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Major General Olufemi Oluyede officially took over as the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) today, November 1, 2024, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
His appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 30, 2024, comes as Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the substantive COAS, is on medical leave.
During the handover ceremony at Defence Headquarters, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa emphasized the need for unwavering support for Major General Oluyede in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
General Musa reiterated that the Armed Forces cannot allow insecurity to persist, urging field commanders to maintain their focus on national security and adhere to President Tinubu’s mandate for the armed forces.
In his remarks, Major General Oluyede expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his appointment, pledging his loyalty to both the Commander-in-Chief and the Nigerian Constitution.
He also called on all Armed Forces personnel and Nigerians to support efforts in overcoming the country’s security issues.
The ceremony included a formal handover of the Army Command flag from General Musa to Major General Oluyede.
Until this appointment, Major General Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna. His career, spanning over three decades, includes key roles such as Platoon Commander, Brigade Commander, and General Officer Commanding.
He has served in multiple operations, including ECOMOG, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East.
With numerous honours and awards for his service, Major General Oluyede brings a wealth of experience to his new role as Acting Chief of Army Staff.