Major General Waidi Shaibu has officially assumed duty as the 25th Chief of Army Staff (COAS) following a colourful handing and taking over ceremony with the outgoing COAS, now Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.

In his remarks, Major General Shaibu commended General Oluyede for his exceptional leadership and mentorship, describing his tenure as one that strengthened the Army through improved welfare, equipment acquisition, and infrastructural development.

“I salute the courage, passion, resilience, and discipline of our troops. Their sacrifices remain the cornerstone of our collective success,” Shaibu said.

He pledged to sustain the legacy of excellence while strengthening inter-agency collaboration and swiftly addressing emerging security threats across the country.

The new COAS expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence reposed in him and led senior officers in observing a minute of silence in honour of fallen soldiers.

In his valedictory remarks, the outgoing COAS and new CDS, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, urging officers and soldiers to remain steadfast and loyal under the new leadership.

“The mission remains the same — to secure our nation and defend its territorial integrity,” he stated.

The event featured the signing of handover notes, decoration of the new COAS with the Army Headquarters insignia, inspection of the quarter guard, and group photographs with senior officers and commanders.