President Bola Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) following the temporary absence of Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is reportedly receiving medical treatment abroad.
The appointment was announced Wednesday by Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
The development comes after weeks of speculation about Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s whereabouts, with the army initially maintaining he was on leave.
Major General Oluyede, who previously served as the 56th Commander of the Nigerian Army’s prestigious Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna, brings extensive military experience to his new role. His career, spanning over three decades, began with his commission as a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987, culminating in his promotion to Major General in September 2020.
Throughout his career, Oluyede has held numerous command positions, demonstrating leadership across various military operations.
His service record includes roles as Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer Guards Brigade, and Commandant Amphibious Training School.
The acting COAS has participated in several international and domestic 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 theatre of operations, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade.
His service has earned him multiple honors and decorations, including:
Corps Medal of Honour, Grand Service Star, Passing Staff Course certification, Membership in the National Institute, Field Command Medal, Field Command Medal of Honour, Field Training Medal, Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.
While the army had previously downplayed Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s absence, claiming it created no vacuum in army supervision, the appointment of an acting COAS suggests his medical leave may extend longer than initially anticipated. The presidency’s formal announcement through Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga provides official clarity on the military leadership transition.
Major General Oluyede, who is married with three children, will oversee the Nigerian Army’s operations until Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s return to duty.
