Updated: Tinubu appoints acting chief of Army staff

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has named Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

The announcement was made on Wednesday by the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.

According to Onanuga, Oluyede will serve in this capacity pending the recovery and 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 (COAS),” the statement read. “Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.”

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Before this appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps, an elite arm of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna State. A seasoned military leader, the 56-year-old officer is a coursemate of Lt. General Lagbaja, both being members of the Nigerian Army’s 39th Regular Course. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987, and attained the rank of Major-General in September 2020.

Over the years, Oluyede has held various leadership positions, showcasing his extensive experience. His roles include serving as Platoon Commander and Adjutant at the 65 Battalion, Company Commander at the 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer at the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.

Oluyede has actively participated in several key operations, such as 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 and contributions, General Oluyede has earned several awards, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, and recognitions for completing the Staff Course and being a Member of the National Institute.

This appointment reflects the administration’s confidence in Oluyede’s capacity to steer the Nigerian Army during this interim period, as Lt. General Lagbaja focuses on his recovery..