By Onwe Wisdom Pan Afric Reporters Abuja
Major General Waidi Shaibu takes over leadership of Nigeria Army as the 25th Chief of Army Staff (COAS) as his predecessor bowed out of service in a ceremonious change of guard at the Nigerian Army Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, October 30, 2025, following Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede colorful handing and taking over ceremony.
Maj. Gen. Shaibu, among other Service Chiefs, was screened and confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday. Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had last week dropped the former service chiefs and appointed new ones.
In his remarks, the new COAS, Major General Waidi Shaibu, commended Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede for his outstanding leadership, mentorship, and unwavering support to the Nigerian Army. He lauded the outgoing Chief’s achievements, particularly in equipment procurement, infrastructural development, and the “Soldier First” concept, which prioritized troop welfare and operational readiness.
Shaibu pledged to consolidate and build on the remarkable legacies of his predecessor while enhancing synergy among security agencies and government institutions to strengthen national security
He further assured that he would carefully review the current security situation and respond swiftly to evolving threats, emphasizing his commitment to improving operational efficiency and troop morale. “I salute the courage, passion, resilience, and discipline of our troops in the field.
Their sacrifices remain the cornerstone of our collective success,” the new Army Chief stated. While appreciating the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for finding him worthy of the position, the COAS led the Nigerian Army senior officers in observing a minute of silence for the repose of the souls of departed comrades.
In his valedictory address, the outgoing COAS and incoming CDS, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, expressed profound appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership and for the privilege to serve as COAS and now as CDS. He praised the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, diligence, and sacrifice in the discharge of their duties, urging them to extend the same loyalty and commitment to the new COAS.
“The mission remains the same — to ensure the security of lives and defend the territorial integrity of our nation,” he affirmed. Earlier in his remarks, the immediate past Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, extolled the exemplary leadership of the outgoing Chief, describing him as a selfless and visionary leader whose contributions to the Nigerian Army will be remembered by posterity.
“The ceremony featured the signing of the handing and taking over notes, decoration of the new Chief with the Army Headquarters insignia, inspection of the quarter guard, and group photographs with principal staff officers and field commanders.”
