The Nigerian Army has moved to dispel rumors and speculation regarding a perceived leadership vacuum due to the absence of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Taoreed Lagbaja, who is currently on annual leave.
In a statement released on Saturday in Abuja, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, addressed various concerns circulating on social media platforms.
Nwachukwu began by acknowledging the range of stories and rumors that have been spreading, stating, “While some of the stories were laughable and deserve no further reference, others bordered on pure mischief calculated to cause panic and confusion within the rank and file, as well as the general public.”
The army spokesperson specifically addressed insinuations about personnel postings, promotions, and training activities in light of the COAS’s official leave.
He emphatically refuted claims of a leadership vacuum, asserting, “Nothing can be farther from the truth.”
Explaining the army’s protocol, Nwachukwu elaborated, “To be very clear, the Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances. Before proceeding on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS, while he is away.”
The statement highlighted that such arrangements are not uncommon in military structures, noting, “This is not peculiar to the army as there have been instances where unforeseen human frailty kept service chiefs away for about three months, and their Chiefs of Policy and Plans held sway in their absence.”
Addressing concerns about ongoing military activities, Nwachukwu confirmed that all routine and scheduled events are proceeding as planned. He cited recent examples, including the Captain-Major Practical Promotion Examination in Akure and ongoing promotion exercises for Master Warrant Officer to Army Warrant Officer in Jos.
Nwachukwu clarified misconceptions about the COAS’s role in personnel matters, stating, “It had never been the practice for the COAS to sign postings or promotions for both officers and soldiers in the army contrary to the insinuation that COAS’ absence had caused undue delay in the release of the result of the WO-MWO promotion exercise.”
The army spokesperson reassured the public of the military’s continued readiness and effectiveness, saying, “The Army Headquarters, therefore, enjoins the general public to remain confident in the Nigerian army and be assured that the Service remains on top of the security situations in the country and is ever ready to defend Nigeria against any aggression on its land territory.”
Nwachukwu expressed gratitude to concerned citizens, stating, “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.”
He reaffirmed that Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, as Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), is effectively managing the army’s affairs during COAS Lagbaja’s absence, ensuring continuity in all land-related training, operational, and administrative activities.
