By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Defence Headquarters has opened up on the absence of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The Nigerian Army, in a statement on Saturday, confirmed that he was on official leave.

The announcement comes amid speculation and concerns about a potential leadership vacuum within the Nigerian Army.

According to Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, necessary protocols had been put in place to ensure continuity.

Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), has been appointed to act on behalf of the COAS during his absence.

“Lt. Gen. Lagbaja is on official leave, and the Nigerian Army’s operations remain unaffected,” Nwachukwu said.

He added: “The service’s structured establishment and well-laid-out procedures ensure seamless continuity.”

There were speculations about Lagbaja’s absence with some sources suggesting health issues.

However, the force has dismissed that.

Nwachukwu said, “Before proceeding on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS while he was away.

“This is not peculiar to the NA, 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.

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 clarified that promotions had not been stalled by Lagbaja’s absence.

He said, “Indeed, in line with its Forecast of Events for 2024, the Nigerian Army recently conducted the Captain-to-Major Practical Promotion Examination in Akure.

“Subsequently, and in line with extant procedures, the Commander of Training and Doctrine Command, Major General Kevin Aligbe, announced the results after due authorisation by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), who currently represents the Chief of Army Staff during his absence on leave and medical check-up abroad.

“Additionally, the Master Warrant Officer to Army Warrant Officer Promotion Exercise is currently ongoing in Jos.

“This follows a similar exercise held for Warrant Officer to Master Warrant Officer (WO-MWO) in Kaduna.

“The results of these exercises are expected to be released in the coming days, pending final reconciliation between the respective Corps and the Army Headquarters Department of Personnel Management.”

The force also clarified the insinuation that the COAS’ absence due to his leave had caused undue delays in the release of the WO-MWO promotion exercise results.

Nwachukwu clarified that it has never been the practice for the COAS to personally sign postings or promotions for officers and soldiers in the Nigerian Army.

“The appropriate departmental chiefs perform these functions routinely.

“These Departmental Chiefs, demonstrating their unwavering commitment, are fully carrying out their responsibilities in line with the COAS Command Philosophy.

“The Army Headquarters, therefore, enjoins the general public to remain confident in the NA and be assured that the service remains on top of the security situation in the country and is ever ready to defend Nigeria against any aggression on its land territory,” he added. [Gistmate]