President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
The appointment, in a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, places Oluyede in the role temporarily, pending the return of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the substantive Chief of Army Staff, who is currently indisposed.
Major General Oluyede, 56, is a seasoned military leader with extensive experience in various command roles within the Nigerian Army.
Prior to his new appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna, where he led one of the army’s most elite units.
His military journey began with the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 39th Regular Course, where he trained alongside Lt. General Lagbaja.
Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, he officially began his career in 1987 and rose to the rank of Major General in September 2020.
Over his decades-long career, Oluyede has held numerous critical roles. His early postings included Platoon Commander and adjutant at the 65 Battalion, Company Commander at the 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer with the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
He also served in various high-stakes operations, including the ECOMOG Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and the ongoing Operation HADIN KAI in Nigeria’s North East region, where he led the 27 Task Force Brigade.
Oluyede’s service has been recognized with multiple honours, reflecting his dedication and leadership across various missions.
“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).
“Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
“Until his appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.
“The 56-year-old Oluyede and Lagbaja were coursemates and members of the 39th Regular Course.
“He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987. He rose to Major-General in September 2020.
“Oluyede has held many commands since his commissioning as an officer. He was Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer Guards Brigade, Commandant Amphibious Training School.
“General Oluyede participated in several operations, 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 theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade.
“Oluyede has earned many honours for his meritorious service in various fields of operations. These include the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, Passing the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute.
“Others are the Field Command Medal, the Field Command Medal of Honour, and the Field Training Medal.
“Oluyede also received the coveted Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.
“He is married and has three children,” the statement reads.
Credit: The Nation
