Today marks the conclusion of an impactful first year in office for Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who assumed the role of Nigeria's 25th Chief of Army Staff on 30th October 2025. During this relatively brief period, he has demonstrated clear strategic direction, professional vigour, and a soldier-centric approach that has already led to significant institutional reforms and tangible improvements in the country's security landscape.
Strategic Reforms and Institutional Evolution
Upon taking command, Lieutenant General Shaibu unveiled a distinct command philosophy, structured around five interconnected pillars, collectively known as PROSE:
- Professional Excellence
- Robust Administration
- Operational Readiness
- Strategic Cooperation
- Exemplary Leadership
Central to this philosophy is an unwavering "Soldier-First" ethos, which places the welfare, training, dignity, morale, and empowerment of troops at the forefront, recognising these as the fundamental components of combat effectiveness.
This doctrine, now widely referred to as the "Shaibu Doctrine" and set to be explored in the forthcoming publication, "The Shaibu Doctrine: Mission Command and the Remaking of Nigeria’s Army at War," has instigated a crucial shift. The army has moved away from predominantly static defence postures towards more agile, mobile, and offensive operations. Emphasis has been placed on Mission Command principles, empowering subordinate commanders with clear strategic intent while affording them the initiative to adapt to dynamic battlefield conditions. The outcome is a more responsive, decentralised, and adaptable military force.
Key structural modifications include the historic expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions, a move sanctioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Concurrently, approximately 28,000 additional personnel have been recruited. New formations and units have either been established or operationalised to enhance territorial coverage, reduce response times, and bolster command-and-control capabilities, particularly in the North-West and other regions prone to high threats. Parallel investments in technology, encompassing drones, unmanned aerial systems, improved intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, Army Aviation assets, and multi-domain integration, have begun to modernise the force to confront contemporary threats across land, air, cyber, and information domains.
The welfare of troops has received consistent attention, with improvements in accommodation, medical support (including new helipad facilities for casualty evacuation), timely rotations, modern combat equipment, and enhanced logistics all featuring prominently on his agenda.
Tangible Security Achievements
Under Lieutenant General Shaibu’s command, the Army has maintained relentless offensive pressure against Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits, and other criminal networks. Through both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, the military has successfully neutralised high-value targets, dismantled terrorist camps, recovered substantial quantities of arms and ammunition, and facilitated the rescue of thousands of civilians. Operations in the North-East (Operation Hadin Kai) and North-West (including Operation Fansan Yamma) have yielded notable successes in degrading the capabilities of terrorist and bandit groups, restoring a degree of stability in previously contested areas, and enabling communities to return to productive life.
These operational triumphs are underpinned by stronger inter-agency collaboration, enhanced intelligence sharing, and a renewed commitment to professionalism, discipline, and adherence to the rule of law – principles consistently underscored by the Chief of Army Staff in his engagements with troops and senior commanders.
A Leadership Defined by Purpose
Drawing on extensive operational experience, including prior service as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, General Officer Commanding 7 Division, and earlier command appointments in the North-East, Lieutenant General Shaibu has infused the highest echelons of Army leadership with both battlefield credibility and intellectual depth. His leadership style seamlessly integrates strategic foresight with a genuine concern for the men and women who bear the brunt of Nigeria’s security challenges.
As the Nigerian Army commemorates this first anniversary of his command, the progress achieved is evident: a larger, better-structured, more technologically aware, and soldier-focused force; a doctrinal shift towards initiative and offensive action; and concrete gains against the enduring threats to national security.
The journey of transformation continues, but the robust foundation established in this initial year—characterised by professional excellence, robust administration, operational readiness, strategic cooperation, and exemplary leadership—provides a clear trajectory towards a more resilient and combat-ready Nigerian Army. This ensures its capability to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and foster lasting peace and development.
Congratulations are extended to Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu on a truly remarkable first year as Chief of Army Staff.
The nation acknowledges the profound dedication of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army under his command. It is hoped that the coming years will consolidate these gains for the enhanced security and prosperity of Nigeria.
- Courtesy: Spitze Construction Limited