‘LAGBAJA Is Gone’- Simon Ekpa Names The Acting Chief Of Staff; SEE His Name Picture
Simon Ekpa, who identifies himself as a leader of the Biafra movement, has sparked considerable controversy following a recent post on X, formerly known as Twitter. He alleged that Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria, has succumbed to cancer. This statement has raised significant concerns and speculation about the future of military leadership in Nigeria.
In a subsequent tweet, Ekpa further claimed that Major General Ibrahim Bagudu Abdulsalam Gwazawa, currently serving as the Chief of Policy and Plans for the Nigerian Army, has assumed the role of Acting Chief of Army Staff in Lagbaja’ s absence. These assertions have attracted considerable media attention, particularly from outlets like SaharaReporters, which noted that Lagbaja has not been seen at the Nigerian Army Headquarters in Abuja for over three weeks. Observations from military personnel indicate that his official vehicle has been missing from its designated parking area during this period, intensifying worries about his health and its potential repercussions on military operations.
However, sources close to Lagbaja have indicated that he is receiving medical treatment abroad, suggesting that his absence may not be as serious as initially perceived. This information raises questions about the validity of Ekpa’ s claims and the overall situation within the Nigerian military.
In light of these swirling rumors, the Nigerian Army has issued a strong denial regarding any leadership crisis linked to Lagbaja’ s absence. A spokesperson for the army clarified that Lagbaja is currently on official leave and confirmed that measures are in place to ensure operational continuity during this period. Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim has been designated to act in Lagbaja’ s stead.
Moreover, he provided assurances that all routine operations are continuing without disruption. He addressed concerns regarding potential leadership gaps by highlighting past instances where service chiefs were absent for extended periods due to health issues or other unforeseen circumstances. In those cases, their deputies managed operations smoothly and effectively.
In conclusion, while Simon Ekpa’ s alarming claims have generated widespread speculation about the health status of Nigeria’ s top military officer, official sources maintain that Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja is simply on leave for medical reasons. The Nigerian Army emphasizes that all necessary protocols are being followed to ensure stability within its ranks. Military leadership urges the public to disregard unfounded rumors and remain confident in their ongoing operations. As the situation unfolds, it appears that the Nigerian Army is committed to maintaining its operational integrity amid external speculation and concern.
