The Defence Headquarters has addressed the absence of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, confirming that he is currently on official leave. This announcement comes amidst concerns regarding a potential leadership vacuum within the Nigerian Army.
Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, reassured the public that necessary protocols have been established to ensure continuity during this period. Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), has been appointed to act in place of the Chief of Army Staff during his absence.
“Lt. Gen. Lagbaja is on official leave, and the Nigerian Army’s operations remain unaffected,” Nwachukwu stated. He emphasized that the Army’s structured establishment and established procedures allow for seamless continuity of operations.
Speculation regarding Lagbaja’s absence has suggested potential health issues; however, these claims have been dismissed by the force. Nwachukwu reiterated that protocols were in place before Lagbaja’s leave, allowing Major General Ibrahim to assume his responsibilities.
He noted, “This is not peculiar to the NA, as there have been instances where unforeseen circumstances kept service chiefs away for extended periods, and their Chiefs of Policy and Plans managed in their absence. Claims of a leadership vacuum in the NA at present are therefore mere speculation, as all routine and scheduled activities of the service are on course.”
Nwachukwu also clarified that promotions within the Army have not been stalled due to Lagbaja’s absence. He mentioned that the Nigerian Army recently conducted the Captain-to-Major Practical Promotion Examination in Akure, with results announced by the Commander of Training and Doctrine Command, Major General Kevin Aligbe, following necessary authorizations.
Furthermore, ongoing promotions for Master Warrant Officer to Army Warrant Officer are taking place in Jos, alongside a previous exercise for Warrant Officer to Master Warrant Officer in Kaduna. The results of these promotions are expected to be released soon.
Addressing concerns about delays in promotion results due to the COAS’s absence, Nwachukwu clarified that it has never been the responsibility of the COAS to personally sign postings or promotions. Such duties are routinely handled by the appropriate departmental chiefs.
He concluded by encouraging the public to maintain confidence in the Nigerian Army, assuring that the service remains vigilant and prepared to address any security challenges facing the nation.
