The Nigerian Army is currently facing a significant leadership challenge as its Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has been incapacitated by a serious health condition and is undergoing medical treatment abroad, according to multiple sources.
According to SaharaReporters, the situation has led to a flurry of activity within the military, with senior officers scrambling to position themselves as potential successors should Lagbaja be unable to return to his post.
Lagbaja, who was appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, has been largely absent from military functions for several weeks.
His sudden health decline has prompted concerns about the stability of military leadership in Nigeria, and has triggered an intense lobbying effort among top military officers eager to take over the role.
Those vying for the position are reportedly leveraging connections with influential political figures, retired generals, and other key stakeholders.
Sources have described Lagbaja’s condition as “strange” and alarming, with some indicating that his family arranged for him to be flown out of Nigeria for specialized treatment.
One source, who spoke to SaharaReporters, noted that the Army Chief had not been seen at the Army headquarters or at any public event for weeks, including the crucial October 1 Independence Day parade.
“The Chief of Army Staff is nowhere to be found for many days now. He hasn’t been seen at the Army headquarters or any military function in the last three weeks. I can confirm to you that he is seriously sick and was taken to the hospital. However, his family members arranged for him to be moved out of the country for medical treatment,” one of the sources had said.
“The COAS is a leader and most of the Major Generals are doing anyhow because they have no one to report to currently. Anybody can fall sick but someone needs to be in charge. I wish him a very quick recovery, I have known him since our days in Makurdi, Benue State. We were both young officers then and he was a captain.”
Another insider mentioned the absence of Lagbaja during the approval of the 2024 soldiers’ promotion list, which is yet to be signed. The delay is reportedly fueling frustration among soldiers awaiting promotion.
“As military men, we were taught to be observant, so I noticed he was not at the October 1 Independence Day parade ground in Abuja. I asked my superiors including a general and I was told that he was out of the country. You know, it is unusual for him not to be around at that time.
“Also, the 2024 promotion list of soldiers which was completed a few weeks back is yet to be signed by the COAS. I was told that the Chief of Administration cannot do it because it will escalate the COAS’s absence. Some of my subordinates who are due for promotion are already grumbling.”
As Lagbaja’s health continues to worsen, the leadership vacuum has become more evident. Reports indicate that Lagbaja is bedridden and unable to communicate, sparking fears that he may not recover in time to resume his duties.
“His health is seriously deteriorating and he is currently capable. He is on sick bed; he can’t hear what people are saying again, just like someone with hearing problems. We are praying for his quick recovery,” one of the sources said.
“So it’s a very serious illness but the Army authorities can never disclose it now. Even before this stage, General Lagbaja was prepared to resign because of the heath challenge.”
This has opened the door for top military officers, particularly those from courses 40 and 41, to begin covert campaigns to replace him. Many of these officers are quietly seeking the support of key political figures, traditional rulers, and influential military leaders in their bid for the role.
Lagbaja’s long and decorated career in the Nigerian Army makes his potential departure a significant moment for the military. He previously held key leadership roles, including General Officer Commanding of Headquarters 82 Division and Headquarters 1 Division. His leadership experience and strategic roles have made him a respected figure within the military ranks.
However, the gravity of his current health condition has made it unlikely that he will return to the position. One source indicated that, given the seriousness of the illness, no President would allow him to continue even if he were discharged from the hospital.
“With the kind of ailment he (Lagbaja) is battling with, no President will allow him to continue in that position even if discharged from the hospital. So serious lobbying is going on now underground for his replacement by some senior Army officers,” the source explained.
In response to the mounting rumors, the Nigerian Army’s spokesperson, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, addressed the situation, stating that Lagbaja was on leave and entitled to take time off after years of service. Nwachukwu dismissed claims of any wrongdoing or unusual behavior regarding the Army Chief’s absence.
“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? So if you work for years and go for a few weeks’ vacation or something, does it mean you are sick?” Nwachukwu argued.
