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Oluyede Assumes Office As COAS, Promises Inclusive Leadership

Oluyede believes this would foster collaboration and help in the fight against insecurity. 


Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede is Nigeria’s 24th COAS. Photo: X@HQNigerianArmy

 

Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has assumed office as the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), weeks after both chambers of the National Assembly confirmed his appointment. 

He assumed office as the 24th COAS on Monday and promised inclusive leadership for the Nigerian Army. Oluyede believes this would foster collaboration and help in the fight against insecurity.

The COAS while addressing Principal Staff Officers at Army Headquarters, following the Regimental Quarter Guard ceremony marking his formal assumption of command re-echoed the need for unity and innovation.

“He commended the officers and soldiers of the NA for their unwavering support and dedication during the solemn period leading to the burial of the late COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, whom he hailed for his exceptional service to the nation,” the Director of Army Public Relations Major General Onyema Nwachukwu said in a statement.

Lieutenant General Oluyede highlighted the importance of creative and forward-thinking approaches to addressing emerging security threats.

The Army chief tasked commanders to devise innovative strategies tailored to the dynamic security landscape, particularly in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North-East and other volatile regions.

READ ALSO: Senate Confirms Appointment Of Oluyede As COAS

He assured officers of support towards ending insurgency in the country.  Oluyede acknowledged the fluid and evolving nature of the nation’s security challenges and stressed the Nigerian Army’s resolve to remain proactive and ahead of potential threats.

The COAS called on commanders at all levels to prioritize creativity and adaptability in their operational strategies

“Earlier, the Chief of Administration Army Major General Ohwonigho Akpor, described the ceremony as a solemn regimental tradition. He explained that, in accordance with protocol, the old Nigerian Army flag was retired to the Army Museum for safekeeping, rather than being handed over to the outgoing COAS. This act serves as a tribute and a lasting symbol of his leadership of the Nigerian Army,” the statement added.

President Bola Tinubu appointed Oluyede to act as the Chief of Army Staff following the illness and subsequent death of Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.