President Bola Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), following the temporary indisposition of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is currently receiving treatment abroad.
This was disclosed on Wednesday in a statement by Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.
Until his appointment, Oluyede served as Commander of the Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna. With extensive experience, he has held various leadership roles and participated in critical military operations, including ECOMOG in Liberia and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East.
The appointment follows recent unconfirmed reports alleging Lagbaja’s death, which the Nigerian Army and Defence Headquarters have debunked.
Army spokesperson Major General Onyema Nwachukwu clarified that Lagbaja is on official leave, and operational protocols have been established to ensure continuity.
Similarly, Defence spokesperson Brigadier General Tukur Gusau reiterated that no replacement has been made, emphasizing that Lagbaja is in good health and will resume duties post-leave.
