The Acting Chief of Army Staff (Ag COAS) Major General Olufemi Oluyede officially assumed duties as on Friday, following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This transition occurs while substantive Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja is on medical leave.
During the handover ceremony at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Chief of Defence Staff, (CDS), General Christopher Musa emphasised the critical nature of Oluyede’s new role. “The Armed Forces cannot afford to let insecurity prevail,” he stated, urging support for the acting COAS as he tackles ongoing security challenges.
In his inaugural address, Oluyede expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity and conveyed his wishes for the quick recovery of General Lagbaja.
He called upon all personnel in the Armed Forces and the Nigerian populace to unite in addressing the nation’s security issues. “Together, we can tackle the security challenges facing our country,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to the Commander-in-Chief and the Constitution.
Prior to this appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps at Jaji, Kaduna.
He has an extensive military background, having risen through various ranks since his commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in 1992.
His experience includes significant operations such as ECOMOG and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East.
The ceremony concluded with the formal handover of the Army Command flag, marking a new chapter for Nigeria’s military leadership.
