President Bola Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff, while the current army chief, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, is indisposed.
News About Nigeria reports that the announcement was made by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja has reportedly been receiving treatment abroad for the past few weeks.
The Nigerian Army has stated that his absence is due to leave and that there is no leadership vacuum in the army during this period.
However, Onanuga’s statement indicates that Lagbaja’s absence may extend for some time.
Major General Oluyede, who previously served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps based in Jaji, Kaduna, will now oversee army operations until Lagbaja’s return.
The statement read, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
“Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.”
He and Lagbaja are both members of the 39th Regular Course and were commissioned as second lieutenants in 1992.
Oluyede has an extensive military background, having held several command positions, including as the commander of the 27 Task Force Brigade during Operation HADIN KAI in the North East.
He has participated in various missions, including the ECOMOG Mission in Liberia and Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi.
His commendations include the Corps Medal of Honour and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.
He is married and has three children. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
