Abuja, Nigeria – The prolonged absence of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has ignited controversy among top military officials. Multiple security sources indicate that concerns are growing regarding Lagbaja’s whereabouts, leading to speculation and uncertainty within the military hierarchy.
Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023, as the 27th Chief of Army Staff. Reports suggest that family members have kept him secluded from public view, exacerbating the mystery surrounding his absence. Many are now awaiting an official statement from authorities to clarify his current status.
Checks on the Nigerian Army’s social media pages reveal that Lagbaja’s last public appearance was on September 10, 2024, when he inaugurated several civil-military cooperation projects in Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State. Since then, top military officers have represented him at significant events, including the Army War College Nigeria Course 8/2024 graduation dinner in Abuja on October 2, 2024, where he was expected to be the chief host. He also missed the combined passing-out parade of the 71 Regular Course for the Army, Navy, and Air Force on September 28.
Sources have confirmed that Lagbaja has not been seen at the Nigerian Army Headquarters located at the Armed Forces Complex on Muhammadu Buhari Way, Abuja, for the past three weeks. “We haven’t seen his official vehicle at his designated car park for three weeks now, unlike before,” said a soldier attached to the Army headquarters.
However, a senior officer close to Lagbaja informed SaharaReporters that he was flown abroad by family members for medical treatment. “The Chief of Army Staff has been missing for many days now and hasn’t been seen at the Army headquarters or any military function in the last three weeks. He is seriously ill and was taken to the hospital, but his family arranged for him to be moved out of the country for medical treatment,” the officer revealed.
Concerns about leadership have arisen among military personnel during Lagbaja’s absence. “The COAS is a leader, and many of the Major Generals are operating without direction because there is no one to report to at the moment,” noted another officer. “I wish him a very quick recovery; I have known him since our days in Makurdi, Benue State when we were both young officers.”
Additionally, a Major mentioned, “I learned two weeks ago that he wasn’t in the country, and I know he has not returned. It is unusual for him not to be present during significant events like the October 1 Independence Day parade in Abuja. Moreover, the 2024 promotion list for soldiers, which was finalized a few weeks back, is yet to be signed by the COAS, causing frustration among those due for promotion.”
Despite the growing concerns, Army spokesman Major General Onyema Nwachukwu defended Lagbaja’s absence, stating that the army chief is currently on leave and entitled to take time off after his dedicated service. He emphasized, “If the Chief of Army Staff travels out after working for many years, is it wrong for him to take a break? It’s not unusual for someone to go for a medical check-up; we should not equate a medical visit with being sick.”
Nwachukwu highlighted the sacrifices that military personnel make, stating that the nature of their duties often prevents them from taking regular breaks. “There was a time I visited my home, and my children didn’t even recognize me,” he added, underscoring the dedication expected of those in uniform.