President Bola Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Nigerian Army due to the temporary absence of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, emphasized Oluyede’s extensive background in his announcement. ...CONTINUE READING>>>
At 56, he has a notable military career, having previously been the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna. He began his military service as a second lieutenant in 1992 and attained the rank of Major General in September 2020.Oluyede and Lagbaja have a solid professional connection, both being graduates of the 39th Regular Course.
Throughout his career, Oluyede has taken on numerous leadership positions, including roles as a Platoon Commander and Adjutant at the 65 Battalion, Company Commander at the 177 Guards Battalion, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.The new acting COAS has been involved in significant military operations, participating in the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) mission in Liberia.
He also led Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi and commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade during Operation HADIN KAI in the Northeast.Oluyede has received various honors, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award, reflecting his dedication to national security and military excellence.
In his personal life, Major General Oluyede is married and has three children. His appointment is intended to ensure stable leadership within the Nigerian Army, with Tinubu expressing confidence that Oluyede’s experience and proven abilities will help maintain the Army’s preparedness during this transition.
