President Bola Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), pending the return of the current COAS, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is receiving medical treatment abroad. The appointment was announced on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, in a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
“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),” Onanuga confirmed, adding that Oluyede will assume this role until Lagbaja’s recovery and return to duty.
Prior to this new assignment, Major General Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, stationed in Jaji, Kaduna. Aged 56, Oluyede shares a long-standing military background with Lagbaja as coursemates from the 39th Regular Course and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, with an effective date from 1987. He achieved the rank of Major General in September 2020.
Oluyede’s military career spans numerous command roles, including Platoon Commander and Adjutant at the 65 Battalion, Company Commander at the 177 Guards Battalion, and Staff Officer for the Guards Brigade. He has also served as the Commandant of the Amphibious Training School and played critical roles in 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 led the 27 Task Force Brigade.
Recognized for his distinguished service, General Oluyede has earned several honors, including the Corps Medal of Honour, Grand Service Star, successful completion of the Staff Course, and membership in the National Institute. His extensive experience and accolades underscore his qualifications for the position of acting Chief of Army Staff during this interim period.
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