Senior Army generals are reportedly lobbying for the position of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) as Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja takes leave for medical treatment abroad due to an undisclosed health condition. Sources indicate Lagbaja’s health has worsened, raising concerns about his capacity to continue in the role.
According to an online report, Lagbaja is bedridden and unable to communicate, fueling uncertainty within the military. However, Army spokesperson Major General Onyema Nwachukwu has clarified that Lagbaja is on leave, with Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim acting in his stead, assuring that there is no leadership vacuum and all operations are proceeding smoothly.
Despite this, speculation has grown within military ranks, particularly among officers from the Regular 40 and 41 intakes, who are reportedly seeking the COAS position through influential lobbying with traditional leaders, lawmakers, and former heads of state.
Lagbaja’s absence from key events, such as the October 1 independence celebrations and the recent burial of Major General Seidu Inaboya Musa, has intensified discussions about leadership within the Army. Lagbaja, appointed in June 2023 by President Bola Tinubu, is a seasoned military officer with extensive operational experience.
