President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS). This temporary appointment is due to the absence of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is currently receiving medical treatment abroad.
The announcement was made by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday, October 30. He stated that Major General Oluyede would handle the responsibilities of the COAS until Lt. General Lagbaja returns.
Before this appointment, Major General Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna. The Infantry Corps is one of the main parts of the Nigerian Army, responsible for ground operations. This role has prepared Oluyede well to lead during this period, especially as Nigeria faces security challenges.
President Tinubu’s choice to appoint Oluyede is seen as a practical step to ensure the Army’s leadership remains steady. The Army plays a key role in keeping Nigeria safe and is actively involved in dealing with issues like insurgency, banditry, and other security concerns across the country. With Oluyede’s experience, his leadership is expected to keep things stable and ensure the Army continues its work.