The newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, Major General Waheedi Shaibu, officially assumed office on Thursday with a firm commitment to address the escalating security challenges across Nigeria.
He assured citizens of swift, decisive, and coordinated action to safeguard lives and restore public confidence.
During the handover ceremony held in Abuja, Major General Shaibu described the current wave of insecurity marked by fear, displacement, and economic hardship as “unacceptable”, emphasizing that it would receive his “urgent attention.”
“We obviously live in tough times, but we are looking forward. I have no doubt that we have tough people, too. Forging the funnels of fire and designed to weather the challenges of the moment, including those that are yet to come.
“I’m aware of the developing situation in some parts of our dear country, which has put law-abiding citizens in economic hardship, fear and displacement. These situations are not acceptable and need my urgent attention,” he said.
The new Army chief vowed to immediately assess the security landscape and implement effective strategies to “mitigate and ultimately defeat the threat.”
Reaffirming his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian people, Major General Shaibu pledged that the Nigerian Army would not fail in its duty to defend the nation.
“I will carefully and swiftly review the situation and deeply appropriate strategies to mitigate and ultimately defeat the threat.
“I want to assure Mr President and our Commander-in-Chief, as well as Nigerians, that we shall not disappoint the nation,” he said.
Acknowledging the achievements of his predecessor, he commended improvements made in equipment procurement, infrastructure development, and leadership reforms over the past 11 months. He promised to build on those gainsand further transform the Army into a more agile, adaptable, and combat-ready force.
Major General Shaibu also emphasized the importance of deepening professionalism, strengthening regimentation, and enhancing cooperation with other security agencies and government institutions to combat insecurity nationwide.
Addressing troops deployed across the country, he recognized their sacrifices and reaffirmed his commitment to their welfare.
“As someone who has been part of you for most of this fight, I feel you, I feel your families, and we shall not disappoint you,” he said.
He also paid tribute to fallen soldiers, calling for a minute of silence in their honor and promising continued support for their families.
“It is now a new dawn, and I believe we have a job to do,” he concluded.
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