BREAKING: Nigerian Army Names Acting Leadership Amid COAS Lagbaja’s Absence
The Genius Media Nigeria reports that The Nigerian Army has assured the public that there is no leadership vacuum despite the current official leave of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, confirmed that Maj. Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), has been appointed to act on behalf of the COAS during his absence.
Maj. Gen. Nwachukwu highlighted that all necessary protocols are in place to ensure the smooth operation of the Nigerian Army.
“There have been insinuations about a leadership vacuum, suggesting that officers are unsure of their duties. This is far from the truth,” Nwachukwu clarified. “The Nigerian Army is a well-structured institution with established procedures. Before proceeding on leave, the COAS delegated responsibilities to Maj. Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim to act in his place. This is a standard practice, as we have seen in the past when unforeseen circumstances have kept service chiefs away, and their Chiefs of Policy and Plans stepped in.”
He further emphasized that ongoing Army activities, including promotions and routine operations, are unaffected. For instance, the results of the Captain-to-Major promotion exam were released with approval from the acting COAS. Additionally, the Master Warrant Officer to Army Warrant Officer promotion exercise is underway, following earlier exercises for Warrant Officer promotions.
Nwachukwu also debunked rumors that the COAS’s absence has caused delays in promotions, stating, “It has never been the COAS’s role to personally sign off on postings or promotions for officers and soldiers. These duties are performed by the appropriate departmental chiefs, who are fully executing their responsibilities in line with the COAS’s command philosophy.”
The statement concluded by urging the public to remain confident in the Army’s ability to manage the country’s security and to be assured that the service remains fully operational and prepared to defend Nigeria against any threats.
