Nigeria's President, Bola Tinubu, Mourns Chief of Army Staff

 Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has passed away at the age of 56. Presidential Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that Lagbaja died on November 5 in Lagos .

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Lagbaja's demise has sent shockwaves throughout the country, with many paying tribute to his distinguished military career. Before his appointment as Chief of Army Staff, Lagbaja held various command roles and played crucial roles in significant internal security efforts .

Following Lagbaja's passing, President Bola Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff . Oluyede's appointment marks a significant milestone in the history of the Nigerian Army, as he becomes the first officer to serve in the position of Acting COAS .

Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede was born into a military-inclined family and began his formal military education at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) . He was a member of the 39th Regular Course, alongside his counterpart, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja . Oluyede graduated from the NDA and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992 .

Throughout his military career, Oluyede has held numerous key command positions, including Commander of the Infantry Corps, Platoon Commander at 65 Battalion, and Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion . He has also participated in several international and domestic operations, such as the ECOMOG Mission in Liberia and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East ..

Oluyede is known for his pragmatic leadership style, focusing on discipline, operational efficiency, and troop welfare . He is deeply committed to improving the Nigerian Army's ability to respond to modern security challenges, particularly in the areas of counter-insurgency and military readiness .

As Acting Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede's key focus areas include:

- Counter-Insurgency Operations: Building on his experience in Operation HADIN KAI, Oluyede is committed to strengthening the Army's capacity to defeat insurgent groups .

- Training and Capacity Building: Oluyede places a high priority on continuous training for Army personnel to ensure they are prepared for both conventional and unconventional warfare .

- Welfare of Troops: He has consistently advocated for improving the welfare of soldiers, ensuring they have the resources, support, and infrastructure necessary to carry out their duties effectively .

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As Nigeria navigates this transition, Oluyede's leadership and experience will be crucial in maintaining the Army's momentum in securing the country's territorial integrity.