President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), filling the position temporarily due to the indisposition of the substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
*Early Life and Military Background
Major General Oluyede was born in 1968. He began his military career after graduating from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as part of the 39th Regular Course.
Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, Oluyede progressed steadily through the ranks, achieving the position of Major General in September 2020.
*Distinguished Military Career
Throughout his illustrious career, Oluyede has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic expertise.
His notable command positions include:
Commander, Infantry Corps (Jaji, Kaduna)
Platoon Commander and Adjutant at 65 Battalion
Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion
Commandant, Amphibious Training School
Commander, 27 Task Force Brigade
Oluyede’s operational experience encompasses:
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
*Honors and Awards
In recognition of his exemplary service, Oluyede has received numerous prestigious military honors:
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
*Personal Life
Oluyede is married with three children.
This appointment reflects the continuation of Nigeria’s military operations under experienced leadership.