Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu has completed his first year of service as the 25th Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Nigerian Army. Since assuming office on 30 October 2025, his leadership has focused on institutional restructuring and addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.
Shaibu’s tenure comes at a critical period for Nigeria, as the military continues to confront diverse threats, including insurgency in the North-East and banditry in the North-West. His first year has been defined by a soldier-centred vision aimed at improving both combat effectiveness and personnel welfare.
The one-year anniversary of Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu’s appointment reflects a period intended to bring clarity of purpose to the Army’s operations and internal management.
Institutional reforms and security developments
Central to Shaibu’s leadership has been the implementation of measurable institutional reforms. These changes aim to improve the operational efficiency of the Nigerian Army by addressing internal administrative processes and streamlining logistics. A soldier-centred approach has been prioritised to ensure that troops on the front lines are better equipped and supported, which is intended to boost morale in high-pressure combat zones.
The leadership has also focused on professional vigour, seeking to refine the tactical capabilities of the Army’s technical and intelligence corps. These efforts are designed to counter the asymmetric warfare tactics employed by non-state armed groups across the country. Military analysts note that the emphasis on leadership clarity is a direct response to the need for more coordinated responses to security challenges in the North-East and North-West zones.
The Nigerian Army has historically struggled with issues ranging from equipment shortages to command-and-control challenges. Under Shaibu, the focus has shifted towards building a more resilient institutional framework capable of supporting sustained operations. This includes efforts to integrate better intelligence-led movements with ground combat operations to disrupt the activities of criminal elements.
While the Army has reported tangible security gains during this 12-month period, the effectiveness of these reforms against persistent threats like kidnapping and large-scale banditry remains under scrutiny. The transition from institutional reform to sustained territorial control is the primary challenge facing the Army command in the upcoming year.
The Nigerian Army command is expected to continue its trajectory of technical upgrades and personnel welfare improvements as part of its ongoing operational strategy.
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