The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says Taoreed Lagbaja, the chief of army staff (COAS), is sick and receiving medical treatment abroad.
In a statement on Saturday, Onyema Nwachukwu, director of army public relations, said the army chief, who is also on annual leave, has ensured that there is no leadership vacuum in his absence.
Nwachukwu’s clarification followed recent concerns raised by Nigerians concerning the absence of the COAS in recent functions.
“There have been instances where unforeseen human frailty kept service chiefs away for about three months,” the army spokesperson said.
“Specifically, many insinuations about personnel postings, promotions, and even training activities have been raised vis-à-vis the official leave of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
“There have even been insinuations that there is a leadership vacuum, with officers confused about what to do. Nothing can be farther 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), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS while he is away.
“This is not peculiar to the army, as there have been instances where unforeseen human frailty kept service chiefs away for about three months, and their chiefs of policy and plans held sway in their absence.”
Nwachukwu said all routine and scheduled activities of the service are on course, adding that the appropriate departmental chiefs are fully carrying out their responsibilities in line with the COAS directives.
He urged the public to disregard rumours, assuring them of the Nigerian Army’s continued service.
“The Army Headquarters, therefore, enjoins the general public to remain confident in the Nigerian Army and be assured that the Service remains on top of the security situations in the country and is ever ready to defend Nigeria against any aggression on its land territory,” he said.
“Meanwhile, the Army Headquarters wishes to thank all well-meaning Nigerians who have shown genuine concern about Lt Gen TA Lagbaja and have continued to pray for him.
“The Army Headquarters assures Nigerians and the international community that all land-related training, operational, and administrative activities are on course and that the COPP(A) is firmly and effectively running the affairs of the Service pending the return of the COAS.” (The Cable)
