Shaibu takes command as 25th Chief of Army Staff
Waidi Shaibu, has formally assumed command as the 25th Chief of Army Staff (COAS), succeeding Olufemi Oluyede, who now serves as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
The ceremony, held at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, saw the two senior officers performed the traditional handover rituals, including the signing of notes, decoration with insignia, inspection of the quarter guard, and a group photograph with principal staff officers and field commanders.
In his maiden address, Shaibu paid tribute to his predecessor for what he described as “exceptional leadership and transformative reforms” that repositioned the Nigerian Army for greater operational effectiveness.
He specifically lauded Oluyede’s achievements in equipment modernisation, infrastructural renewal, and the implementation of the “Soldier First” initiative, a welfare-driven policy that prioritized troop motivation, combat readiness, and family support systems.
“I salute the courage, passion, resilience, and discipline of our troops in the field. Their sacrifices remain the cornerstone of our collective success,” Shaibu declared.
The new Army Chief pledged to consolidate on the gains recorded under his predecessor by sustaining reforms that promote professionalism, accountability, and innovation within the ranks.
He further emphasised that his administration would intensify inter-agency collaboration, strengthen intelligence-driven operations, and improve rapid-response mechanisms against emerging security threats.
While expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the confidence reposed in him, Shaibu led senior officers in observing a minute’s silence in honour of fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty.
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In his valedictory remarks, Oluyede thanked President Tinubu for the privilege to serve and commended personnel across formations for their steadfastness and professionalism throughout his tenure.
“The mission remains the same, to ensure the security of lives and defend the territorial integrity of our nation,” Oluyede reaffirmed, urging officers to give the new Army Chief their full support.
Earlier, Abdulsalami Ibrahim, immediate past Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), described Oluyede as a visionary leader whose tenure fostered discipline, innovation, and institutional growth within the Nigerian Army.
