President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), following the temporary indisposition of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja ¹ ². Oluyede will hold the position until Lagbaja’s return from receiving medical treatment abroad.
Oluyede, 56, was the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army in Jaji, Kaduna, before his appointment ¹ ². He and Lagbaja were coursemates and members of the 39th Regular Course at the Nigerian Defence Academy. Oluyede was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987, and rose to Major-General in September 2020.
Throughout his career, Oluyede has held several key command positions, including Platoon Commander at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School ¹. He also participated in international and domestic operations, such as the 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.
Oluyede’s exemplary service has earned him numerous honors, including the Corps Medal of Honour, Grand Service Star, Passing the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute ¹. He has also received the Field Command Medal, Field Command Medal of Honour, Field Training Medal, and the coveted Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.
Oluyede is known for his pragmatic leadership style, focusing on discipline, operational efficiency, and troop welfare ¹. He prioritizes counter-insurgency operations, training and capacity building, and ensuring the welfare of soldiers.
Despite his demanding military career, Oluyede is a family man, married with three children ¹. He maintains a close relationship with his family and balances his personal and professional life.
Oluyede’s appointment marks a significant milestone in the history of the Nigerian Army, as he becomes the first officer to serve in the position of Acting COAS ¹. He will lead the Nigerian Army during this transitional period, ensuring operational continuity and stability.
As the acting Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede is expected to maintain the Army’s momentum in securing Nigeria’s territorial integrity ¹. His leadership style and vision for the Army will be crucial in addressing modern security challenges.
Major General Olufemi Oluyede’s appointment as acting Chief of Army Staff is a testament to his exceptional leadership and service to the Nigerian Army ¹ ². His experience and expertise will be invaluable in navigating the current security landscape…. Give me good headlines for this News
