By Gabriel Ameh
…Pledges to Strengthen Inter-Agency Cooperation and Enhance Troop Welfare
Abuja, October 31, 2025 —
The Nigerian Army on Thursday witnessed a smooth and dignified transition of leadership as Major General Waidi Shaibu formally assumed office as the 25th Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
The handover ceremony, held at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, signified the official transfer of command from the outgoing COAS and newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.
According to a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, the event was conducted with decorum, discipline, and full military tradition reflecting the Nigerian Army’s culture of professionalism and continuity in leadership.
In his inaugural address, Major General Shaibu paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, Lieutenant General Oluyede, describing him as an outstanding leader, mentor, and reformer who advanced the Army through strategic investments in equipment procurement, infrastructure development, and the “Soldier First” welfare philosophy that prioritized troop well-being and operational readiness.
“I salute the courage, passion, resilience, and discipline of our troops in the field. Their sacrifices remain the cornerstone of our collective success,”
Maj Gen Shaibu declared.
The new Army Chief pledged to build upon the solid foundations laid by his predecessor, while focusing on enhancing inter-agency collaboration, improving operational efficiency, and adapting swiftly to emerging national security challenges.
He assured that his administration would conduct a comprehensive review of ongoing operations to realign strategies for greater effectiveness in tackling security threats across the country.
Expressing appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Major General Shaibu reaffirmed his commitment to uphold professionalism, integrity, and dedication to duty. He also led officers and men in observing a minute of silence in honour of fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in service to the nation.
In his valedictory remarks, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff, thanked President Tinubu for the privilege to serve and praised officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their loyalty and dedication.
“The mission remains the same to ensure the security of lives and defend the territorial integrity of our nation,”
Lt Gen Oluyede stated, urging continued support for the new leadership.
Earlier, the immediate past Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, lauded Lt Gen Oluyede’s tenure as one defined by vision, selflessness, and transformative leadership that strengthened the Army’s operational capacity and morale.
Highlights of the ceremony included the signing of handing and taking-over notes, decoration of the new COAS with Army Headquarters insignia, inspection of the quarter guard, and group photographs with principal staff officers and field commanders.
