President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), effective immediately.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, announced the appointment, highlighting Oluyede’s impressive military background and President Tinubu’s confidence in his ability to lead the Nigerian Army.
Oluyede, 56, takes over the position pending the return of the substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is currently indisposed.
Oluyede’s Military Background
Until his appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987, he rose to the rank of Major-General in September 2020.
Oluyede’s extensive military experience includes:
- Participation in the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia
- Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi
- Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade
Decorated Military Career
Oluyede has received numerous honors for his meritorious service, including:
- Corps Medal of Honour
- Grand Service Star
- Passing the Staff Course
- Membership in the National Institute
- Field Command Medal
- Field Command Medal of Honour
- Field Training Medal
- Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award
As the new acting Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role.
