In a strategic military decision, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
This temporary appointment follows the leave of the current Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is away due to health-related concerns.
The Nigerian Army had previously assured the public that Lt. General Lagbaja was “hale and hearty” and currently on a well-deserved vacation.
A statement released on Wednesday night by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, confirmed Oluyede’s new role.
Onanuga noted, “Until this appointment, Major General Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps, Jaji, Kaduna.”
Major General Oluyede, age 56, shares a longstanding connection with Lt. General Lagbaja as both are members of the 39th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, Oluyede’s military journey spans a range of command positions, from Platoon Commander to Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
Throughout his career, Oluyede has led significant military operations, such as the ECOMOG mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and most recently, Operation HADIN KAI in the Northeast, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade.
His distinguished service has earned him numerous military honours, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.
