Major General Waidi Shaibu has assumed leadership of the Nigerian Army as the 25th Chief of Army Staff, pledging to uphold discipline, unity, and professionalism while addressing evolving security challenges across the nation.
Speaking during the handing and taking-over ceremony at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, Shaibu said his administration would consolidate ongoing reforms to enhance operational effectiveness and strengthen inter-agency cooperation.
“I will do everything to advance the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a professional, innovative, formidable force, agile, adaptable and combat-resilient,” he said.
Addressing troops deployed across various theatres of operation, Shaibu acknowledged their sacrifices and pledged to prioritise their welfare and morale.
“I understand your sacrifices and the challenges you face. I feel your pain, and I feel for your families. We shall not disappoint you,” he affirmed.
Shaibu commended his predecessor, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, describing his tenure as one marked by empathy, strategic foresight and significant institutional progress.
“Lieutenant General Oluyede’s stewardship has brought a quantum leap in equipment procurement, infrastructural development and purposeful leadership that has placed the Nigerian Army on an enviable pedestal. He entrenched the ‘Soldier First’ concept, one I intend to sustain and improve upon,” he stated.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing him and promised to justify the confidence reposed in him.
“I have the distinguished honour and privilege of assuming command and control of the Nigerian Army as its 25th Chief of Army Staff. First and foremost, I thank Almighty God for finding me worthy of this call to service and His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for entrusting me with this responsibility at this crucial point in our national life,” he said.
The outgoing Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, who has now been appointed Chief of Defence Staff, reflected on his tenure and urged personnel to remain loyal, disciplined and professional.
“It is with a deep sense of humility and profound gratitude that I stand before you today to hand over the reins of leadership of the Nigerian Army to the incoming Chief of Army Staff, Major General Waidi Shaibu,” he said.
Oluyede thanked President Tinubu for supporting Army reforms and commended troops for their resilience.
“You have all worked tirelessly, endured immense hardship and displayed exceptional discipline and devotion to duty in defence of our great nation,” he said. He assured Shaibu of his continued support.
“I do not doubt that the Nigerian Army is in capable hands. Waidi, my prayers and full support are with you. You can always count on me for guidance or advice whenever needed,” he added.
Oluyede also reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s broader defence objectives in his new capacity as Chief of Defence Staff.
“As I close this chapter today, another begins, one that will be pursued with the same sense of purpose, loyalty and commitment to our constitutional duty of ensuring that terrorism, insurgency and all threats to national security are eradicated or reduced to the barest minimum,” he said.
The Chief of Policy and Plans, Major General Abdulsalami Abraham, commended Oluyede’s “Soldier First” leadership and welcomed Shaibu, expressing confidence in his capacity to sustain the Army’s progress.
“There was much compassion and inclusiveness, especially towards our troops, without whom our ranks as generals are meaningless,” he said, describing the transition as a defining moment for the Nigerian Army.