“Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Assumes Role of Acting Chief of Army Staff as Lieutenant General Lagbaja Takes Temporary Leave, Ensuring Continuity of Leadership in the Nigerian Army”

The Nigerian Army has officially appointed Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) during the temporary absence of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who is reportedly on leave amid undisclosed health concerns. This decision is part of a protocol followed to ensure continuity in leadership and operations within the Nigerian Army.

Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army spokesperson, addressed speculations regarding a possible leadership vacuum, firmly stating that the Nigerian Army has a well-structured command system designed to maintain stability and ensure that all military functions proceed without interruption. He emphasized that the appointment of Major General Bagudu, who also serves as the Army’s Chief of Policy and Plans, was made to ensure there is no lapse in leadership or in the execution of strategic military operations while Lieutenant General Lagbaja is on leave.

Before his departure, Lieutenant General Lagbaja took the necessary steps to hand over his duties to Major General Bagudu, ensuring that the Army’s strategic objectives remain on track. Brigadier General Nwachukwu further reassured the public and military personnel that all operations would continue as usual, affirming that the Nigerian Army is equipped with established procedures to handle such transitions smoothly and uphold the continuity of command.