President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS). The announcement, made on Wednesday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, comes as Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja is reportedly receiving medical treatment abroad, rendering him temporarily unavailable to lead the Nigerian Army.
“Major General Oluyede will serve as the acting Chief of Army Staff pending the return of the indisposed Lt. General Lagbaja,” Onanuga confirmed in the statement, underscoring the urgency behind the sudden appointment.
The newly appointed Oluyede has a sterling military career, having previously commanded the elite Infantry Corps based in Jaji, Kaduna. His elevation to this critical position signals confidence in his leadership during a time of uncertainty in Nigeria’s military command structure. The 56-year-old general shares a deep history with Lagbaja, both being coursemates from the 39th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
Oluyede’s military journey began when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, with his service backdated to 1987. Rising to the rank of Major-General in 2020, his career has been marked by a series of prominent command roles, including Platoon Commander, Adjutant at the 65 Battalion, and Company Commander with the 177 Guards Battalion.
In addition to his leadership in the Guards Brigade and Amphibious Training School, Oluyede has proven his mettle in multiple operational theatres. He participated in Operation HARMONY IV in the Bakassi region, led missions in Liberia under the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), and commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade during Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations in the North East under Operation HADIN KAI.
The seasoned general’s service has earned him numerous accolades, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, and recognition from Nigeria’s prestigious National Institute. His extensive experience is expected to guide the military effectively while the substantive Chief of Army Staff remains indisposed.
The timing of this appointment has raised eyebrows, with political analysts speculating on the potential ripple effects it could have within the military. Tinubu’s move to install Oluyede suggests a strategic approach to maintain continuity amid Lagbaja’s health situation, ensuring the army's high command remains stable during a period of national security challenges.
