Following the recent passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, a significant restructuring of senior roles within the Nigerian Army is anticipated. Sources indicate that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to appoint Lieutenant General Oluyede as the new Chief of Army Staff, pending Senate confirmation.
A senior military official, who requested anonymity due to the current mourning period and restrictions on public discussion, disclosed that several senior officers from Oluyede’s training cohort are likely to be reassigned to key roles at Defence Headquarters following the appointment.
Addressing inquiries on possible retirements, the official clarified that no generals from the 39 Regular Course would be compelled to retire, though some may be reassigned to military institutions. Many senior officers from the 38 Regular Course, including those who served alongside Lagbaja, have already retired, but members of the 39 RC are expected to continue in redeployed positions within the Army.
In the wake of Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja’s death, President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, as well as several state governors and prominent leaders, extended their condolences.
