By Odita Sunday
The Nigerian Army has released the official portrait of the 25th Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, with a call to media organisations to update their archives and ensure that only the new image is used in subsequent publications.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army advised journalists and editors to discontinue the use of previous photographs showing the Chief of Army Staff with the rank of Major General.
Lt. Col. Anele commended members of the press for their professionalism and continued support in promoting national security through factual and responsible reporting of military operations and activities.
She said, “The Nigerian Army deeply appreciates your professionalism, commitment, and invaluable contributions to national security through accurate and balanced reporting. We look forward to continued partnership and collaboration in the service of our nation.”
The statement reiterated the Army’s readiness to maintain an open line of communication with the media, describing journalists as key stakeholders in sustaining transparency and public trust in the military.
Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu was appointed as the 25th Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, bringing to the role decades of operational, administrative, and strategic military experience.