Indications have surfaced that several army generals are lobbying for the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) role amid reports that the current COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, is undergoing treatment abroad for an undisclosed medical condition.
Responding to the speculations, the Army Headquarters (AHQ), through its spokesman Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, clarified that Lagbaja is currently on leave, and all necessary measures have been taken to prevent a leadership vacuum during his absence.
SaharaReporters had earlier claimed that the Army Chief was flown overseas for medical reasons and was incapacitated due to his deteriorating health.
The report suggested that Lagbaja’s condition had worsened significantly, quoting a source stating, “His health is seriously deteriorating, and he is bedridden. We are all hoping for his swift recovery.”
The publication further indicated that before reaching this stage, General Lagbaja was reportedly considering stepping down due to health challenges.
In the wake of these developments, it is rumored that some senior officers from the 40 and 41 Regular intakes are now lobbying key figures, including traditional rulers, National Assembly members, and former heads of state, in hopes of being appointed as the next COAS.
Speculation about Lagbaja’s health grew after he was notably absent from the October 1, 2024 Independence Day celebrations at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock. He also missed other key events, such as the burial of Major General Seidu Inaboya Musa, where he was represented by Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, Chief of Policy and Plans.
The publication further alleged that Lagbaja’s family arranged for him to seek treatment abroad.
A source mentioned, “The COAS has been absent from military duties for weeks. His family has taken him abroad for medical treatment due to a severe illness.”
This absence, it was claimed, has led to a perceived lack of leadership at the top, with some generals acting in a disorderly manner. “We hope he recovers soon. I’ve known him since our time in Makurdi when we were junior officers.”
Despite these rumors, the Army has firmly stated that no leadership gap exists. The AHQ announced that Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim has been temporarily assigned to manage Lagbaja’s responsibilities, ensuring the smooth continuation of the Army’s functions.
“This is not unique to the Nigerian Army. In the past, service chiefs have been absent for extended periods, and their deputies have successfully managed affairs,” the Army’s statement read.
In a separate press release titled “Nigerian Army Operations and Administrative Activities on Track,” Major General Onyema Nwachukwu denounced the speculations circulating in the media, particularly on social media, as baseless and intended to stir confusion among the public.
The Army clarified that all personnel postings, promotions, and training activities are proceeding as scheduled, despite Lagbaja’s official leave.
To quell concerns, the statement added, “Before proceeding on leave, the necessary protocols were set up for Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim to act on behalf of the COAS. Contrary to the insinuations of a leadership vacuum, the Army remains fully operational, and routine activities are proceeding without disruption.”
Additionally, the Army revealed that the promotion exercises for captains and majors in Akure and warrant officers in Kaduna and Jos are ongoing as planned. These activities are being supervised by the appropriate departmental chiefs, in line with the COAS’s command philosophy.
Lastly, the Army expressed gratitude to concerned Nigerians for their prayers for Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, assuring the public that all military activities are continuing smoothly under the guidance of Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim.
