President Bola Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), effective immediately. This appointment follows the medical leave of the current Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is reportedly receiving treatment abroad.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga. He confirmed that Oluyede would serve in the role pending Lagbaja’s return.
“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 read.
Background and Experience
Major General Oluyede, 56, previously held the position of Commander of the Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna, where he led critical operations and training exercises. He and Lt. General Lagbaja are alumni of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 39th Regular Course, with Oluyede having risen to the rank of Major-General in September 2020.
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Since his commission as a second lieutenant in 1992, backdated to 1987, Oluyede has served in numerous capacities across the Nigerian Army, including:
- Platoon Commander and Adjutant at 65 Battalion
- Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion
- Commandant of the Amphibious Training School
Operational Experience
Oluyede has extensive field experience, including his participation in the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in northeastern Nigeria, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade.
Awards and Recognition
Major General Oluyede’s service has earned him numerous accolades, such as:
- Corps Medal of Honour
- Grand Service Star
- Membership in the National Institute
More details on Oluyede’s appointment and his plans for the Nigerian Army are expected soon.
