COAS absence : ‘No leadership vacuum in Nigerian Army’

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that the current absence of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has not resulted in any leadership vacuum within the organization.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Army clarified that Lt. Gen. Lagbaja is on official leave and that Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), has been designated to act on his behalf during this period.

Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, addressed concerns over a potential leadership gap, stating that Lagbaja’s absence is not hindering the Army’s operations.

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“There have been insinuations suggesting a leadership vacuum, creating confusion among officers. This could not be further from the truth,” he said.

Nwachukwu explained that the Nigerian Army is a well-structured institution with established protocols for various situations. Prior to his leave, the necessary arrangements were made for Major General Ibrahim to assume the responsibilities of the COAS in Lagbaja’s absence.

“This situation is not unique to the Nigerian Army; there have been instances where service chiefs have been away for extended periods, and their Chiefs of Policy and Plans have effectively managed the organization during those times. Claims of a leadership vacuum are mere speculation, as all routine and scheduled activities are proceeding as planned,” he emphasized.

Addressing further concerns, Nwachukwu confirmed that officer promotions have not been delayed during Lagbaja’s leave.

The results of the Captain-to-Major promotion examination were released following approval from the acting COAS.

He noted, “In line with our Forecast of Events for 2024, the Nigerian Army recently held the Captain-to-Major Practical Promotion Examination in Akure. The results were announced by the Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command, Major General Kevin Aligbe, following authorization from Major General Ibrahim, who is currently standing in for the COAS during his leave and medical check-up abroad. Additionally, the Master Warrant Officer to Army Warrant Officer promotion exercise is ongoing in Jos, following a similar exercise for Warrant Officer to Master Warrant Officer in Kaduna.”

Nwachukwu also dispelled rumors suggesting that the COAS’s absence has caused delays in the release of promotion results for the WO-MWO exercise. He stated that it is not standard practice for the COAS to personally sign off on postings or promotions, as these responsibilities fall to the appropriate departmental chiefs.

“The departmental chiefs are fully committed to their roles and are executing their responsibilities in accordance with the COAS Command Philosophy,” he added.

The Army Headquarters urges the public to maintain confidence in the Nigerian Army, assuring them that it remains vigilant in addressing the security situation in the country and is prepared to defend Nigeria against any threats.