Kehinde Fajobi
The Nigerian Army has dismissed media reports suggesting a leadership vacuum following the absence of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who is currently on official leave.
In a statement on Saturday, Army spokesman Major General Onyema Nwachukwu clarified that Lagbaja’s absence has not affected operations.
He explained that Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), has been designated to act on behalf of the COAS during his leave.
“There have even been insinuations that there is a leadership vacuum, with officers confused about what to do. Nothing could be further from the truth,” Nwachukwu stated.
He assured that the Nigerian Army is a highly structured institution with clear procedures to handle different situations, and this case is no exception.
“Before proceeding on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim to act on behalf of the COAS while he was away,” Nwachukwu added, pointing out that similar arrangements have been made in the past when service chiefs were absent for extended periods.
Nwachukwu emphasised that all routine and scheduled activities of the Nigerian Army remain on course, and departmental chiefs are fully executing their responsibilities based on the COAS’s directives.
He urged the public to disregard rumours of any confusion within the Army and reassured them of the institution’s continued commitment to its duties.