- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Oluyede as Acting Chief of Army Staff
- Oluyede steps in while the substantive COAS, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, receives medical treatment abroad
- Oluyede, a seasoned officer with extensive command experience, has held key positions in the Nigerian Army and participated in significant operations
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
This decision was announced in a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday, October 30.
According to the statement, Major General Oluyede will serve in this capacity while awaiting the return of the substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is currently receiving medical treatment abroad.
“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. Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja,” the statement read.
Before this appointment, Oluyede held the position of the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.
At 56 years old, he has a long-standing professional relationship with Lt. General Lagbaja, as both officers are alumni of the 39th Regular Course, having been commissioned in 1987. Oluyede was promoted to Major General in September 2020.
Oluyede’s military career spans various command roles, beginning as a Platoon Commander and Adjutant at the 65 Battalion. He later advanced to Company Commander at the 177 Guards Battalion and served as a Staff Officer at the Guards Brigade and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
He has participated in significant operations, including the ECOMOG Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the Northeast, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade.
Oluyede has received numerous accolades throughout his distinguished career, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, recognition for excelling in the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute, highlighting his dedication and contributions to the Nigerian Army.
Army debunks COAS death rumours, retires 15 Generals
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Nigerian Army has officially refuted rumors regarding the death of Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, which circulated widely on social media over the weekend.
The rumors originated from a post that claimed Lagbaja had succumbed to stage three cancer in an undisclosed hospital overseas.
