Meet Major General Waldi Shaibu: Nigeria’s New Chief of Army Staff

Major General Waidi Shaibu is a Nigerian Army officer who recently served as the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, with a focus on counter-terrorism in the northeast.

He handed over command in April 2025 and is proceeding to the Defence Space Agency in Abuja. During his tenure as Theatre Commander, his forces neutralized over 567 terrorists, recovered significant arms and ammunition, and rescued over 2,225 civilians.

Key roles and career highlights

Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI: Served as the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, leading counter-insurgency efforts in the northeast.

General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division: Before his appointment as Theatre Commander, he was the GOC of 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 of Operation HADIN KAI.
Other previous roles: Also served as the Deputy Commandant/Director of Studies at the National Defence College in Abuja.

Operation HADIN KAI achievements:
Neutralized over 567 terrorists.
Recovered 492 weapons and over 10,714 rounds of ammunition.
Rescued over 2,225 civilians from terrorist enclaves.

Disrupted terrorist command and control by confiscating communication devices.
Post-command: Proceeded to the Defence Space Agency in Abuja after handing over command in April 2025.

Commendations and activities:
Operation ADINKRA: Was decorated with the Operation ADINKRA medal for his leadership.
Inter-agency cooperation: Engaged with other security agencies like the Nigeria Immigration Service to synergize efforts for peace in the northeast.

Community engagement: Visited and engaged with traditional rulers, such as the Shehu of Borno, to solicit cooperation for security efforts.

Training: Declared a Counter-Terrorism Practitioner Course open.