In a recent development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS). This appointment is effective immediately, with Oluyede stepping in temporarily for the current Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is presently indisposed.
Before his new role, Major General Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps, one of the Nigerian Army’s elite units headquartered in Jaji, Kaduna. A seasoned officer, Oluyede brings over three decades of military experience to his new position. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, marking the start of a distinguished career that saw him attain the rank of Major-General in September 2020.
Major General Oluyede and Lt. General Lagbaja share a unique bond, having both graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 39th Regular Course, underscoring their long-standing professional camaraderie.
Throughout his career, Major General Oluyede has held various command and staff positions. His assignments include Platoon Commander and Adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at the 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer at the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School. He has also participated in high-profile military 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 northeastern region of Nigeria, where he led the 27 Task Force Brigade.
In recognition of his exemplary service, Major General Oluyede has been awarded several honors, including the Corps Medal of Honour, Grand Service Star, Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award, Field Command Medal, and Field Training Medal. He is also a graduate of the National Institute, further cementing his status as a well-respected leader within the armed forces.
Major General Oluyede is 56 years old, married, and a father of three children. His appointment is widely seen as a testament to his professionalism and dedication, and he is expected to steer the Nigerian Army with expertise during this transitional period.
