President Bola Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff, effective immediately.
Oluyede takes over for Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, who is currently indisposed. The appointment was announced by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Major General Oluyede brings extensive experience to the role, having served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army in Jaji, Kaduna. He and Lagbaja are coursemates, graduating from the 39th Regular Course.
Oluyede’s distinguished military career spans over three decades. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, he rose to Major-General in September 2020. His notable commands include platoon commander, company commander, staff officer, and commandant.
The acting Chief of Army Staff has participated in several key operations, including international peacekeeping missions and domestic counter-insurgency efforts. His service has earned him numerous honors and awards.
Oluyede is married with three children. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to maintain stability and continuity in the Nigerian Army’s leadership.
The development is expected to have significant implications for the country’s security landscape. As acting Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede will play a crucial role in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
“Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja,” Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, revealed in a statement Wednesday evening.
