Concerns are growing within Nigeria’s military leadership regarding the whereabouts of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, sources revealed to militarynewsng.com.
His prolonged absence from official duties has triggered speculation and anxiety among top military officers.
Multiple security sources have reported that Lagbaja, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the 27th Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, has not been seen at key events or at Army Headquarters in Abuja for the past three weeks. The last public appearance of the infantry officer, according to official social media accounts of the Nigerian Army, was on September 10, 2024, when he inaugurated civil-military projects in Osun State.
Since then, Lagbaja has missed several high-profile military and presidential functions, including the Army War College graduation event on October 2, and the combined passing-out parade of the 71st Regular Course on September 28, 2024, both of which he was expected to attend as the chief host. Senior officers have been representing him at these events, prompting further questions about his condition.
A key source at Army Headquarters, Lagbaja’s official vehicle has not been seen in its usual parking spot for three weeks. “We haven’t seen his official vehicle at his designated car park for three weeks now, unlike before,” the source stated.
Another military source, speaking anonymously, disclosed that Lagbaja’s family may have flown him abroad for medical treatment. “He hasn’t been seen at the Army headquarters or any military function in the last three weeks. I can confirm that he is seriously sick and was taken to the hospital. His family arranged for him to be moved out of the country for treatment,” the source said.
The absence of the Chief of Army Staff has created unease among military personnel, particularly Major Generals, who are reportedly operating without clear leadership. “The COAS is a leader, and most of the Major Generals are doing anyhow because they have no one to report to currently,” another officer noted. The delay in signing the 2024 promotion list of soldiers has added to the frustration, with some soldiers expressing disappointment over the absence of leadership.
However, some military insiders have played down the concerns, with one officer stating, “I don’t know whether he is sick or not, but I got to know two weeks ago that he wasn’t in the country and he hasn’t returned as of now.” The officer also highlighted Lagbaja’s unusual absence from the October 1 Independence Day parade, which further fueled speculation.
Addressing the situation, Army spokesperson Major General Onyema Nwachukwu confirmed that the Army chief was on leave. He defended Lagbaja’s right to rest after years of service, stating, “If the Chief of Army Staff travels out after working for many years, are you saying it’s wrong for him to travel out when he is on leave?”
Nwachukwu emphasized that military personnel, like anyone else, are entitled to vacations and medical check-ups. “Must you even be sick before going for a medical check-up? Are we not supposed to evaluate ourselves?” he asked, adding that the sacrifices made by soldiers often go unappreciated. He further explained that it is not unusual for high-ranking officers to take time off, underscoring the heavy demands placed on military leaders.
As speculation continues, an official statement from the Nigerian Army is awaited to clarify Lagbaja’s health status and his expected return to duty.
