major general w shuaibu biography

Major General Waidi Shuaibu

Early Life & Education

Major General Waidi Shuaibu hails from Kogi State in Nigeria. He entered the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) on the 41st Regular Combatant Course and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Armour Corps. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Public Administration, and multiple Master’s degrees including Strategic Studies and Security & Strategic Studies.

Military Career

Shuaibu’s career spans operational command and strategic staff roles:

• He served in infantry and armoured units, and held command posts including Commander of the 21 Special Armour Brigade (Bama) and General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 7 Division.
• He was Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (North-East Nigeria) where he led counter-insurgency operations against terrorism and restored stability in areas long afflicted by Boko Haram and ISWAP.
• Under his leadership, the theatre saw combined arms operations, equipment refurbishment, community engagement initiatives, and improved civil-military cooperation.

Appointment as Chief of Army Staff

In October 2025, Shuaibu was appointed Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army. His promotion came in recognition of his operational experience, leadership in one of the country’s most challenging theatres, and his focus on modernising forces, troop welfare, and integrating army operations with community stability efforts.

Leadership Style & Impact

Major General Shuaibu is known for a soldier-centric leadership style: emphasising readiness, morale, and professional training of troops. He prioritises community stability alongside kinetic operations, exemplified by initiatives to engage local populations, rehabilitate displaced persons, and rebuild infrastructure in conflict-affected zones.

Legacy & Outlook

As Army Chief, Shuaibu’s expected legacy is one of transformation—bolstering the Nigerian Army’s ability to respond to both internal and external threats, strengthening institutional reform, and enhancing civil-military relations. His career trajectory underscores the evolving role of the Nigerian Army in asymmetric warfare, counter-terrorism and national security.