New COAS Shaibu talks tough, vows to confront terrorism, other threats head-on

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu assumed office as Nigeria’s 25th Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on Thursday with a vow to confront terrorism and other security threats head-on.

Shaibu who noted that nation was passing through challenging times assured that the Army under his command would respond decisively and effectively to all emerging threats in his short speech shortly after assuming command as the COAS from his predecessor, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.

He also pledged to make the Nigerian Army more agile, professional, and combat-ready to restore lasting peace across the country.

“We are aware of the developing situations in parts of our dear country that have caused hardship, fear, and displacement among law-abiding citizens.

“These situations are unacceptable and will receive my urgent attention.

“I will carefully review ongoing operations and adopt strategies to mitigate and ultimately defeat the threats. I assure Mr. President and Nigerians that we shall not disappoint the nation,” he said.

Shaibu pledged to build on the gains recorded under Lt.-Gen. Oluyede, his predecessor who has been appointed the new Chief of Defence Staff.

He noted that Oluyede’s tenure witnessed remarkable improvements in equipment procurement, infrastructure, and troops’ welfare.

He also promised to deepen the “soldier-first” philosophy introduced by his predecessor while entrenching professionalism, discipline, and synergy with other security agencies.

Earlier, the outgoing COAS, Lt.-Gen. Oluyede, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, saying that the Army under his leadership made significant strides in operations and administration.

Oluyede commended officers and soldiers for their loyalty, discipline, and courage, urging them to extend the same support to the new Chief of Army Staff.

“As I move to my next appointment, I urge you to give even greater loyalty and commitment to Maj.-Gen. Shaibu, who is a thoroughbred officer with exceptional experience,” he said.

He reaffirmed his confidence in the Nigerian Army’s capacity to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity, stressing that the goal of a secure and united Nigeria remained a collective responsibility.

In his remarks, the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim lauded Oluyede’s leadership for prioritising troops’ welfare and professionalism.

Shaibu assumed office after he was conformed alongside other services chiefs on Wednesday by the Senate.

The other service chiefs confirmed include Olufemi Oluyede as chief of defence staff, Idi Abbas as chief of naval staff, and Kennedy Aneke as chief of air staff.

The House of Representatives also confirmed the appointment of the service chiefs on Thursday.

This was after a review of the report of screening of the service chiefs presented by Babajimi Benson, chairman of the committee on defence.