By Harriet Tornguvan
In a remarkable demonstration of merit, discipline, and operational excellence, Major General Waidi Shaibu’s journey from the dusty battlefields of the North-East to the apex of the Nigerian Army stands as a story of dedication, strategy, and courage under fire.
Before his recent appointment as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Shaibu had already distinguished himself as one of the Army’s most battle-tested commanders. His tenure as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, the Joint Task Force leading Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations in the North-East, showcased his exceptional leadership, tactical intelligence, and ability to inspire troops in one of the most challenging theatres of war.
A Command Forged in Battle, General Shaibu led multiple successful offensives against Boko Haram and ISWAP elements, restoring relative peace to several communities in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States. His field strategy emphasized precision strikes, community engagement, and intelligence-driven operations a combination that drastically reduced insurgent mobility and weakened their command structures.
His leadership style was defined by presence and empathy, he frequently visited forward bases, shared meals with troops, and insisted that welfare and motivation were essential components of victory. Those close to him often describe him as “a soldier’s general” firm but fair, and deeply invested in the men and women he commands.
Major General Shaibu’s career path reflects a blend of practical military experience and academic depth. Having joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of the 41st Regular Course in 1989, he was commissioned into the Armour Corps in 1994, and rose steadily through the ranks.
He holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Public Administration, and Strategic Studies, as well as a Master’s in Security and Strategic Studies from the National Defence University, Washington D.C. His time at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and ongoing PhD research at the University of Ibadan further reinforce his reputation as a thinking general one who pairs battlefield wisdom with policy-level insight.
Shaibu’s appointment as COAS is not merely a reward for gallantry but a calculated step toward repositioning the Nigerian Army for modern security challenges. Prior to his role as Theatre Commander, he served as:
General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division of the Nigerian Army
Commander, Sector 1, Operation Hadin Kai
Director of Training, Army Headquarters
Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, National Defence College
Each of these positions added layers to his command experience from operational planning and logistics to personnel management and military education. His rise through the ranks reflects consistency, intellect, and the trust of superiors who recognized his strategic acumen.
General Shaibu faces the monumental task of leading the Army through a period marked by evolving security threats insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and cyber warfare. His background as a Theatre Commander offers him first-hand insight into the realities on the ground and the morale of troops at the front lines.
Analysts believe his tenure could signal a shift toward a more intelligence-driven and welfare-conscious military culture. His focus on discipline, modern technology, and inter-agency collaboration is expected to define the Army’s next chapter.
General Waidi Shaibu’s story is a testament to the Nigerian Army’s enduring belief in merit, experience, and leadership under pressure. From leading men in the trenches of the North-East to commanding an entire institution of national defence, his rise embodies the transition from tactical warfare to strategic leadership a journey from the battlefield to the helm of the nation’s military power.
His operational and academic credentials suggest his approach may combine field experience with strategic thinking. For Nigeria, his success will likely hinge on translating his track record into tangible improvements across the Army’s performance in the field.
