President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Major General Waidi Shaibu as the 25th Chief of Army Staff (COAS), marking a new phase of strategic leadership and operational reform within the Nigerian Army.
General Shaibu succeeds Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, who was recently elevated to the position of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
According to a statement from the Presidency, the appointment reflects President Tinubu’s “confidence in competence, character, and distinguished service,” and aligns with his administration’s ongoing efforts to reposition the Armed Forces for greater efficiency and synergy.
Born on December 18, 1971, in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, General Shaibu joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1989 as a member of the 41 Regular Course and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps in 1994.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the NDA, a Postgraduate Certificate in Public Administration from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, and multiple master’s degrees, including Public Administration (University of Calabar), Strategic Studies (University of Ibadan), and Security and Strategic Studies (National Defence University, Washington D.C., USA).
An alumnus of Harvard Kennedy School of Government and the National Productivity Centre’s Senior Executive Programme, General Shaibu has served in several critical command and training capacities. His past roles include General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Chief of Training (Army), Commander Sector 1 of Operation HADIN KAI, 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.
A Defence Headquarters statement described him as “a battle-tested commander and strategic thinker whose operational footprint spans Nigeria’s major theatres of conflict.”
General Shaibu has participated in key military operations such as HARMONY, BOYONA, ZAMAN LAFIYA, LAFIYA DOLE, TURA TAKAIBANGO, HADIN KAI, DESERT SANITY, and LAKE SANITY. His international service record includes deployments with the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and the African Mission in Sudan (AMIS).
He has received several national and international honours, including the Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS), Field Command Medal, Command Medal, the Distinguished Service Order (Liberia), and the Purple Heart Medal for bravery.
Military analysts believe his appointment will reinforce the Nigerian Army’s transformation agenda, enhance joint operations, and strengthen counter-insurgency efforts.
“Major General Shaibu brings vast experience, intellectual depth, and operational foresight,” a senior military source said. “His leadership promises continuity in reform and preparedness for emerging security challenges.”
Married to Hajia Safiyyah Hassan with two children, Haneef and Hafeeza, General Shaibu is expected to focus on innovation, intelligence-driven warfare, and human capacity development as he assumes command.
With this appointment, President Tinubu reiterates his administration’s commitment to maintaining a professional, disciplined, and people-oriented military capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and national pride.
