In a significant development for Nigeria’s military leadership, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff.
This announcement was made on Wednesday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
General Oluyede’s appointment comes as the substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, is currently indisposed.
Prior to this new role, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.
At 56 years old, he is a distinguished officer who has been closely associated with Lt. General Lagbaja, having been coursemates in the 39th Regular Course.
Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, Oluyede has had a notable military career, rising to the rank of Major-General in September 2020.
His extensive experience includes various leadership positions, such as Platoon Commander and Adjutant at the 65 Battalion, Company Commander at the 177 Guards Battalion, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
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General Oluyede has participated in several key military 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, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade.
His service has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, and the coveted Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.
He is also a member of the National Institute and has earned several Field Command Medals.
Oluyede is married and a father of three, marking a personal and professional milestone as he steps into this crucial role in Nigeria’s military leadership.