Major General Olufemi Oluyede officially assumed his responsibilities as the Acting Chief of Army Staff (Ag COAS) at a ceremony held on November 1, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
This appointment follows the directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who appointed Major General Oluyede on October 30, 2024, while the substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, is on medical leave.
The formal handover ceremony took place at the Defence Headquarters and was presided over by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.
In his address, General Musa highlighted the significance of the appointment in line with the Armed Forces Act of 2004 and reiterated the expectations of the Armed Forces to meet the security challenges facing Nigeria.
He reminded all field commanders of President Tinubu’s mandate, emphasizing their critical role in ensuring national security and the safety of all Nigerians.
In his inaugural speech, Major General Oluyede expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for the trust placed in him. He also conveyed his best wishes for a swift recovery to Lieutenant General Lagbaja, underlining the importance of unity within the Armed Forces.
“I am here to solicit the support of all personnel of the Armed Forces and all Nigerians in tackling the security challenges bedeviling our nation,” he stated.
He pledged his unwavering loyalty to both the Commander-in-Chief and the Constitution of Nigeria.
The highlight of the event was the ceremonial handover of the Army Command flag from General Musa to the new Acting Chief of Army Staff, signifying the transfer of command and responsibilities.
Before this appointment, Major General Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army in Jaji, Kaduna. He is a distinguished graduate of the 39th Regular Combatant Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1992. Over the years, he has held various command, staff, and instructional positions, including roles as Platoon Commander, Adjutant, Company Commander, Brigade Commander, and General Officer Commanding.
His military career is marked by participation in several significant operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre. For his meritorious service in diverse fields of operation, Major General Oluyede has received multiple honors and awards.
As he takes the helm, Major General Olufemi Oluyede faces a myriad of security challenges, including the ongoing fight against insurgency and criminal activities in various regions of the country.
His leadership will be critical as the Nigerian Army continues to address these pressing issues under the overarching goal of ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians.