Major General Waidi Shaibu on Thursday assumed office as the 25th Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Nigerian Army with a promise to consolidate and build upon the notable legacies of his predecessor, while enhancing synergy between security agencies and government institutions to strengthen national security.
Speaking at the handover and installation ceremony between himself and his outgoing COAS, and the new Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, General Shaibu assured that he would carefully review the current security situation and respond quickly 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 commended the achievements of General Oluyede, particularly in the areas of equipment procurement, infrastructure development and the “Soldier First” concept, which prioritized troop welfare and operational readiness.
He saluted the courage, passion, resilience and discipline of the troops in the field and reaffirmed that their sacrifices remained the cornerstone of the Service’s collective success.
He appreciated President Bola Tinubu for deeming him worthy of the new position and promised to serve the Nation with all his capabilities to put an end to insurgency activities in the country.
In his parting remarks, General Oluyede expressed his deep gratitude to President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and for the privilege of serving as COAS and now 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 guarantee the safety of lives and defend the territorial integrity of our nation.”
Earlier in his remarks, the former Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, commended the exemplary leadership of the outgoing chief, describing him as a selfless and visionary leader whose contributions to the Nigerian Army will be remembered by posterity.
The ceremony included the signing of the delivery and inauguration notes, decoration of the new Chief with the insignia of the Army Headquarters, inspection of the guard barracks and group photographs with the main officers of the General Staff and field commanders.
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