Shaibu Assumes Office as 25th Chief of Army Staff, Vows to Build on Oluyede’s Legacy

Major General Waidi Shaibu on Thursday assumed command as the 25th Chief of Army Staff (COAS), marking a smooth leadership transition at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

The ceremony followed the formal handover of authority from the outgoing Chief of Army Staff and newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.

In his inaugural address, Maj. Gen. Shaibu praised his predecessor for exemplary leadership, citing achievements in equipment acquisition, infrastructure development and improved troop welfare under the “Soldier First” initiative. He pledged to sustain and expand on these gains, while strengthening joint security cooperation to tackle emerging threats.

“I salute the courage, passion, resilience and discipline of our troops in the field. Their sacrifices remain the cornerstone of our collective success,” Shaibu said, assuring that he would review ongoing operations and enhance military readiness nationwide.

He expressed gratitude to 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 remarks, Lt. Gen. Oluyede thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and commended personnel of the Nigerian Army for their loyalty and professionalism. He urged them to extend the same support to Maj. Gen. Shaibu.

“The mission remains the same — to ensure the security of lives and defend the territorial integrity of our nation,” he stated.

Also speaking, former Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, hailed Oluyede as a visionary leader whose service will be remembered for dedication and reforms in the Nigerian Army.

The event featured the signing of handover documents, decoration of the new COAS with Army Headquarters insignia, inspection of the quarter guard and group photographs with top military commanders.