By Olayemi Esan,
Celebrating the Chief of Army Staff on His Birthday | 18 December 2025
Today, the Nigerian Army and the nation celebrate a soldier–scholar whose career exemplifies courage in battle, compassion in crisis, and clarity in command. As Lt General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), marks his birthday on 18 December 2025, it is fitting to reflect on a life of service distinguished not only by operational success but by an uncommon commitment to human security and national duty.
Born on 18 December 1971 in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Major General Shaibu’s military journey began with his admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as a member of the 41 Regular Course in 1989. He was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps on 17 September 1994, setting the foundation for a career that would span frontline command, strategic staff appointments, international exposure, and transformational leadership.
A Commander Who Redefined Leadership in Crisis
In the annals of military leadership in Nigeria’s North East, Major General Waidi Shaibu stands out for a defining moment that reshaped civil–military relations in the region. As General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, he became the first Nigerian Army General to initiate and personally coordinate a large-scale military rescue mission during the devastating Maiduguri floods.
When unprecedented flooding submerged communities, displaced thousands, and overwhelmed civil emergency response mechanisms, his response was swift, decisive, and humane. Drawing on his earlier experience as Chief of Staff, 7 Division, which gave him deep operational familiarity with Borno State’s terrain, troop disposition, and civil–military dynamics, he immediately deployed military assets in support of distressed civilians.
Under his leadership, Headquarters 7 Division activated a coordinated rescue effort involving combat and support units, engineers, medical teams, and logistics elements. Armoured and tactical vehicles, boats, and high-clearance platforms were deployed to reach inaccessible areas. Soldiers worked tirelessly, evacuating trapped families, the elderly, women, and children from submerged homes to safety.
What distinguished this intervention was not only its scale, but its philosophy. Major General Shaibu affirmed that the Nigerian Army’s duty extends beyond combat to the protection of lives in all circumstances. The operation was conducted with empathy, discipline, and professionalism, reinforcing public confidence in the Armed Forces as a people-centred institution.
Beyond evacuation, the mission expanded to humanitarian support—securing temporary shelters, providing emergency medical assistance, and coordinating with state authorities, humanitarian agencies, and community leaders. In a region already burdened by insurgency, the operation prevented secondary crises and strengthened trust between the military and the civilian population. It remains a powerful testament to leadership measured by lives saved and hope restored.
An Officer of Intellectual Depth and Strategic Vision
Major General Shaibu’s leadership is anchored in robust academic and professional preparation. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering 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 a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Calabar. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan and a Master’s Degree in Security and Strategic Studies from the National Defence University, Washington DC.
An alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, he completed the Programme in Leadership for the 21st Century: Chaos, Conflict and Courage. He also holds an Advanced Executive Certificate in Applied Leadership and Strategy and has undertaken extensive training on Irregular and Hybrid Warfare as well as Gray Zone Operations—expertise critical to modern military command.
His military training portfolio spans the full spectrum of tactical, operational, and strategic leadership, including young officers’ courses, amphibious operations, senior and higher defence management programmes, and the Counter Terrorism Fellows Programme at the National Defence University, Washington DC.
Distinguished Service and Command Experience
Throughout his career, Major General Waidi Shaibu has held numerous key appointments that underscore his versatility and professionalism. These include Brigade Commander, 21 Special Armoured Brigade, Director of Coordination, National Defence College, Principal Staff Officer (Army), Defence Headquarters, Chief Instructor, Nigerian Army Armour School, and General Officer Commanding, 7 Division.
He has served in international and peace support roles, including as Military Observer/Logistics Officer in the African Mission in Sudan, Principal Staff Officer/Military Assistant to the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of Liberia, and as part of Nigeria’s Foreign Training Assistance Mission to Liberia.
His operational footprint includes participation in Operation HARMONY, BOYONA, ZAMAN LAFIYA, LAFIYA DOLE, HADIN KAI, TURA TAKAIBANGO, DESERT SANITY, LAKE SANITY, as well as United Nations and African Union missions.
Honours, Values, and Family Life
In recognition of his gallantry and meritorious service, the Chief of Army Staff has received numerous decorations, including the Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, Command Medal, Field Command Medal, and the Purple Heart Medal for counter-insurgency operations in North East Nigeria. International honours include the Distinguished Service Order (Liberia).
Beyond the uniform, Major General Shaibu is a reflective leader whose hobbies—reading, early morning walks, and deep contemplation—mirror the thoughtful approach he brings to command. He is happily married to Hajia Safiyyah Hassan, and they are blessed with two children, Haneef and Hafeeza.
As he marks another year today as Chief of Army Staff, Major General Waidi Shaibu embodies the ideals of modern military leadership—operationally sound, intellectually grounded, and profoundly humane. His legacy, particularly the historic Maiduguri flood rescue mission, affirms that the strength of an army is measured not only by its firepower, but by its compassion and commitment to the people it serves.
Happy Birthday, Sir. Nigeria salutes your service, your leadership, and your enduring example of honour, duty, and humanity.
Olayemi Esan is a public Relations and Media practitioner, a historian and a broadcast journalist. She can be reached via 08035132961 or yemiesan04@gmail.com