The Nigerian Senate has officially confirmed Major General Waidi Shaibu as the new Chief of Army Staff, following a request from President Bola Tinubu for his appointment. The confirmation took place during Wednesday’s plenary session after the Senate Committee on Defence screened the nominee and presented its report. Shaibu’s appointment marks another significant reshuffle within the Nigerian Armed Forces, reflecting the administration’s ongoing efforts to revamp the military hierarchy and enhance the nation’s security architecture amid persistent threats across different regions.
President Tinubu had, in his letter to the Senate, explained that the nomination of Major General Shaibu was in line with Section 18 (1) of the Armed Forces Act, which empowers the President to appoint service chiefs subject to Senate confirmation. During the screening, lawmakers commended Shaibu for his distinguished military career and service record, describing him as a disciplined, strategic, and experienced officer who has served in various command and administrative capacities. The Senate, after deliberations, unanimously adopted the recommendation of its Defence Committee and confirmed the appointment through a voice vote led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In his brief remarks after the confirmation, Senator Akpabio congratulated the new Chief of Army Staff and urged him to sustain professionalism, accountability, and loyalty to the constitution. He noted that Nigerians expect a renewed approach to the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other forms of insecurity. “The task ahead is enormous, and the nation counts on the Nigerian Army to deliver on its constitutional responsibilities. We believe General Shaibu will justify this confidence,” Akpabio said.
Major General Shaibu, in his response, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the trust reposed in him and to the Senate for the confirmation. He pledged to lead the Nigerian Army with integrity and commitment, emphasizing that his priority would be to consolidate the successes recorded by his predecessors and ensure that officers and soldiers are well-motivated to defend the nation. “We will focus on strengthening operational efficiency, improving the welfare of personnel, and fostering greater synergy with other security agencies,” he stated.
The appointment of Shaibu comes at a time when Nigeria faces multiple security challenges, including terrorism in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest, and rising cases of kidnapping and communal violence in parts of the country. Analysts have described his confirmation as a strategic move to inject fresh leadership into the Army and realign its operations with the government’s broader security goals. Many believe his leadership style, described as disciplined and reform-oriented, could help rebuild morale within the force and restore public confidence in the military’s capacity to secure the country.
Observers also note that Shaibu’s appointment forms part of President Tinubu’s wider military restructuring, following recent changes in the leadership of the Navy, Air Force, and Defence Headquarters. The move is seen as a deliberate effort to reposition the armed forces for improved efficiency and coordination in combating insecurity. Security experts have urged the new Army Chief to prioritize intelligence-driven operations and enhance collaboration with local communities to ensure timely response to security threats.
In recent years, the Nigerian Army has faced criticism over allegations of human rights abuses, low morale among troops, and inadequate equipment. Shaibu’s leadership is expected to address these issues by strengthening transparency, accountability, and discipline within the ranks. Civil society groups have also called for greater respect for the rule of law in military operations and better engagement with civilian authorities.
As the new Chief of Army Staff settles into his role, Nigerians are hopeful that his tenure will bring renewed stability and a more decisive approach to the nation’s security challenges. With his confirmation by the Senate, Major General Waidi Shaibu now shoulders the responsibility of leading one of Africa’s largest armies in a period marked by complex security dynamics and public demand for lasting peace and safety across the country.
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