The Nigerian Army announced on Wednesday that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja, is hale and hearty, currently on leave, dismissing rumours suggesting he is critically ill and receiving treatment abroad.

Contrary to the circulating reports, which claimed that Lagbaja was hospitalised for an undisclosed ailment, the army clarified that the COAS is enjoying his vacation.

A viral report claimed that the COAS last made a public appearance on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, when he inaugurated several civil-military relations projects in Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area (LGA) of Osun State, his hometown.

The report further noted his absence from the October 1 Parade at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Like at the October 1 Parade, where the COAS was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj General AB Ibrahim, Lagbaja was also represented at several other events, including the graduation dinner and award night of the Army War College Nigeria Course 8/2024, held in Abuja on October 2, 2024, where he was the chief host.

When contacted for clarification, the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj General Onyema Nwachukwu, confirmed that the COAS was on leave.

He said, “Is he not entitled to go on leave, or do you want to say he is sick? Take my response to the medium [online] as my official response.”

Earlier, Nwachukwu reiterated to the online publication that Lagbaja was entitled to take leave after working tirelessly for the country.

He stated, “If the Chief of Army Staff travels after working for many years, does that mean he is sick? If someone takes a few weeks of vacation, must they be unwell? Just because we wear a uniform, does that mean we should die working?

“For example, I worked for almost seven years without going on leave. I only took time off to bury my mom, and even then, I was given just a little over a week.

“Because we are in uniform, does that mean we shouldn’t have a vacation? Is it abnormal to have a medical checkup? Must someone be sick before getting evaluated?”

The Army spokesperson stressed the sacrifices made by military personnel, noting that Nigerians need to understand the sacrifices soldiers make.

He added: “There was a time I came home, and my children didn’t even recognise me.

“I don’t think it’s unreasonable for top military officers or anyone in the armed services to travel for rest or medical checkups. There shouldn’t be any controversy over that.”

In a separate statement, the Army also dismissed rumours of the COAS’s resignation, labelling it as fake news.