Major Gen. Olufemi Oluyede: What You Need To Know About Acting Chief Of Army Staff

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), following the temporary unavailability of the current COAS, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

Major General Oluyede’s appointment underscores his extensive military experience and dedication, strengthening Nigeria’s military leadership as the country addresses ongoing security challenges.

Here are ten things to know about him.

1. Educational Background:  Oluyede has undergone extensive military training, both domestically and internationally, which has prepared him for leadership roles in complex operational environments.

2. Personal life: Oluyede is a family man, married with three children, balancing his responsibilities in the military with his family life. At 56, he is among the youngest to hold the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) position in the country’s history.

3. Course Mates with General Lagbaja: Oluyede and General Lagbaja share a history as classmates from the Nigerian Army’s 39th Regular Course, which helped solidify their professional relationship.

4. Commander of the Infantry Corps: Before his recent appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, headquartered in Jaji, Kaduna State.

5. Military Training: He was a member of the Nigerian Army’s 39th Regular Course, a class he attended alongside General Lagbaja.

6. Commissioned Career: Oluyede’s official commission as a second lieutenant dates back to 1992, retroactively effective from 1987. He reached the rank of Major General in 2020.

7. Key positions held: Throughout his career, Oluyede has taken on various leadership roles, including Platoon Commander and Adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at the 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer at the Guards Brigade, and Commandant at the Amphibious Training School.

8. Operational Experience: He has been active in critical military operations, including the ECOMOG Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in northeastern Nigeria, where he led the 27 Task Force Brigade.

9. Honors and Recognition: Known for his dedication and service, Oluyede has received numerous accolades throughout his career.

10. Appointment as Acting COAS: Oluyede was appointed as the acting COAS following the temporary unavailability of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the current Chief of Army Staff.