Speculation has grown over the health of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, as reports suggest he is undergoing treatment for an undisclosed ailment in a foreign hospital. In response, the Nigerian Army has clarified that General Lagbaja is officially on leave, while some Army generals have reportedly begun lobbying for his position.
The uncertainty about General Lagbaja’s condition has prompted questions from the public and within military circles. According to Sahara Reporters, the Army chief’s health has significantly deteriorated, leaving him bedridden and unable to communicate.
A source quoted by the medium said, “His health is seriously deteriorating and he is currently incapable. He is on a sickbed; he can’t hear what people are saying again, just like someone with hearing problems. We are praying for his quick recovery.”
Rumors about the COAS’s whereabouts gained momentum after his conspicuous absence from major events, including Nigeria’s October 1 Independence Day celebrations at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He has also missed other key functions, such as the burial of Major General Seidu Inaboya Musa, the Director of Army Legal Services, where he was represented by Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army).
The absence of General Lagbaja has led to concerns within the ranks, with some officers noting the delays in certain administrative processes. For instance, the 2024 promotion list for soldiers has not yet been signed, leading to frustration among those awaiting promotion.
A military officer told the media, “The Chief of Army Staff is nowhere to be found for many days now. He hasn’t been seen at the Army headquarters or any military function in the last three weeks. I can confirm to you that he is seriously sick and was taken to the hospital.”
The officer added, “Anybody can fall sick, but someone needs to be in charge. I wish him a very quick recovery; I have known him since our days in Makurdi, Benue State. We were both young officers then, and he was a captain.”
Meanwhile, speculation has emerged that some senior officers from the 40th and 41st Regular intakes of the Nigerian Defence Academy have started lobbying traditional rulers, members of the National Assembly, and high-ranking politicians for the role of COAS. This move appears to be aimed at positioning themselves as potential successors should General Lagbaja be unable to continue in his role.
Despite the mounting rumors, the Nigerian Army has sought to reassure the public about the continuity of leadership. Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army’s Director of Public Relations, issued a statement denying any leadership vacuum, emphasizing that Major General Ibrahim is acting in Lagbaja’s stead.
The statement read, “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 is away.”
The Army’s statement also highlighted that Lagbaja’s leave is not unprecedented, noting that other service chiefs have taken extended leaves for medical reasons without disrupting the Army’s operations.
Nwachukwu added, “Contrary to the insinuation that the absence of the COAS occasioned by his leave has caused undue delay in the release of the result of the WO-MWO promotion exercise, the NA wishes to clarify that it has never been the practice for the COAS to sign postings or promotions for both officers and soldiers.”
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In his message, Nwachukwu urged the public to remain confident in the Army’s capabilities, saying, “The Army Headquarters enjoins the general public to remain confident in the NA 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.”
General Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, was appointed COAS in June 2023 by President Bola Tinubu, becoming the 27th person to hold this position. He succeeded Faruk Yahaya and officially assumed office on June 23, 2023. His military career includes roles such as Chief of Staff, Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, Director of Operations at Army Headquarters, and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 and 82 Divisions, among others.