President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the appointment of Major General Waidi Shaibu as the 25th Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Nigerian Army. His appointment follows the elevation of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede to the position of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), signalling a new chapter in the nation’s military leadership.
The announcement marks a major milestone in the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s defence architecture with the new Army Chief expected to strengthen professionalism, operational efficiency, and the Nigerian Army’s capacity to safeguard national security.
Born on 18 December 1971, in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Major General Shaibu brings over three decades of military experience and strategic expertise to his new role.
He was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, as part of the 41 Regular Course in 1989, and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps on 17 September 1994. A graduate of Mechanical Engineering from the NDA, General Shaibu embodies the intellect and tactical depth characteristic of a modern military leader.
A consummate scholar-soldier, General Shaibu holds multiple academic qualifications, including:
Postgraduate Certificate in Public Administration (Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration); Master’s in Public Administration (University of Calabar); Master’s in Strategic Studies (University of Ibadan); Master’s in Security and Strategic Studies (National Defence University, Washington D.C.).
He is also an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and the National Productivity Centre’s Senior Executive Programme in Applied Leadership and Strategy.
Over the years, General Shaibu has attended a wide range of professional military courses both in Nigeria and abroad, including: Young Officers Courses (Armour and Infantry); Junior and Senior Staff Courses; Battalion Commanders Course; Higher Defence Management Course, National Defence College, Abuja; Defence Resources Management Course, Kenya; Counter-Terrorism Fellows Programme, National Defence University, Washington D.C.
His academic and tactical grounding reflects a deep commitment to continuous learning, adaptability, and global military best practices.
Major General Shaibu’s distinguished military career spans critical command, staff, and instructional positions. Some of his notable postings include: General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division and Commander Sector 1, Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri; Brigade Commander, 21 Special Armoured Brigade, Bama; Chief of Training, Army Headquarters; Director, Coordination, National Defence College; Principal Staff Officer (Army), Defence Headquarters; Chief Instructor, Nigerian Army Armour School; Assistant Director, Peacekeeping Operations, Defence Headquarters; Commanding Officer, 243 Battalion, Monguno; Chief of Staff, 23 Brigade, Yola.
Internationally, he has served as Military Assistant to the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of Liberia, and as a Military Observer with the African Mission in Sudan (AMIS).
General Shaibu’s operational record spans multiple theatres of conflict and peacekeeping missions. He has played key roles in operations such as HARMONY, BOYONA, ZAMAN LAFIYA, LAFIYA DOLE, TURA TAKAIBANGO, HADIN KAI, DESERT SANITY, and LAKE SANITY.
He has also represented Nigeria in international missions including the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and African Mission in Sudan (AMIS), as well as in Nigeria’s Foreign Training Assistance Mission to Liberia.
For his gallantry, dedication, and outstanding service, Major General Shaibu has been decorated with numerous honours and medals, including: Forces Service Star (FSS); Meritorious Service Star (MSS); Distinguished Service Star (DSS); Command Medal; Field Command Medal; Distinguished Service Order (Liberia); Pass Staff College (psc); Fellow Defence College (fdc); Purple Heart Medal for gallantry in counter-insurgency operations.
As he assumes command, Major General Waidi Shaibu is expected to inject renewed energy, strategic foresight, and innovation into the Nigerian Army’s modernization agenda.
His leadership is projected to deepen intelligence-led warfare, strengthen joint service operations, and drive defence technology innovation aligning with President Tinubu’s vision for a combat-ready and people-focused military.
Away from the battlefield, General Shaibu is described as a disciplined, empathetic, and family-oriented officer. He is married to Hajia Safiyyah Hassan, and they are blessed with two children, Haneef and Hafeeza.
The appointment of Major General Waidi Shaibu as Nigeria’s 25th Chief of Army Staff signals a fresh era in the nation’s quest for enduring peace, national unity, and operational excellence. His mix of battlefield experience, academic depth, and strategic insight positions him to steer the Nigerian Army toward greater efficiency and resilience in confronting emerging security threats.