Waidi Shaibu Appointed 25th Chief of Army Staff

Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu was appointed the 25th Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 30, 2025. His appointment comes during a critical period in Nigeria's ongoing counter-insurgency campaign against Boko Haram and ISWAP, particularly in the Lake Chad region and Sambisa Forest.

Upon assuming office, Shaibu established a clear command philosophy aimed at transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force. He emphasized operational readiness, strategic cooperation, and exemplary leadership to address evolving security challenges.

Under his leadership, the army has made significant progress in neutralizing terrorist and criminal elements, rescuing civilians, and recovering arms. Shaibu's strategy includes leveraging indigenous defense industries for equipment refurbishment and modernization, enhancing operational capabilities, and improving civil-military relations.

His leadership is marked by a commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's sovereignty and territorial integrity while fostering a secure environment for socio-economic activities.