The Defence Headquarters has dismissed reports that it appointed a senior officer as the acting Chief of Army Staff.
Reports say the COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has been on leave and out of the country since September, and this has caused people to speculate about his health.
On Sunday, there were viral reports about his death, which were dismissed by the Army Headquarters, and also another report emerged, claiming the DHQ had appointed an acting Chief of Army Staff.
But the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau refuted the report this Monday, saying there is no provision for an acting Chief of Army Staff in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Gusau clarified that the Chief of Policy and Plans, Major General Abdulsalam Ibrahim, has been providing routine briefs to the Chief of Army Staff under the Standard Operating Procedures.
He also said the COAS is currently on a well-deserved rest as part of his 2024 annual leave as he warned those behind the several rumours against the Army to desist from such acts.