    In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide for seven days in honour of the departed general.

    Earlier today, President Tinubu expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Lagbaja family and the Nigerian Armed Forces. He wished Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honoured his significant contributions to the nation.

  • BREAKING: Finally Tinubu announces death of COAS Lagbaja

    BREAKING: Finally Tinubu announces death of COAS Lagbaja

    Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has finally announced the death of the substantive Chief of Army Staff,  Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Lieutenant General Lagbaja died on Tuesday night in Lagos State at the age of 56.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56,” a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, reads.

    Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.

    His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.

    Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.

    He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.

    An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.

    Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.

    “President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation,” the statement added.

  • BREAKING: DHQ clarifies alleged appointment of new Chief of Army Staff

    BREAKING: DHQ clarifies alleged appointment of new Chief of Army Staff

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed no new appointment has been made in any guise to replace Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja as Chief of Army Staff in acting capacity. Brigadier General  Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information made the disclosure on Monday.

    Reports had emerged that Lieutenant General Lagbaja, who is said to be on annual leave, had died of cancer in an undisclosed hospital abroad, therefore, leaving a vacuum in the position of the Chief of Army Staff.

    However, the Nigerian Army had refuted the reports that Lagbaja is dead, tagging the reports as fake news. Also, Gusau in a statement, refuting the alleged appointment of Acting Chief of Army Staff on Monday, insisted that Lagbaja is “currently on a well-deserved rest”.

    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.

    “Media organizations are advised to verify information with the appropriate authorities before releasing fake news to the public. The CDS had only spoken with the COAS a few minutes ago.

    “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”.