Nigerian Army Reveals People That Replace Chief Of Army Staff After Serious Illness

The Nigerian Army has provided reassurance to the public regarding the continuity of leadership within its ranks, despite the official leave of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. In a statement released on Saturday, the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, addressed concerns about a potential leadership vacuum.....Read Full Article>>

He confirmed that Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, who serves as the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), has been appointed to act in the capacity of the Chief of Army Staff during Gen. Lagbaja’ s absence. Maj. Gen. Nwachukwu highlighted that established protocols are firmly in place to guarantee the uninterrupted functioning of the Army.

He said, ” 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.

” 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.

” 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 appropriate departmental chiefs perform these functions routinely. These Departmental Chiefs, demonstrating their unwavering commitment, are fully carrying out their responsibilities in line with the COAS Command Philosophy.
” The Army Headquarters, therefore, enjoins the general public to remain confident in the NA and be assured that the service remains on top of the security situation in the country and is ever ready to defend Nigeria against any aggression on its land territory, ” he added.