Major General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday, assumed office as the 25th Chief of Army Staff COAS of the Nigerian Army with a pledge to consolidate and build on the remarkable legacies of his predecessor, while enhancing synergy among security agencies and government institutions to strengthen national security.
Speaking at the handing and taking over ceremony between him and his outgoing COAS, and the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, Gen Shaibu 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.
The new COAS commended Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede for his outstanding leadership, mentorship and unwavering support to the Nigerian Army.
He further lauded the achievements of Gen Oluyede, particularly in the areas of equipment procurement, infrastructural development and the ‘Soldier First’ concept, which prioritised troop welfare and operational readiness.
He saluted the courage, passion, resilience and discipline of the troops in the field and reaffrmed that their sacrifices remained the cornerstone of the collective success of the Service.
He appreciated President Bola Tinubu for finding him worthy of the new position and promised to serve the Nation with all his abilities in ending the insurgency activities in the country.
In valedictory remarks, Gen Oluyede expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and for the privilege to serve as COAS and now as CDS.
He commended the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army 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.
According to him, ‘The mission remains the same – to ensure the security of lives and defend the territorial integrity of our nation,’
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.
The ceremony featured the signing of the handing and taking over notes, decoration of the new Chief with the Army Headquarters insignia, inspection of the quarter guard and group photographs with principal staff officers and field commanders.