Maj Gen Waidi Shaibu Assumes Duty as 25th Chief of Army Staff

The Nigerian Army on Thursday witnessed a smooth transition of leadership as Major General Waidi Shaibu officially took over as ...

The Nigerian Army on Thursday witnessed a smooth transition of leadership as Major General Waidi Shaibu officially took over as the 25th Chief of Army Staff (COAS) during a colourful ceremony at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.

This was contained in a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, and made available to newsmen on October 30, 2025.

The event marked the formal handing and taking over between the new COAS and the incoming Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.

In his inaugural remarks, Major General Shaibu commended his predecessor for his exemplary leadership and numerous achievements, particularly in equipment procurement, infrastructural development, and the “Soldier First” initiative which prioritized troop welfare and operational efficiency.

He pledged to sustain and build upon these legacies, emphasizing his commitment to strengthening synergy among security agencies and enhancing the Nigerian Army’s capacity to address emerging security challenges. “I salute the courage, passion, resilience, and discipline of our troops in the field. Their sacrifices remain the cornerstone of our collective success,” the new Army Chief stated.

General Shaibu also expressed gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the confidence reposed in him, and led senior officers in observing a minute of silence in honour of fallen soldiers.

In his valedictory address, the outgone COAS and newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and lauded officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their commitment and professionalism. He urged them to remain steadfast and loyal under the new leadership, stressing that the mission “remains the same — to ensure the security of lives and defend the territorial integrity of the nation.”

Earlier, the immediate past Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, described General Oluyede as a visionary and selfless leader whose tenure significantly advanced the Nigerian Army’s operational capabilities.

The ceremony featured the signing of handover notes, decoration of the new COAS with the Army Headquarters insignia, inspection of the quarter guard, and group photographs with senior officers and field commanders.