Army HQ debunks rumours of CoAS Lagbaja’s ill-health

The Nigerian Army Headquarters (AHQ) has refuted reports circulating on social and traditional media, alleging that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, is gravely ill and receiving treatment abroad.

In a statement titled “Nigerian Army Operational and Administrative Activities on Course, Contrary to Insinuations in the Media Space,” Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, dismissed the reports as baseless rumours intended to cause confusion and panic among the public and military personnel.

The statement read: “Recently, the media space, especially social media, has been awash with stories, rumours, and innuendos about happenings in the Nigerian Army (NA). While some of these are laughable and deserve no further reference, others have bordered on pure mischief, calculated to cause panic and confusion within the rank and file, as well as the general public.

“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 could be farther from the truth.”

It further clarified that, before proceeding on leave, General Lagbaja followed due protocols by appointing the Chief of Policy and Plans, Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, to act on his behalf.

The response from the Army comes after reports by Sahara Reporters alleged that Lagbaja was seriously ill and had been flown abroad for treatment.

The publication quoted anonymous sources claiming that the COAS was bedridden and incapacitated, unable to communicate properly and that his health had deteriorated to the point where he was considering resigning.

According to the reports, Lagbaja had allegedly been absent from public functions for several weeks, sparking concern among officers.

The sources cited his absence from key events, including the October 1 Independence Day parade and the burial of Major General Seidu Inaboya Musa, Director of Army Legal Services.

It was further claimed that some senior officers from the 40 and 41 Regular Course intakes were lobbying for the COAS position, anticipating a leadership transition.

However, Major General Nwachukwu dismissed these claims, reiterating that the Nigerian Army has robust structures in place to ensure seamless operations, regardless of the absence or leave of any officer. He stressed that Lagbaja’s temporary absence should not be misconstrued as a crisis or leadership vacuum.

“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 is away,” he said.

The Army further assured the public that its commitment to national security and professionalism remains unwavering, urging Nigerians not to entertain baseless rumours about the health of military personnel or the stability of the force.