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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.
