The Nigerian Army has strongly denied rumours circulating on social media about a leadership vacuum, despite the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, being on annual leave. In a statement from the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army clarified that there is no confusion within its ranks and assured the public that operations are running smoothly.
This comes after what the Army described as “laughable” rumours suggesting that the absence of the COAS had caused a delay in personnel promotions and postings. The Army dismissed these claims, calling them mischievous and designed to spread panic.
Maj.-Gen. Nwachukwu emphasized that the Nigerian Army is a well-structured institution that follows strict procedures, ensuring that the absence of any senior officer, including the COAS, does not affect the day-to-day operations of the force.
“There have been insinuations about a leadership vacuum, with officers confused about what to do. Nothing can be farther from the truth,” Nwachukwu stated. He reassured Nigerians that the Army’s activities are on course, with clear protocols in place to manage the temporary absence of the COAS.
Before proceeding on leave, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja appointed the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim, to oversee Army operations in his absence. This, Nwachukwu explained, is standard practice within the military and has been done in the past when service chiefs were unavailable.
“This is not peculiar to the army,” Nwachukwu noted. “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.”
The Army assured the public that all ongoing and scheduled activities, including personnel promotions and training, were continuing as planned.
Contrary to the rumours that promotions and postings were delayed due to the absence of the COAS, the Nigerian Army highlighted recent key events that have taken place under the acting leadership of Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim.
One such event was the Captain-Major Practical Promotion Examination, which was conducted in Akure. Maj.-Gen. Kevin Aligbe, the Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command, announced the results after receiving authorization from the acting COAS.
Additionally, the Master Warrant Officer to Army Warrant Officer Promotion Exercise is currently ongoing in Jos. A similar promotion exercise for Warrant Officers to Master Warrant Officers had earlier taken place in Kaduna. Nwachukwu stated that the results of these exercises would be released soon, once final reconciliation between the respective Corps and the Army Headquarters is completed.
The Army categorically denied that the COAS’ absence has caused any delays in personnel promotions. It pointed out that it has never been the practice for the COAS to sign off on promotions or postings personally. These responsibilities fall under the purview of the departmental chiefs, who continue to carry out their duties efficiently.
“There is no delay or confusion in the promotion of officers and soldiers. The departmental chiefs responsible for these functions are fully carrying out their responsibilities,” Nwachukwu said.
The Maj.-Gen. Nwachukwu called on the public to remain confident in the Nigerian Army’s capabilities. He emphasized that the Army remains fully committed to defending the nation and ensuring its security.
“The Army Headquarters enjoins the general public to remain confident in the Nigerian army. The Service remains on top of the security situation in the country and is ever ready to defend Nigeria against any aggression,” Nwachukwu said.
