By HeapNews
Major General Olufemi Oluyede was inaugurated as the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS),in a formal ceremony held at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja today.
His appointment, announced by President and Commander-in-Chief, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on October 30, 2024, is effective during the medical leave of the substantive COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, handed over the command flag, symbolizing the official transfer of duties. General Musa emphasized the necessity for steadfast leadership, stating, “Insecurity remains a critical challenge, and the Armed Forces cannot afford to let it prevail. I urge every field commander to support the acting COAS and remember the President’s mandate to ensure the security and safety of all Nigerians.”
In his first address, Major General Oluyede expressed deep gratitude for the confidence placed in him by President Tinubu. “I am honored by this appointment and thank the President for entrusting me with this responsibility,” Oluyede said. “I also extend my prayers for Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s swift recovery and pledge my unwavering loyalty to the Commander-in-Chief and the Nigerian Constitution.”
Recognizing the formidable security challenges facing the nation, Major General Oluyede called for collective effort and support from all personnel and citizens, promising decisive action to ensure peace and stability. “The path to security requires unity,” he remarked, “and I appeal to all Nigerians to work with the Armed Forces to confront these challenges together.”
Until this recent appointment, Major General Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army in Jaji, Kaduna, with a career spanning several high-profile positions, including Brigade and Task Force Command roles in various operations, such as Operation HADIN KAI in the North East.