- Dismissed media reports suggesting that there is leadership vacuum
The Nigerian Army has declared that the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja is on leave.
This is following reports that the COAS is currently indisposed.
Speaking on the development, the Army spokesman, Onyema Nwachukwu also dismissed claims of leadership vacuum in the Nigerian Army.
Nwachukwu said the Army Chief of Policy and Plans, Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, would act on behalf of the COAS during his absence.
In a statement he signed on Sunday, 20th of October, 2024, Nwachukwu said the COAS’ leave won’t affect the Army’s operations.
“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.”