President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has named Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
According to Onanuga, Oluyede will serve in this capacity pending the recovery and return of the substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is currently receiving medical treatment abroad.
“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),” the statement read. “Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.”
Before this appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps, an elite arm of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna State. A seasoned military leader, the 56-year-old officer is a coursemate of Lt. General Lagbaja, both being members of the Nigerian Army’s 39th Regular Course. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987, and attained the rank of Major-General in September 2020.
Over the years, Oluyede has held various leadership positions, showcasing his extensive experience. His roles include serving as Platoon Commander and Adjutant at the 65 Battalion, Company Commander at the 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer at the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School
Full Statement
President Tinubu appoints Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as acting Chief of Army Staff
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.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser Information and Strategy
To President Bola Ahmed Tinubu