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There’s no leadership vacuum – DHQ says as it confirms that Chief of Army Staff Lagbaja is undergoing medical treatment abroad

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, is receiving medical treatment abroad while also on his annual leave. In a statement issued on Saturday, Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, reassured the public that there is no leadership vacuum within the Nigerian Army during Lagbaja’s absence.

Nwachukwu’s statement comes in response to public concerns about Lagbaja’s absence from recent military functions, with some speculating about potential gaps in leadership.

Addressing these concerns, Nwachukwu said, “There have been instances where unforeseen human frailty kept service chiefs away for about three months,” adding that “Nothing can be farther from the truth” regarding insinuations of a leadership vacuum.

The army spokesperson emphasized that the Nigerian Army operates under a highly structured system with established protocols for handling such circumstances. He explained that before embarking on his leave, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja had made necessary arrangements to ensure smooth operations, with Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), temporarily acting on his behalf.

“There have even been insinuations that there is a leadership vacuum, with officers confused about what to do. Nothing can be farther from the truth. To be very clear, the Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances,” Nwachukwu stated.

He further clarified that all routine and scheduled activities within the Nigerian Army remain on course. “The appropriate departmental chiefs are fully carrying out their responsibilities in line with the COAS directives,” Nwachukwu added, urging the public to disregard any rumors.

The DHQ expressed gratitude to Nigerians who have shown concern for Lagbaja’s health. “The Army Headquarters wishes to thank all well-meaning Nigerians who have shown genuine concern about Lt Gen TA Lagbaja and have continued to pray for him,” Nwachukwu said.

He assured Nigerians and the international community that the army’s training, operational, and administrative activities are proceeding as planned. “The COPP(A) is firmly and effectively running the affairs of the Service pending the return of the COAS,” Nwachukwu concluded.

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NAFDAC seals Abuja supermarket over sale and distribution of banned, unregistered, and counterfeit products

The National Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has sealed up a supermarket located in Maitama, Abuja, for the sale and distribution of banned, unregistered, and counterfeit regulated products.

A statement from the agency says the supermarket also obstructed NAFDAC officers during the enforcement of regulatory actions.

During an initial visit, NAFDAC stated that its inspectors discovered several banned and unregistered items.

“Despite being invited to the Agency for further investigation, the supermarket’s management refused to comply.

“This prompted a follow-up operation by an enforcement team, during which the team also faced obstruction.”the statement read

The agency added that items seized from the premises include unregistered pet food, banned imported soaps, and counterfeit or re-bagged rice, among others.

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Lagos sales manager remanded, accused of stealing N32.2m from boss

A 25-year-old sales manager, Olatunbosun Olarewaju, has been remanded in Ikoyi Prison after being accused of masterminding a shocking N32.2 million theft from his employer, just months after securing the job.

The police at Adeniji Adele Division, Lagos Island, said Olarewaju allegedly abused the trust of his boss, Mr Victor Ibe, by selling goods worth N32.2 million and diverting the proceeds into multiple personal accounts before disappearing.

According to police investigators, the lid was blown off the alleged scheme when Ibe conducted an audit and discovered a massive shortfall in stock value.

Acting swiftly, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, launched an intelligence-driven manhunt that led to Olarewaju’s arrest at a hideout in Lagos.

Following the investigation led by Sergeant Abraham Friday, Olarewaju was arraigned before the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court, Lagos Island, on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

Prosecuting counsel, Inspector Ishola Samuel, told the court that the offences took place between August 2024 and April 14, 2025, at 23 Princess Street, Lagos Island.

He said Olarewaju, entrusted with managing and selling his employer’s goods, instead chose to divert millions of naira into his private coffers.

The offences, Samuel said, contravened Sections 411 and 287(7) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Olarewaju, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Presiding Magistrate A.A. Paul granted him bail in the sum of N1 million, with two sureties in like sum, but ordered his remand at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre until he meets the conditions.

The case has been adjourned until May 27, 2025, for further mention.

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Military kills over 100 terrorists, rescue 21 hostages — DHQ

The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has announced major successes in its ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-oil theft operations across Nigeria, with over 100 terrorists killed, 100 suspects arrested, and 21 kidnapped victims rescued between April 17 and 25, 2025.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed the achievements in a statement on Friday.

Kangye noted that coordinated offensives across the North East, North West, North Central, South South, and South East regions yielded substantial results.

“In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai launched aggressive offensives leading to the surrender of ISWAP/JAS elements and the elimination of dozens of terrorists,” Kangye said.

In the North West, troops under Operation Fagge Yamma neutralized several insurgents, arrested suspects, and rescued victims in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Katsina States.

In the North Central zone, Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke also recorded significant success. Between April 18–22, troops acting on credible intelligence arrested over 37 criminal suspects in Plateau and Kaduna States.

In the South East, troops under Operation Udoka carried out successful raids in Imo, Enugu, Anambra, and Ebonyi States, killing terrorists, arresting suspects, and recovering arms and explosives. Notably, four kidnapped victims were rescued during these missions.

In the South South, troops of Operation Delta Safe targeted illegal refining sites and oil theft networks, destroying equipment and seizing crude oil and petroleum products worth over ₦94 million.

“Between April 18 and 22, troops made contact with terrorists in several communities, seizing weapons, mobile phones, motorcycles, and IEDs,” Kangye added

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