Who is General Waidi Shaibu, Nigeria’s New Chief of Army Staff?
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Major General Waidi Shaibu as the new Chief of Army Staff, following a major shake-up in Nigeria’s military leadership that saw the replacement of all service chiefs.
The appointment, which took immediate effect, was confirmed in a statement released on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.
Major General Waidi Shaibu succeeds Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, who had served as Army Chief since September 2024. His appointment comes at a critical time in the nation’s fight against insecurity, particularly in the North-East and North-West regions.
Born on 18 December 1971 in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Major General Waidi Shaibu hails from a region known for producing some of the country’s finest military officers. He was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as part of the 41st Regular Course and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Armour Corps on 17 September 1994.
Academic and Professional Qualifications
A highly educated officer, Major General Shaibu holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Nigerian Defence Academy (1993).
He also obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Public Administration from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Calabar.
In addition, he holds a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan and another Master’s in Security and Strategic Studies from the National Defence University in Washington, D.C., United States. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Strategic Studies at the University of Ibadan.
He is also an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where he completed the “Leadership for the 21st Century: Chaos, Conflict, and Courage” programme. He further obtained an Advanced Executive Certificate in Applied Leadership and Strategy under the National Productivity Senior Executive Programme.
Military Training and Courses
Over the years, Major General Shaibu has attended numerous local and international military courses, including: the Young Officers Course (Armour) at the Nigerian Army Armour School, Bauchi (1995); the Company Amphibious Operations Course at the Amphibious Training School, Calabar (1997); and the Junior Staff Course in Ghana (2001).
Others are the Senior Staff Course, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (2006); the Defence Resources Management Course, Kenya (2015); the Higher Defence Management Course, National Defence College, Abuja (2016); and the Counter Terrorism Fellows Programme, College of International Security Affairs, Washington, D.C. (2017).
Operational and Command Experience
Major General Shaibu has served in several military operations, including Operation HARMONY, Operation BOYONA, Operation ZAMAN LAFIYA, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Operation TURA TAKAIBANGO, and Operation HADIN KAI, which focused on counter-insurgency in the North-East.
He has also participated in peacekeeping missions under the African Mission in Sudan and the United Nations Mission in Liberia.
Throughout his career, he has held various command, instructional, and administrative appointments.
These include: Platoon Commander, 245 Recce Battalion; ADC to the General Officer Commanding, 3 Division; Chief of Staff, 23 Brigade Headquarters, Yola; Commanding Officer, 243 Battalion Monguno; and Chief Instructor, Nigerian Army Armour School.
Others are Director of Coordination and Directing Staff, National Defence College, Abuja; Commander, 21 Special Armoured Brigade, Bama; General Officer Commanding, 7 Division; Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai; and Director of Defence Administration.
He is the current Director of Armour Research, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, an office he has held since 22 April 2025.
Awards and Honours
In recognition of his service, Major General Shaibu has received numerous awards and medals, including: Distinguished Service Star (DSS), Distinguished Service Order (DSO LR), Foreign Training Assistance Medal (FTAM), Pass Staff College (psc), Field Command Medal of Honour (FCMH), Command Medal (CM), Purple Heart Medal for Gallantry in Counter-insurgency Operations, General Operations Medal (GOM), and Defence Operations Medal (DOM).
He is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (MNIM).
Married with children, Major General Shaibu enjoys reading, early-morning walks, and deep contemplation.
Profile of New Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as the new Chief of Naval Staff in a move aimed at strengthening the national security architecture.
The appointment, which takes immediate effect, was announced alongside those of other newly appointed service chiefs on Friday.
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas replaces Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, who had served as the Chief of Naval Staff since June 2023.
Born on 20 September 1969 in Kano State, Rear Admiral Abbas hails from Kano State. He was commissioned as a Midshipman in the Nigerian Navy on 18 September 1992 after completing his training as a member of the 40th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.
He attained the rank of Rear Admiral on 10 September 2020, following an illustrious career defined by professionalism, discipline, and strategic leadership within the Nigerian Navy.
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas has held numerous command and administrative positions in the Nigerian Navy, reflecting decades of service across different naval formations.
Among his most notable appointments is his tenure as Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command (CNC) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where he performed credibly well in tackling the activities of sea pirates and illegal oil theft.
He is currently serving at the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, where he continues to contribute to defence policy formulation and inter-service cooperation within the Armed Forces of Nigeria. His experience in strategic operations and resource management has been instrumental in developing operational doctrines that enhance maritime security and national defence coordination.
The presidency described Rear Admiral Abbas as “forthright, imbedded with the right composure, temperament, and maturity to hold higher strategic responsibility.”
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas is a devoted Muslim and a family man.
Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke Takes Command of Nigerian Air Force
Nigeria’s new Chief of Air Staff is Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke. He takes over from Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, who had led the Nigerian Air Force since 2023.
Born on 20 February 1972 in Makurdi, Benue State, Air Vice Marshal Aneke hails from Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State. He began his early education at Army Children School, New Cantonment ‘A’ NDA, Kaduna (1976–1982), and later attended Government College, Kaduna, where he obtained his West African School Certificate in 1987.
Educational Background and Qualifications
Air Vice Marshal Aneke holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from the Nigerian Defence Academy, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from the University of Calabar, and two Master’s Degrees — one in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and another in Political Economy and Development Studies from the University of Abuja.
He also possesses a Professional Certificate in Aviation Safety Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona, Florida, United States. He is currently pursuing a PhD.
Military Career and Professional Training
Air Vice Marshal Aneke began his military career on 10 September 1988 when he was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 40th Regular Combatant Course. He was commissioned as a Pilot Officer into the Nigerian Air Force on 10 September 1993.
Over the years, he has attended several local and international military courses, including: Aeromechanical Engineering Course at the Air Force Institute of Technology (formerly Technical Training Group), Kaduna; Ab-initio and Basic Flying Training at 301 Flying Training School, now 401 Flying Training School, Kaduna; Junior and Senior Staff Courses at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji; and Master’s in Strategic Studies from the United States Air Force Air War College, Montgomery, Alabama.
Command and Staff Appointments
Throughout his distinguished career, Air Vice Marshal Aneke has held numerous appointments within and outside Nigeria.
Some of these include: Admin Officer, Aircraft Overhaul Centre, Ikeja; Commanding Officer, Base Services Wing, Air Maritime Group, Benin; Staff Officer, United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Congo (MONUC), Kinshasa; Fleet Training Officer and Wing Chief of Operations, Presidential Air Fleet, Abuja; Commander, 307 Executive Airlift Group, Abuja; Chief of Staff, Air Training Command, Kaduna; Director of Policy, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force; and Deputy Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.
Until Friday’s appointment, Air Vice Marshal Aneke is the current Air Officer Commanding, Nigerian Air Force Mobility Command, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where he has been credited with strengthening the Air Force’s airlift and intelligence capacity in the Niger Delta and other strategic regions.
Operational Experience
Air Vice Marshal Aneke has participated in several operations within and outside Nigeria.
As a Squadron Leader, he played key roles in Operation Restore Hope in the Niger Delta (2004–2005), and participated extensively in operations in Congo, where he served as an Air Operations Officer in Kinshasa and Chief of Air Operations in the Kindu Region between 2005 and 2006.
He also served as Wing Chief of Operations in the Presidential Air Fleet. His leadership as Commander of the Executive Airlift Group ensured operational oversight of the Beechcraft King Air 350 — the Nigerian Air Force’s frontline intelligence platform for all counterinsurgency operations.
A highly experienced pilot, Air Vice Marshal Aneke is type-rated on multiple aircraft, including the Air Beetle 18, Dornier 228, Citation 500, Falcon 900, Gulfstream V, Gulfstream 550, and Hawker 4000. He holds an Advanced Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) with over 4,359 flying hours.
According to the presidency, “Marshal Aneke is a pilot of repute, and his professional and personal conduct are commendable.”
Awards and Recognition
His medals and decorations include: Grand Service Star (GSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS), General Service Medal (GSM), Field Command Medal (FCM), Passed Staff Course (psc), and United States Air Force War College (USAFWC) recognition.
“He is calm by disposition and, by all standards, a good team player. He is also upright, dependable, and of the right maturity,” said the presidential statement.
Air Vice Marshal Aneke is married to Mrs Ngozi Enderline Aneke, and their marriage is blessed with three sons. He enjoys flying, music, and movies, and credits his achievements to the grace of God.
Biography of Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Undiandeye
Major General Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiandeye, who retains his office, hails from Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State in Nigeria’s South-South region.
Born in 1968, he has built a distinguished career in the Nigerian Army marked by discipline, courage, and commitment to national service.
He enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, as a member of the 40th Regular Course, and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps in 1993.
Educational Qualifications and Professional Training
Major General Undiandeye attended the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, and further attended the Royal Military Academy (Standard Military Course 922), Sandhurst, UK, to complete his cadet training.
On commission, he has attended several military courses, some of which include Nigerian Army College of Logistics, Lagos; Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, for Junior and Senior Courses. He has also attended the National Defence University, Washington, DC, USA, and the National Defence College, Abuja, Nigeria, which he rounded up with a Master’s Degree from the University of Ibadan. Furthermore, he attended the Senior Executives National and International Security Programme at the Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Education, USA, as well as the International Intelligence Directors Course in Chicksands, UK.
His qualifications include a B.A. (Honours) in History and a Master of Arts in Strategic Security Studies. He is an International Counter Terrorism Fellow (ICTF) of the National Defence University’s College of International Security Affairs (CISA), Washington DC, USA.
Military Career and Appointments
Major General Undiandeye has held several command, staff, and instructional appointments in the Nigerian Army and Defence Headquarters.
His notable postings include: Chief of Staff at the Headquarters Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps; Director Lessons Learnt at the Army Headquarters Department of Transformation and Innovation; Director of Foreign Liaison here at the Defence Intelligence Agency; Deputy Chief Operations Officer, United Nations Mission in Liberia; Deputy Chief of Assessments, UNHQ – New York; and a pioneer seconded staff to the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).
He also served as a Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, as Director Psychological Warfare at Defence Headquarters and as the Deputy Commandant at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre. Until his recent appointment, he was the Commandant at Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peace Keeping Centre, Jaji.
Honours and Decorations
Major General Undiandeye’s military decorations include: Grand Service Star (GSS), Defence Meritorious Star (DMS), Defence Administration Medal (DAM), Field Command Medal (FCM), Training Support Medal (TSM), International Counterterrorism Fellow (ICTF), and United Nations Headquarters Medal 2013.
He is a Fellow of the National Defence College (fdc), Nigeria, and the National Defense University, Washington DC, USA (fndu).
He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Administration (FCAI), Fellow of the International Institute of Professional Security (FIIPS), and Fellow of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (FNARC).
“His intelligence, instructional, and operational experiences would give him a good overview and coordination of the Armed Forces’ activities,” the statement from the State House noted.
Major General Undiandeye is happily married to Jane Ekor, and their union is blessed with three Children. His hobbies include reading, playing golf, photography and nature watching.
Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede Replaces Gen. Musa as Chief of Defence Staff
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
The announcement, contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, described Oluyede as a “seasoned infantry general.”
Born on 21 June 1968 in Ikere-Ekiti, General Oluyede hails from Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State. He attended Holy Trinity Primary School, Ikere-Ekiti, and Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, before gaining admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1987 as a member of the 39 Regular Course. He was commissioned into the Infantry Corps on 19 December 1992, having completed his cadet training with distinction.
Distinguished Academic and Military Background
The new Chief of Defence Staff is both a soldier and a scholar. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s of Arts Degrees in Economics from the Nigerian Defence Academy, and is a graduate of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, where he earned the prestigious Member of the National Institute (mni) title.
His military education includes the Young Officers’ Course (Infantry), Regimental Signal Officers’ Course, and the Commanding Officers’ Course at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji. He also attended the United Nations Logistics Officers’ Course at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Centre, Ghana, and the United Nations Military Observers’ Course at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji.
He is an alumnus of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, where he completed both the Junior and Senior Staff Courses. He later attended the Strategic Leadership Course at the Nigerian Defence Academy and the Senior Executive Course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies.
Career and Command Experience
Over his illustrious career, General Oluyede has held numerous command, staff, and instructional positions in the Nigerian Army. His early service saw him as Platoon Commander and Company Second-in-Command in the 65 Mechanised Battalion and the 177 Guards Battalion, respectively.
He later commanded at higher levels, serving as Commander 27 Task Force Brigade, Commander Sector 2 Operation Lafiya Dole, and later General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Port Harcourt. He also served as Commandant, Amphibious Training School (ATS), where he was commended for transformative leadership.
Among his notable initiatives were the construction of a swimming pool and skills acquisition centre for soldiers’ families, and the refurbishment of several naval gunboats to support anti-oil bunkering operations.
Under his command, Operation Hadin Kai recorded major battlefield successes. His leadership was credited with repelling terrorist attacks in Buni Gari and Damaturu, resulting in the deaths of several high-profile insurgent leaders and the recovery of key weapons. His remarkable achievements earned him commendations from his General Officer Commanding for exhibiting all the “leadership qualities expected of an officer.”
As General Officer Commanding 6 Division, General Oluyede was instrumental in restoring stability in the Niger Delta, curbing oil theft, and improving operational coordination between security agencies.
Elevation to Defence Leadership
Lieutenant General Oluyede was first appointed Acting Chief of Army Staff on 30 October 2024 before being confirmed as the substantive holder in November 2024.
His Command Philosophy, according to the official statement, is centred on “Consolidating the Transformation of the Nigerian Army Towards Bequeathing a Well-Motivated and Combat-Ready Force that can Effectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.”
In line with this vision, General Oluyede introduced key reforms, including improved troop welfare, increased ration cash and operational allowances, and the establishment of a second military depot in Osogbo to enhance recruitment. He also expanded officer commissioning programmes and prioritised the refurbishment and procurement of armoured vehicles, mine-resistant trucks, and night-vision equipment to boost field operations.
According to the Presidency’s statement, “he has rekindled and awakened the fighting spirit of the troops. He has made the welfare of troops a priority and has tremendously improved on it.”
Awards and Decorations
Lieutenant General Oluyede has earned several honours and medals for his exemplary service, including the Nigerian Army Medal (NAM), Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS), and Grand Service Star (GSS).
Others include: Field Command Medal (FCM), Field Command Medal of Honour (FCMH), Training Support Medal (TSM), Corps Medal of Honour (CMH), and Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award (CCA).
General Oluyede, currently the Chief of Army Staff, is married and blessed with children. He enjoys travelling and playing basketball and volleyball.
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