Meet Maj. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Nigeria’s New Chief of Army Staff
President Bola Tinubu’s dismissal of the nation’s top military chiefs on Friday, October 24, 2025, paved the way for the appointment of Major General Waidi Shaibu as the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
Before his elevation, Shaibu served as the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), leading counterinsurgency operations in the Northeast.
Born on December 18, 1971, in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Shaibu joined the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1989 as part of the 41st Regular Course and was commissioned into the Armour Corps in 1994.
Over three decades, he has earned a reputation as one of the Army’s most experienced and intellectually driven officers.
Author's summary: Nigeria appoints new Chief of Army Staff.