This scenario has prompted individuals hoping to replace Lagbaja to engage in vigorous lobbying of legislators and powerful retired generals.

As Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the present incumbent, handles an unknown health condition, top military leaders are vying for the role of Chief of Army Staff in Nigeria, sources informed DAILYPULSE

This scenario has prompted individuals hoping to replace Lagbaja to engage in vigorous lobbying of legislators and powerful retired generals.

Lagbaja, who was born in Ilobu, Osun State, on February 28, 1968, was named the 27th Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023.

On June 23, 2023, he became the Chief of Army Staff, succeeding Faruk Yahaya.

The Chief of Army Staff answers to the Chief of Defence Staff, who answers to the Minister of Defence, who answers to Nigeria’s President. Lagbaja’s health problems have raised questions, and as a result, there is a growing competition between senior military leaders to fill the post.

SaharaReporters exclusively revealed on Tuesday that the Army General’s family had transported him overseas to receive medical attention.

DAILYPULSE was informed by sources that his illness was “strange.”

It has been many days since the Chief of Army Staff was last seen. For the past three weeks, he has not been sighted at any military event or at Army headquarters. He was rushed to the hospital and, as I can attest, is rather ill. But one of the sources claimed that his family had made arrangements for him to be sent abroad for medical care.

Since they now have no one to report to, the Major Generals are operating under the direction of the COAS, who is a leader. Anyone can get sick, but someone has to take responsibility for it. Since I’ve known him since our time in Makurdi, Benue State, I hope he recovers quickly. He was a captain at the time, and we were both young officers.

Additionally, a Major had stated, “I noticed he wasn’t at the October 1 Independence Day parade ground in Abuja. As military men, we were taught to be observant.” When I questioned my superiors, one of whom was a general, I was informed that he was not in the nation. You know, it’s odd that he wasn’t present at that particular moment.

The COAS has not yet signed the list of soldiers designated for promotion in 2024, despite it having been finalised a few weeks ago. I was informed that the Chief of Administration is unable to proceed since it would intensify the absence of the COAS. There are already a few of my subordinates who should be getting promotions complaining.

Multiple individuals who contacted with DAILYPULSE on Friday said that Lagbaja’s health has gotten worse, raising serious concerns inside the military. They claim that the Chief of Army Staff’s declining health has left him bedridden and unable.

Even though his health is rapidly declining, he is nevertheless capable. He is confined to his sickbed and, like someone who has hearing loss, is unable to hear what others are saying. We’re hoping for a speedy recovery for him,” one of the insiders stated.

“There is a really dangerous sickness, but at this point the Army officials are unable to reveal it. General Lagbaja was ready to step down due to the health problem much earlier.

SaharaReporters have heard that top military commanders are vigorously advocating to replace Lagbaja as Chief of Army Staff because to his health concerns. To get the job, major generals are clandestinely running for office and pleading with powerful people, such as legislators, traditional leaders, and military godfathers.

Lagbaja’s declining health is making the competition to replace him more intense. His departure is noteworthy because of his history and experience. Lagbaja is a veteran military officer who has served in a number of staff, command, and instructional capacities. He has held the positions of General Officer Commanding at Headquarters 1 Division and Headquarters 82 Division in the past.

Leading the Nigerian Army may provide serious hurdles for the future Chief of Army Staff if Lagbaja is unable to recover from the “strange” illness.

“No President will permit Lagbaja to remain in that role, even after being released from the hospital, given the type of illness he is dealing with. According to one of the sources, “serious lobbying is currently taking place underground for his replacement by some senior Army officers, especially those from course 40/41.”

Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, an Army spokesperson, had earlier informed DAILYPULSE that Lagbaja was allowed to depart as he had worked “so hard for the country” and that he was on leave.

“Are you saying it’s wrong for the Chief of Army Staff to travel out when he is on leave if he travels out after working for many years?” he had remarked. Does it follow that you are unwell if you work for years and take a few weeks off or something? So we should die at work because we wear a uniform?

For example, I have been employed for over seven years without taking a vacation. I was allowed more than a week to go and bury my mother, so I didn’t take a leave of absence until after I done so.

Should we die at work just because we wear a uniform? Our vacation shouldn’t last only one or two weeks. Is visiting a doctor for a checkup even considered abnormal? Is it even necessary for you to be ill before seeing a doctor? Is it not our responsibility to assess ourselves?

“A few things need to be understood; I haven’t taken a leave of absence in the last seven years. It’s a call to duty for the country. People must be aware of the sacrifices that military personnel make.

“My kids didn’t even know me when I moved into my house at one point.”

“If a senior brass in the army or any other military branch has to go for relaxation, a medical examination, or anything else, I don’t think it’s inappropriate for me or anybody else to do so. According to the army spokeswoman, there shouldn’t be any drama about it.