BREAKING: President Tinubu Appoints Major General Olufemi Oluyede AS Acting Chief Of Army Staff

Abuja, Nigeria- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

This was made known on Wednesday through a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President.

Major General Oluyede’s appointment comes as the current Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, is reported to be indisposed.

The decision is intended to ensure continuity in the leadership of the Nigerian Army during this period.

Oluyede, a seasoned military officer, is expected to uphold the army’s operational readiness and contribute to national security efforts while serving in this interim role.

The statement read, “Until his appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.

Onanuga noted that the 56-year-old Oluyede and Lagbaja were coursemates and members of the 39th Regular Course.

“He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987. He rose to Major-General in September 2020.

“Oluyede has held many commands since his commissioning as an officer. He was Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer Guards Brigade, Commandant Amphibious Training School,” he stated.

According to the statement, “General Oluyede participated in several operations, 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 theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade.

“Oluyede has earned many honours for his meritorious service in various fields of operations. These include the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, Passing the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute.

It said, “Others are the Field Command Medal, the Field Command Medal of Honour, and the Field Training Medal.

“Oluyede also received the coveted Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.

“He is married and has three children,” Onanuga added.