JUST- IN: Tension In Military Barracks As Top Army Generals Fight For Army Chief Lagbaja’s Position; SEE Details
Top military officers in Nigeria are currently vying for the position of Chief of Army Staff, following reports of Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja’ s serious health condition. According to sources, Lagbaja has been grappling with a deteriorating illness, which has sparked a fierce competition among senior military officials who are eager to take over the role.
Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, was appointed as the 27th Chief of Army Staff in June 2023 by President Bola Tinubu. He took over from Faruk Yahaya on June 23, 2023, and has since played a crucial role in leading the Nigerian Army. However, reports suggest that his health has worsened recently, forcing him to seek medical treatment abroad.
SaharaReporters revealed that Lagbaja’ s illness is of a ” strange” nature, and he has not been seen at any military functions or the Army headquarters for several weeks. Sources within the military confirmed that the Chief of Army Staff was flown out of the country for medical treatment after his family made arrangements for him to receive care. One of the sources noted, ” He is seriously sick and is currently bedridden. ”
The news of Lagbaja’ s illness has led to a power vacuum within the Army, with several Major Generals now lobbying politicians, retired military officers, and other influential figures to secure the position of Chief of Army Staff. ” Most Major Generals are doing as they wish now because there is no one to report to, ” one source stated, expressing concern over the lack of leadership during this critical time.
Lagbaja’ s absence was particularly noticeable during the October 1 Independence Day parade in Abuja. A Major in the military noted that it was unusual for the Chief of Army Staff to miss such an important event. ” As military men, we were taught to be observant, so I noticed he was not at the parade ground, ” he said.
In addition to his absence, reports suggest that the 2024 promotion list for soldiers, which was completed weeks ago, has yet to be signed due to Lagbaja’ s health issues. Some soldiers due for promotion have started to express frustration over the delay, with many wondering when the Chief of Army Staff will return to his duties, if at all.
As Lagbaja’ s health continues to worsen, it is becoming increasingly clear that a change in leadership may be imminent. Military insiders believe that, given the severity of his condition, no president would allow him to continue in his position even if he recovers. This has triggered a wave of intense lobbying behind the scenes, with senior military officers from the 40th and 41st courses reportedly seeking support to become the next Chief of Army Staff.
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Despite the swirling rumors, the Army’ s official position remains that Lagbaja is simply on leave. Army spokesman Major General Onyema Nwachukwu defended the Chief of Army Staff, saying, ” After working so hard for the country, is it wrong for him to take some time off for rest or a medical check- up? ” He emphasized the sacrifices made by military personnel, pointing out that many, including himself, have gone years without a break.
While the Army’ s leadership maintains that Lagbaja is on leave, the uncertainty surrounding his health and absence has left many within the military concerned about the future. With top officers jockeying for his position, the Nigerian Army is at a critical juncture, and whoever succeeds Lagbaja will face significant challenges in maintaining order and addressing the nation’ s security concerns.
Lagbaja, a seasoned military officer with years of experience, has held various key roles throughout his career, including serving as the General Officer Commanding at Headquarters 82 Division and Headquarters 1 Division. His departure, if confirmed, would mark the end of an era for the Nigerian Army, and the competition to replace him is expected to intensify in the coming weeks.
