Abuja, Nigeria – October 25, 2024
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as Acting Chief of Army Staff, following the temporary absence of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is currently receiving medical treatment abroad.
The announcement was made on Wednesday through a statement by Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS),” the statement said.
Oluyede, 56, has a long-standing military career, having served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army based in Jaji, Kaduna. He and Lagbaja are known to be coursemates from the 39th Regular Course and share a professional background dating back to their commissioning as officers in 1992.
His career spans various commands and significant missions, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade. Oluyede’s record has earned him numerous accolades, such as the Corps Medal of Honour and Grand Service Star.
Oluyede’s appointment is expected to maintain continuity in the Nigerian Army’s leadership as the country awaits the return of General Lagbaja.