The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu Nigerian Army Medal, on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, received members of the 41 Regular Combatant Course Alumni Association at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, in what was an emotional and inspiring reunion of brothers-in-arms united by duty, service, and shared purpose.
Welcoming his coursemates, the COAS expressed deep appreciation for their visit, describing them as “an integral part of his success journey.”
He noted that the bond forged at the Nigerian Defence Academy decades ago remains unbroken, adding that their collective experience and wisdom continue to enrich the Nigerian Army and the nation. Lt Gen Shaibu pledged to continue working closely with his colleagues, both serving and retired, in advancing national security and sustaining the spirit of unity that defines their course.
According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, “The COAS further revealed that since his appointment, his coursemates have been actively engaging him in discussions on how best to achieve a safer and more secure Nigeria.
He charged them to remain his “eyes and ears,” stating that their continued support, insight, and field experience are invaluable to the success of his command. “Together, we can make Nigeria safer, stronger, and more united,” he emphasized.
Earlier, the President of the 41 Regular Combatant Course Alumni Association, Major Lancelot Anyanya (Rtd), led the delegation in extending heartfelt congratulations to Lt Gen Shaibu on his appointment as the 25th Chief of Army Staff. The president revealed that members of the 41 Regular Combatant Course are the first Post Jubilee Generation Officers of the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy who have always excelled in military service.
He further described the Army Chief as “a friend, brother and leader whose elevation has brought immense joy and pride” to members of the Course across all services of the military. He noted that the appointment rekindled a sense of collective fulfillment among coursemates, many of whom see in Lt Gen Shaibu the embodiment of professionalism, integrity and excellence.
Major Anyanya commended the COAS for his distinguished service record, recalling his exceptional leadership qualities since their days at the Nigerian Defence Academy, where he served as the Academy Cadet Adjutant over three decades ago. He expressed confidence that the Army Chief would continue to discharge his duties with class, excellence and panache, in alignment with the vision of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The delegation also congratulated the COAS’s wife, Mrs Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, for standing strong on behind her husband and on her role as National President, Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), assuring the Army Chief of their total support.
