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The Nigerian Army has refuted media claims that a leadership vacuum has emerged due to the absence of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja. In a statement, military officials emphasized that command structures remain intact and operations continue without disruption.
Army spokesman Onyema Nwachukwu reported that Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja is currently on official leave. He noted that proper protocols are in place, allowing Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), to fulfill the role of acting Chief of Army Staff during this time.
According to Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the absence of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has not compromised the operations of the Army. He asserted that the military is functioning smoothly and effectively, maintaining its readiness and commitment.
“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,” he said on Saturday.
“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.
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“This is not peculiar to the NA, 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. 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.”
The army spokesman indicated that all scheduled and routine activities of the service are on schedule, asserting that departmental leaders are effectively carrying out their duties in line with the directives of the Chief of Army Staff.
He emphasized the importance of disregarding rumors, assuring the public that the Nigerian Army is fully dedicated to its service and will continue to operate effectively in the face of any misinformation.
