Tinubu appointed Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff on October 30 following the illness of Taoreed Lagbaja who ,however, died on November 5.

Onanuga said President Tinubu is confident about the leadership qualities, professional integrity, and experience of Oluyede to lead and inspire the army to ensure national security and stability.

Before he was appointed Acting Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede, a member of the 39th Regular Course, like his predecessor, served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.

Read Also: Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, is dead!

He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987. He rose to Major-General in September 2020 and since his commissioning as an officer, Oluyede has held many command positions.

He was Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer in the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.

Oluyede participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade.

For his meritorious service in various fields of operations, he has earned many honours, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, Passing the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute.

Others are the Field Command Medal, the Field Command Medal of Honour, and the Field Training Medal.

Oluyede also received the coveted Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.

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On October 20, the army dismissed rumours that Lagbaja had passed on, adding that the army chief was undergoing medical treatment abroad. 

On October 30, Tinubu appointed Olufemi Oluyede as the acting COAS. Oluyede was decorated with a new rank of lieutenant-general on the 5th November, 2024.

In a statement on November 6, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to the president, said Lagbaja “passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness”.

“Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu,” the statement reads.

“His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987.

“On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.

“Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.

“He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.

“An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.

“Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children. President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time.

“The president wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation.”

Source: The Cable

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