President Bola Tinubu has elevated the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Olufemi Oluyede, to the rank of Lieutenant General. This promotion marks a significant milestone in Oluyede’s career and solidifies his position as the head of the Nigerian Army, pending Senate confirmation.

The decoration ceremony, which took place in the President’s office at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, was confirmed by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga. Sources within the Villa also confirmed the event, noting the importance of this step in establishing leadership continuity within the Army.

Oluyede’s promotion and appointment as the substantive Chief of Army Staff would place him in a key role in Nigeria’s military hierarchy. His confirmation by the Senate would mean he permanently succeeds the previous army chief, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who held the position until his recent departure.

The promotion comes amid Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to consolidate his administration’s security team and strengthen leadership within the armed forces. The President has consistently emphasized the need for a proactive and effective military response to Nigeria’s security challenges, making Oluyede’s potential permanent role as COAS a significant aspect of the administration’s security strategy.

If confirmed by the Senate, Oluyede will not only lead the army but will also be expected to collaborate closely with other security agencies to address ongoing security issues across the country, including insurgency, banditry, and other internal security challenges.