The Armed Forces of Nigeria has mandated security agencies to take necessary action against any individual or group advocating for military takeover in the country.
This was contained in a statement released by the Defence Headquarters(DHQ), on Monday.
The statement signed by the Director Defence Information, Brigadier General,TuKur Gusau, said that those calling for coup 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”, ths statement noted.
Furthermore, DHQ in the statement clarifies 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.
The statement said, “For the record, no such appointment exists within the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
It added: “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 COAS is hale and hearty and will soon resume normal duties at the end of his leave. The CDS had only spoken with the COAS a few minutes ago”.
It urged individuals spreading unfounded rumours to desist from doing so immediately.
DHQ advised media organizations to verify information with the appropriate authorities before releasing fake news to the public.
