Army Chief, Lagbaja’s Absence Raises Concerns, Last Seen In September

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has not been publicly seen since September 13, raising concerns about his health and well-being among citizens.

Appointed by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023, Lagbaja’s prolonged absence from public duties has led to widespread speculation regarding his condition.

According to reports from Sahara Reporters on October 15, Lagbaja was flown abroad for medical treatment, although the Nigerian Army has not disclosed the specifics of his health challenges.

Onyema Nwachukwu, the army’s director of public relations, acknowledged on Saturday that previous army chiefs have faced similar unforeseen challenges that necessitated extended absences.

In his absence, Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), has been designated to act on behalf of the COAS.

According to FIJ, before he disappeared from public view, Lagbaja attended an event organized by the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, where he participated in the graduation ceremony of participants in the Leadership and Strategic Studies Course.

However, since then, subordinates have represented him at formal military events, raising questions about the extent of his condition.

The last official appearance recorded by the army’s social media was on September 10, when Lagbaja commissioned Civil-Military Cooperation Intervention (CIMIC) projects in Okuku, Osun State.

The platform noted that his absence was notably felt during the October 1 Independence Day celebrations, where he did not appear.

On Saturday, the army conducted a retirement ceremony for 15 generals at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery in Kachia, Kaduna State, further fueling speculation regarding Lagbaja’s absence from significant military events.

Additionally, he missed a media chat with top media executives on September 16 in Benue State, which was attended by Major-General Hilary Nzan on his behalf.