Major General Waidi Shaibu (N/9895), the Chief of Army Staff and Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, is one of Nigeria’s most accomplished military officers. Born on December 18, 1971, in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, he has built a remarkable career defined by discipline, service, and intellectual depth.
He began his journey in the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as a member of the 41 Regular Course in 1989, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army Armour Corps on September 17, 1994. His academic and military training reflect years of dedication and excellence.
Academic and Professional Excellence
According to Mediaplusng.com, Major General Shaibu holds multiple academic qualifications that demonstrate his commitment to knowledge and leadership development. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the NDA, a Postgraduate Certificate in Public Administration from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, and several Master’s Degrees, including in Public Administration, Strategic Studies, and Security and Strategic Studies from top institutions in Nigeria and the United States.
He is also an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where he studied Leadership for the 21st Century: Chaos, Conflict, and Courage. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Strategic Studies at the University of Ibadan.
Military Training and Operational Experience
Major General Shaibu has attended several military courses both within and outside Nigeria, including the Young Officers Course, Senior Staff Course, Battalion Commanders Course, and the Higher Defence Management Course at the National Defence College, Abuja. His exposure extends internationally to Kenya, Ghana, and the United States, where he completed the Counter Terrorism Fellows Programme in Washington, D.C.
He has played active roles in key military operations such as Operation Harmony, Operation Lafiya Dole, Operation Hadin Kai, and the African Mission in Sudan. His global peacekeeping contributions include service in Liberia under the United Nations Mission and Nigeria’s Foreign Training Assistance Mission.
Command Positions and Leadership Roles
Throughout his illustrious career, Major General Shaibu has held several vital positions, including Platoon Commander, Chief Instructor at the Nigerian Army Armour School, General Officer Commanding 7 Division, and Commander, Sector 1 Operation Hadin Kai. His leadership and strategic experience continue to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency and national security operations.
He currently serves as the Director of Armour Research at the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, a position he assumed on April 22, 2025.
Honours, Awards, and Personal Life
A recipient of multiple military decorations, Major General Shaibu has been awarded the Distinguished Service Star (DSS), Distinguished Service Order (DSO), Command Medal (CM), Field Command Medal of Honour (FCMH), and the Purple Heart Medal for his bravery in counter-insurgency operations. He is also a proud Member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (MNIM).
Beyond his professional life, he enjoys reading, early morning walks, and deep contemplation. He is happily married, and his family continues to be a pillar of support in his service to the nation.
Major General Waidi Shaibu’s story is one of unwavering dedication, resilience, and excellence — embodying the ideals of a true military leader. His lifelong commitment to national service and education continues to inspire both his peers and the younger generation of officers.
