UDAMA IGALA Worldwide , has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Major General Waidi Shaibu as Nigeria’s new Chief of Army Staff, describing the decision as a clear indication that the President takes the nation’s security challenges as a top priority.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2025, by the National President of the Association, Alhaji Paul Kareem, through the National Secretary, Comrade Sani Michael Omakoji, the group said the appointment reflects the President’s commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s security architecture under a competent and disciplined leadership.
According to the statement, Major General Shaibu’s outstanding record in military service, especially his exceptional performance as Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, makes him the right choice for the position.
The group expressed confidence that his wealth of experience in counter-insurgency operations will bring renewed momentum to the fight against insecurity across the country.
“Waidi Shaibu, with his unmatched record of achievements in security operations spanning decades, will certainly change the narrative in Nigeria’s security challenges. He is a no-nonsense officer, as rightly described by Comrade Usman Austin Okai, a top Nigerian activist,” the statement read in part.
Udama Igala Worldwide also appreciated President Tinubu for considering an illustrious son of Igala land worthy of such a significant national appointment.
The association assured the President of the full support of the Igala community, expressing optimism that the nation’s security challenges will soon become a thing of the past under General Shaibu’s leadership.
Recalled, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on October 24, 2025, announced the appointment of Major General Waidi Shaibu as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff.
The appointment followed his distinguished service and leadership as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, where he earned national and international commendations for his role in combating insurgency in the North East.
Born on December 18, 1971, in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Major General Shaibu began his military career at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1989 as a member of the 41 Regular Course and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Armour Corps in 1994.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Nigerian Defence Academy, a Postgraduate Certificate in Public Administration from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, and three Master’s degrees in Public Administration, Strategic Studies, and Security and Strategic Studies from the University of Calabar, University of Ibadan, and National Defence University, Washington D.C., respectively. He is also an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Strategic Studies at the University of Ibadan.
Over the years, Major General Shaibu has attended several professional courses and held key command positions within and outside Nigeria. These include serving as Chief of Staff at the 23 Brigade Headquarters, Yola; Chief Instructor at the Nigerian Army Armour School; Director of Peacekeeping Operations at Defence Headquarters; Commander of the 21 Special Armoured Brigade, Bama; and General Officer Commanding 7 Division. Prior to his recent appointment, he was the Director of Armour Research at the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.
A highly decorated officer, Major General Shaibu has received numerous military honours, including the Distinguished Service Star, Distinguished Service Order, Field Command Medal, General Operations Medal, Defence Operations Medal, and the Purple Heart Medal for gallantry. He is also a Fellow of the National Defence College and a Member of the Nigerian Institute of Management.
Renowned for his discipline, humility, and commitment to service, Major General Shaibu enjoys reading, early morning walks, and quiet reflection. He is happily married and blessed with children.
Udama Igala Worldwide, a recognized sociocultural organization with over one million members across the globe, reaffirmed its readiness to continue supporting national unity, peace, and development under President Tinubu’s administration.
