MAJ GEN WAIDI SHAIBU ASSUMES DUTY AS 25TH CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF
…Vows to sustain legacy of exemplary leadership, strengthen operational efficiency
The Nigerian Army has witnessed a smooth and dignified transition of leadership as Major General Waidi Shaibu officially assumed duty as the 25th Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
The ceremony, held at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, marked the formal handover between Major General Shaibu and the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.
In his inaugural address, Major General Shaibu paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, Lieutenant General Oluyede, for his outstanding leadership and remarkable contributions to the Nigerian Army. He commended the former COAS for his achievements in equipment procurement, infrastructural development, and the introduction of the “Soldier First” initiative — a policy that placed premium on troop welfare and combat readiness.
The new Army Chief pledged to build on these gains by sustaining the tempo of reform and professionalism across the service. He emphasized his commitment to enhancing inter-agency collaboration and strengthening national security architecture through intelligence-driven operations.
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> “I salute the courage, passion, resilience and discipline of our troops in the field. Their sacrifices remain the cornerstone of our collective success,” Major General Shaibu stated, assuring that his leadership would prioritize operational efficiency, troop morale, and timely response to emerging security threats.
Expressing gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence reposed in him, the COAS led senior officers in observing a minute’s silence in honour of fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in service to the nation.
In his valedictory remarks, the outgoing COAS and new CDS, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and for his unwavering support to the Armed Forces. He lauded officers and soldiers for their professionalism, urging them to remain steadfast under the new leadership.
> “The mission remains the same — to ensure the security of lives and defend the territorial integrity of our nation,” General Oluyede reaffirmed.
Earlier, the immediate past Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, described General Oluyede as a visionary leader whose tenure strengthened the institutional capacity of the Nigerian Army and inspired a culture of discipline and innovation.
The event featured the signing of the handing and taking over notes, decoration of the new COAS with the Army Headquarters insignia, inspection of the quarter guard, and a group photograph with principal staff officers and field commanders.
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Appolonia Anele
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Director, Army Public Relations
30 October 2025
