The Nigerian Army has debunked claims of a leadership vacuum due to the absence of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who is currently on annual leave. In a statement released on Saturday by Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, the Army dismissed social media rumors regarding personnel postings, promotions, and confusion within the ranks.
Nwachukwu clarified that the Army operates under a well-structured system with established protocols, ensuring continuity of operations even in the absence of the COAS. He explained that Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, has been appointed to act on behalf of the COAS while he is away, following standard military procedures.
The statement further addressed concerns raised by social media speculations, emphasizing that all routine activities, including personnel postings, promotions, and training, are proceeding as scheduled. Recently, the Nigerian Army conducted the Captain-Major Practical Promotion Examination in Akure, and the results were announced by Maj.-Gen. Kevin Aligbe after authorization from the acting COAS.
Nwachukwu stressed that the rumors of a leadership vacuum were baseless, and the Army continues to function smoothly, with ongoing activities such as the Master Warrant Officer to Army Warrant Officer Promotion Exercise currently taking place in Jos.