The Nigerian Army has refuted allegations of a leadership vacuum due to the absence of its Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who is currently on official leave.
According to The PUNCH, the Army established protocols have ensured that operations continue smoothly, with Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans acting in his stead.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army assured the public that Lagbaja’s temporary absence has not affected the institution’s performance.
“There have been insinuations that there is a leadership vacuum, with officers allegedly unsure of their roles. Nothing could be further from the truth,” Nwachukwu stated.
“The Nigerian Army is a highly structured organization with clear procedures for handling various situations. Before the COAS proceeded on leave, all necessary protocols were put in place, with Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim authorized to act on his behalf.”
Nwachukwu further emphasized that the army’s routine operations are proceeding as planned, referencing previous instances where service chiefs were unavailable for extended periods, yet operations remained unaffected.
“This is not unique to the Nigerian Army. There have been situations where unforeseen circumstances kept service chiefs away for up to three months, during which time their Chiefs of Policy and Plans held the fort,” he added.
On the issue of officer promotions, which some reports suggested had been delayed by the COAS’s absence, Nwachukwu clarified that the promotion process is on track.
He noted that the results of the Captain-to-Major Practical Promotion Examination held in Akure were recently released after Major General Ibrahim, acting on behalf of the COAS, gave the necessary approval.
“Contrary to claims, the COAS’s absence has not caused any delay in the promotion process. The Commander of Training and Doctrine Command, Major General Kevin Aligbe, announced the results after due authorization.
Additionally, the Master Warrant Officer to Army Warrant Officer Promotion Exercise is ongoing in Jos, with results expected soon after final reconciliations,” he explained.
Nwachukwu also dispelled rumors that the COAS personally oversees promotions and postings in the Army. “It has never been the practice for the COAS to personally sign postings or promotions. These functions are routinely handled by the appropriate departmental chiefs, who are fully carrying out their duties in line with the COAS Command Philosophy.”
The Army concluded by urging the public to remain confident in its operations, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s security. “The Nigerian Army remains ever ready to defend the country against any threats to its territorial integrity,” Nwachukwu stated.
