President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Major General Waidi Shaibu as the 25th Chief of Army Staff (COAS), signaling a new phase in the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian Army.
The new Army Chief takes over from Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, who has been elevated to the position of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Described as a battle-tested officer and a strategic mind, Major General Shaibu’s appointment is being hailed within defence circles as a well-considered move aimed at consolidating gains in counter-insurgency and improving operational efficiency across all commands.
A statement from the Presidency on Friday said the appointment “reflects President Tinubu’s continued commitment to merit, discipline, and professionalism in the Armed Forces,” adding that the new Army Chief is expected to strengthen joint operations and deepen the Army’s role in internal and external defence.
Born on December 18, 1971, in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Major General Waidi Shaibu was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1989 as a member of the 41 Regular Course. He was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps on September 17, 1994.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the NDA and has obtained multiple advanced degrees including a Master’s in Public Administration (University of Calabar), a Master’s in Strategic Studies (University of Ibadan), and a Master’s in Security and Strategic Studies (National Defence University, Washington D.C., USA).
The new COAS also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Public Administration from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, and has attended leadership programmes at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and the National Productivity Centre.
Over the years, Major General Shaibu has served in several key positions, including General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Commander Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri, Chief of Training (Army), and Director of Coordination at the National Defence College.
He also commanded the 21 Special Armoured Brigade in Bama, served as Chief Instructor at the Nigerian Army Armour School, and was Chief of Staff at 23 Brigade, Yola.
An officer with extensive field experience, General Shaibu has taken part in major operations such as HARMONY, BOYONA, ZAMAN LAFIYA, LAFIYA DOLE, TURA TAKAIBANGO, HADIN KAI, DESERT SANITY, and LAKE SANITY. He has also represented Nigeria in the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and the African Mission in Sudan (AMIS).
For his distinguished service and gallantry, he has received numerous military honours including the Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS), Command Medal, Field Command Medal, Distinguished Service Order (Liberia), and the Purple Heart Medal for bravery in battle.
Defence observers say his appointment is strategic, given his deep operational experience and understanding of Nigeria’s evolving security landscape. “General Shaibu has the tactical discipline and the intellectual capacity to take the Nigerian Army to the next level,” one senior officer told Razornewsng.com.
As he assumes command, the new COAS is expected to focus on strengthening inter-agency collaboration, enhancing troop morale, and expanding the Army’s technological capabilities in modern warfare.
Major General Shaibu is married to Hajia Safiyyah Hassan, and they are blessed with two children.
With his appointment, President Tinubu has again demonstrated his resolve to build a robust, professional, and people-centered Army—one fully prepared to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty, unity, and democratic stability.
Tinubu Names Major General Waidi Shaibu as 25th Chief of Army Staff
