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).
This temporary appointment follows the indisposition of the current Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is expected to resume his duties upon recovery.
Major General Oluyede, a seasoned officer with a distinguished career, has been serving as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, headquartered in Jaji, Kaduna. Aged 56, Oluyede and General Lagbaja share a long-standing history, both having graduated from the 39th Regular Course and having been commissioned as second lieutenants in 1992, retroactive from 1987. Oluyede attained the rank of Major General in September 2020.
Throughout his career, Oluyede has held various leadership positions, including Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, and Staff Officer for the Guards Brigade. He also served as Commandant at the Amphibious Training School. Oluyede’s operational experience spans numerous military engagements, 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.
For his service, Major General Oluyede has been awarded multiple honors, including the Corps Medal of Honour, Grand Service Star, and the prestigious Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award. He has also received the Field Command Medal, the Field Command Medal of Honour, and the Field Training Medal, among others, underscoring his commitment to duty.
Oluyede is married and has three children. His appointment as acting Chief of Army Staff is anticipated to bring stability and continuity to the Nigerian Army during this interim period.
