President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff.
This announcement follows ongoing speculation about the health of the current Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who is reportedly receiving treatment for cancer at an undisclosed hospital in London.
Earlier, the Defence Headquarters had dismissed such rumours in an official statement dated October 21, 2024, signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information. General Gusau clarified that General Lagbaja remains in charge and is currently on his 2024 annual leave, cautioning the public against spreading misinformation. “The COAS is hale and hearty and will resume normal duties at the conclusion of his leave,” Gusau emphasized.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed General Oluyede’s appointment, noting that he will serve in an acting capacity until the return of the substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
Prior to his appointment, the 56-year-old Major General Oluyede was the Commander of the Elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.
