Major General Waidi Shaibu has assumed leadership of the Nigerian Army as the 25th Chief of Army Staff, pledging addressing evolving security challenges across the nation.
“I will do everything to advance the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a professional, innovative, formidable force, agile, adaptable and combat-resilient,” he said.
The COAS also said he would consolidate ongoing reforms to enhance operational effectiveness and strengthen inter-agency cooperation.
Shaibu stated this Thursday in Abuja during handing and taking over ceremony.
He further 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.
He assured that he would carefully review the current security situation and respond swiftly to evolving threats, emphasizing his commitment to improving operational efficiency and troop morale.
Addressing troops deployed across various theatres of operation, Shaibu acknowledged their sacrifices and pledged to prioritise their welfare and morale.
“I understand your sacrifices and the challenges you face. I feel your pain, and I feel for your families. We shall not disappoint you,” he said.
While appreciating the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for finding him worthy of the position, the COAS led the NA 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, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, expressed profound appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership and for the privilege to serve as COAS and now as CDS.
He praised the officers and soldiers of the NA 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. “The mission remains the same — to ensure the security of lives and defend the territorial integrity of our nation,” he affirmed.
Earlier in his remarks, the immediate past Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, extolled the exemplary leadership of the outgone Chief, describing him as a selfless and visionary leader whose contributions to the Nigerian Army will be remembered by posterity.
