The Nigerian Army witnessed a seamless transition of leadership as Major General Waidi Shaibu formally assumed duty as the 25th Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on Thursday, October 25, 2025.
following the colourful handing and taking over ceremony between the COAS, Major General Waidi Shaibu and the incoming Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
Speaking during a ceremony held at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, the new COAS, commended the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for his outstanding leadership, mentorship, and unwavering support to the Nigerian Army.
Shaibu lauded the outgoing COAS’s achievements, particularly in the areas of equipment procurement, infrastructural development and the “Soldier First” concept, which he said prioritised 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.
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He further assured that he would carefully review the current security situation and respond swiftly to evolving threats, emphasising his commitment to improving operational efficiency and troop morale.
While appreciating President Bola Tinubu for finding him worthy of the position, the COAS led the Nigerian Army senior officers in observing one minute silence for the repose of the souls of departed comrades.
In his valedictory address, the outgone COAS and incoming CDS expressed appreciation to Tnubu for his visionary leadership and for the privilege to serve as COAS and now as CDS.
Oluyede commended the Nigerian Army officers 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.
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