The Nigerian Army has announced that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, is currently on leave; appoints Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu as Acting Chief.
Addressing concerns about a possible leadership vacuum, the Army clarified that Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, will act in Lagbaja’s stead during his absence.
In a statement released by the Army’s spokesperson, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, it was emphasized that the Army has well-established processes to ensure continuity in leadership and operations.
Nwachukwu dismissed claims of confusion within the ranks, stating that the Army remains fully operational.
Nwachukwu stated, “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.
“To be very clear, the Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances.
“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.
“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,” he added.
