Tinubu Appoints Major General Waidi Shaibu as 25th Chief of Army Staff
Battle-tested commander takes helm amid ongoing security reforms
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the appointment of Major General Waidi Shaibu as the 25th Chief of Army Staff (COAS), ushering in a new era in the leadership of the Nigerian Army.
General Shaibu succeeds Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, who has been elevated to the position of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The appointment of Major General Shaibu, a seasoned commander and strategic thinker, is widely viewed as a defining step in the Army’s transformation journey—anchored on professionalism, innovation, and operational effectiveness in confronting the nation’s evolving security challenges.
Born on December 18, 1971, in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, the new Army Chief brings to the role more than three decades of distinguished military service. He was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1989 as a member of the 41 Regular Course and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps in 1994.
A mechanical engineer by training, General Shaibu holds multiple advanced degrees in public administration, strategic and security studies from renowned institutions including the University of Calabar, University of Ibadan, and the National Defence University in Washington D.C., USA. He is also an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
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Throughout his career, General Shaibu has held several strategic and operational commands that underscore his depth of experience and leadership acumen. These include serving as General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander Sector 1, Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri; Brigade Commander, 21 Special Armoured Brigade, Bama; and Chief of Training, Army Headquarters.
He has also served as Principal Staff Officer (Army) at Defence Headquarters, Director of Coordination at the National Defence College, and Chief Instructor at the Nigerian Army Armour School. His international experience includes roles as Military Assistant to the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia and Military Observer with the African Mission in Sudan.
General Shaibu’s operational footprint cuts across several key theatres of conflict, including Operations HARMONY, BOYONA, LAFIYA DOLE, TURA TAKAIBANGO, and HADIN KAI, where he earned commendations for courage and leadership under fire. His international deployments include the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and the African Mission in Sudan (AMIS).
For his service and gallantry, he has been decorated with numerous medals and honours, among them the Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS), Command Medal, Field Command Medal, and the prestigious Purple Heart Medal for valour in combat.
Married to Hajia Safiyyah Hassan and blessed with two children, Haneef and Hafeeza, General Shaibu is known for his deep sense of discipline, humility, and devotion to duty.
As he assumes command, the new Chief of Army Staff is expected to inject fresh momentum into ongoing military reforms—strengthening synergy among the services, enhancing intelligence-led operations, and driving innovation in logistics, defence technology, and personnel development.
His appointment, analysts say, reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to building a modern, combat-ready, and people-focused Army capable of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, maintaining internal stability, and upholding the nation’s honour at home and abroad.
