Tinubu Appoints Major General Waidi Shaibu as Nigeria’s 25th Chief of Army Staff

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, , has approved the appointment of Major General Waidi Shaibu as the 25th Chief of Army Staff (COAS), signaling a commitment to sustained operational transformation within the Nigerian Army. Major General Shaibu succeeds Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, who has been elevated to the position of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). 

Described as a "battle-hardened commander, strategic thinker, and decorated officer of repute," Major General Shaibu’s selection is seen as a move to inject renewed vigor, professionalism, and strategic foresight into the nation’s primary land force.

 A Scholar-Warrior with Global Credentials

Born on December 18, 1971, in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Major General Shaibu is a product of the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), where he was admitted as a member of the 41 Regular Course in 1989 and commissioned into the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps in 1994.

His academic background is as robust as his military service:

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the NDA, Kaduna.

Master’s in Strategic Studies (University of Ibadan).

Master’s in Public Administration (University of Calabar).

Master’s in Security and Strategic Studies (National Defence University, Washington D.C., USA).

He is also an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government**.

Command and Operational Excellence

Major General Shaibu is renowned for his extensive command experience across Nigeria’s most challenging theatres of operation and international peacekeeping missions. His strategic appointments highlight a proven track record in complex security environments:

General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander Sector 1, Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri (leading counter-insurgency efforts).

Brigade Commander, 21 Special Armoured Brigade, Bama.

Chief of Training, Army Headquarters.

Director, Coordination, National Defence College.

Chief of Staff, 23 Brigade, Yola.

His operational footprint spans nearly every major military engagement in Nigeria's recent history, including Operations LAFIYA DOLE, HADIN KAI, DESERT SANITY, and LAKE SANITY.

Internationally, his experience includes serving as a Military Assistant to the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of Liberia, and as a Military Observer with the African Mission in Sudan (AMIS).

 A Decorated Commander

In recognition of his gallantry and loyalty, General Shaibu holds numerous honours, including the Distinguished Service Star (DSS) and the highly coveted Purple Heart Medal for gallantry demonstrated in counter-insurgency operations in North-East Nigeria. He is also a recipient of the Fellow Defence College (fdc) distinction.

As the 25th COAS, Major General Shaibu is mandated to accelerate the Nigerian Army's ongoing transformation drive, consolidate existing reforms, and enhance synergy across joint operations to decisively confront emerging security challenges and defend Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Major General Shaibu is married to Hajia Safiyyah Hassan, and they are blessed with two children, Haneef and Hafeeza.