By Victor Akaa
Major General Olufemi Oluyede has taken over command as the Acting Chief of Army Staff (Ag COAS), following his appointment by President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The taking-over ceremony took place at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa stated that the appointment aligns with the President’s directive and the Armed Forces Act of 2004, as Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja is currently on medical leave. General Musa emphasized the need for support to ensure the Acting COAS’ success and reminded field commanders of President Tinubu’s mandates.
General Musa noted that Nigeria is currently grappling with numerous security challenges, necessitating a collective effort to address them.
He added that the appointment of the Acting COAS by the President is to ensure continuity and prevent security gaps.
“It is important that we all understand this clearly and give the Acting Chief of Army Staff all the support to make sure he’s successful.
Everybody should put his hands on deck and let us succeed.
“To all our commanders out in the field, the challenges are there, we want to commend them for the efforts they are doing. We want to urge them not to relent. The bandits, the terrorists, the criminals are not relenting. We must not relent,” part of his speech stated.
The CDS acknowledged the enormous security challenges Nigeria faces during the festive period and urged officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to redouble their efforts to combat them.
He noted that the president has mandated the Armed Forces of Nigeria to prioritize teamwork and unity to make Nigeria safe.
“We are moving towards December, towards the festive period. We know the challenges that will come up. So we need to take all measures necessary to ensure that Nigeria remains peaceful.
“We must continue to work as a team. We must make Nigeria safe.” General Musa emphasized.
In his remarks, the Acting COAS, Major General Oluyede expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and prayed for Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s speedy recovery.
He sought support from the armed forces, commanders, and Nigerians in tackling security challenges and pledged loyalty to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Armed Forces.
Until his appointment, Major General Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna.
His distinguished career spans various command appointments and operations, including the ECOMOG Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre, among others.
