The sudden disappearance of the current Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, had stayed unnoticed by Nigerians who were busy dealing with the hardship and hunger Nigeria is lashing out on the them.
However, Nigerians started asking questions after an X users claimed that the Chief of Army Staff was dead and the military were trying to keep his death a secret.
“Where is Lagbaja?”, many whisper behind their keypads.
This issue had gained so much attention from Nigerians, so much that the Nigerian Army had to speak up.
The Army debunked the rumours of Lagbaja’s demise.
According to them, the COAS was out of the country on a sick leave.
Well, in response to this, Nigerians had asked for a proof of life, but the military went mute leaving Nigerians no choice but to slowly let go of the issue.
However, that did not mean that they had forgotten.
In a shocking twist of events, President Bola Tinubu announced Major General Olufemi Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Nigerian Army.
“This story no clear ooo”, many Nigerian exclaimed in reaction.
A statement was released on Wednesday by President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
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To him, General Oluyede, a seasoned military officer, previously served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna.
This announcement has sparked numerous reactions.
While many Nigerians take the front seat as judges, others are more interested in knowing more about the acting Chief of Army Staff.
Do you belong to second category seeking answers?
Then search no more.
In this article, we will highlights 10 key things to know about the acting COAS.
1. Previous Role
He previously served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps, based in Jaji, Kaduna.
2. Age
At 56, he is among the youngest to hold the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) position in the country’s history.
3. Military Career
Oluyede was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992 and attained the rank of Major General in September 2020.
4. Connection with Lagbaja
Apart from being a colleague of Lt. General Lagbaja, the temporarily indisposed COAS, Oluyede was also his coursemate in the 39th Regular Course.
5. Leadership Roles
His extensive career includes several leadership positions, such as Platoon Commander and Adjutant at the 65 Battalion, Company Commander at the 177 Guards Battalion, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
6. Operational Experience
The new acting COAS has participated in several critical military operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and, more recently, Operation HADIN KAI in the North East, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade.
7. Awards and Honours
Oluyede has received various awards throughout his career, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.
8. Family
He is happily married and has three children.
9. Appointment As Chief of Army Staff
President Bola Tinubu appointed him acting COAS on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
10. Temporary Appointment
The appointment of Major General Oluyede is expected to ensure continuity in leadership within the Nigerian Army. He will serve as acting COAS pending the return of the substantive COAS, Lt. General Lagbaja.