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Tag: CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF

Asiru Hails President Tinubu for Appointing Kogi Indigenes as INEC Chairman and Chief of Army Staff
By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi State Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Asiru Idris, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing two distinguished Kogi indigenes — Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Lt. General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff.
In a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja, Asiru described the appointments as a reflection of President Tinubu’s inclusive leadership and commitment to recognizing talent and competence across all regions of Nigeria.
“It is with immense joy that I express my sincere gratitude, as a proud Kogi indigene and committed public servant, for your recent appointments of our worthy sons into critical positions within your administration,” the statement read.
Asiru said the news of the appointments was received with great excitement across Kogi State, noting that the gesture demonstrated the President’s confidence in the capabilities of the state’s citizens.
“This is a clear affirmation of your confidence in the capabilities of Kogi State indigenes and your commitment to an all-inclusive government that recognizes talent from every corner of the nation,” he said.
The Commissioner lauded President Tinubu’s visionary and detribalized approach to governance, describing the appointments as evidence of his determination to harness the potential of Nigerians from all walks of life for national development.
“I am particularly grateful for the opportunity given to our kinsmen to contribute their expertise, knowledge, and experience to your Renewed Hope agenda,” Asiru added.
He expressed confidence that both appointees would discharge their duties with integrity, professionalism, and dedication, thereby justifying the trust reposed in them by the President and making Kogi State proud.
“There is no vestige of doubt that these appointed individuals will serve the nation with utmost dedication, integrity, and diligence, thereby justifying the confidence you have reposed in them,” Asiru said.
He concluded by reaffirming the people’s unwavering support for President Tinubu’s administration and his commitment to a united and progressive Nigeria.
November 8, 2025
Gov. Ododo Hails Appointment of Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu as New Chief of Army Staff
By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has congratulated Major General Waidi Shaibu on his appointment as the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, describing the development as a moment of pride for the people of Kogi State.
In a statement issued in Lokoja by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Governor Ododo commended President Tinubu for what he described as a demonstration of fairness, equity, and merit in national appointments.
“The Kogi State Government expresses profound gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for appointing Major General Waidi Shaibu, a proud son of Kogi State, as the new Chief of Army Staff,” the statement read.
Governor Ododo said Major General Shaibu’s elevation reflects his track record of professionalism, discipline, and commitment to duty, adding that his leadership will further strengthen the Nigerian Army’s capacity to defend the nation and advance ongoing efforts to enhance security across the country.
“The appointment of Major General Shaibu is a source of pride and inspiration to the people of Kogi State,” the Governor said. “We are confident that his experience and dedication will contribute immensely to the success of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the area of national security.”
Governor Ododo also reaffirmed the loyalty and support of the Kogi State Government to President Tinubu’s administration, pledging continued collaboration with the Federal Government to promote peace and security.
While congratulating the new Army Chief on his well-deserved appointment, the Governor prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and protection as Major General Shaibu undertakes his duties in service to the nation.
“We pray that God grants the new Chief of Army Staff wisdom and courage to excel in his new assignment, ensuring that Nigeria continues to enjoy peace and stability,” Ododo added.
The appointment of Major General Shaibu has been widely welcomed in Kogi State, with many describing it as a recognition of the state’s growing contributions to national service and leadership.
October 25, 2025
Chief of Army Staff Leads Prayer at Mass Grave for Victims of Kaduna Village Bombing

By Milcah Tanimu
In the aftermath of the accidental bombing by the Nigerian Army that claimed the lives of dozens at Tudun Biri in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, led a prayer session on Tuesday for the victims.
Vanguard reported that the Nigerian Army mistakenly targeted a village, assuming it to be a bandits’ camp during a Maulud event in Kurmin Biri village on Sunday night. Tragically, the bombing resulted in the loss of at least 85 lives.
According to a statement from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), 85 bodies have been laid to rest based on information from local authorities, and search efforts are still ongoing to account for any additional victims. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, visited the site and led prayers at the mass grave to honor and remember the victims of this unfortunate incident.
December 5, 2023
Chief of Army Staff to Strengthen Nigerian Army to Combat Security Challenges
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
The Chief of Army Staff, Major Gen. Jaleed Lagbaja says plans are underway to strengthen the Nigerian Army to efficiently tackle insecurity in the country.
Gen Lagbaja spoke while declaring the program to refresh Nigerian Army Project Officers on modern best practices and processes in risk management and project delivery in the Nigerian Army.
The Chief of Army Staff who was represented by the Commander Special Forces Command, Doma, Major Gen Hilary Nzan stated that the program offers opportunities and lauded past efforts in project construction.
Also speaking, the Coordinator, Nigerian Special Projects, Maj Gen Shamshideen Shafaru noted that the anticipated outcomes include identification, assessment and prioritization of risk in construction aimed at mitigating hazards.
Major Gen Shafaru maintained that the excercise will feature several presentations, discussion sessions and demonstration and admonished participants to pay attention.
In his remarks, the Commandant, Core Engineers, Major Gen Philip Alomonbere contended that participants will be exposed to global best practices for effective delivery of projects.
July 19, 2023
Senate Confirms Farouk Yahaya As Chief Of Army Staff
The Senate has confirmed the appointment of Major General Farouk Yahaya as the new Chief of Army Staff.
The red chamber took the decision following the consideration of the report of its joint committee on Defence and Army led by Senators Aliyu Wamakko and Ali Ndume.
The President of the Senate had on June 2, referred the request of President Muhammadu Buhari for Yahaya’s confirmation to the committees.
Details later…
June 22, 2021
Reps Grill COAS Behind Closed-Door Session
The screening of Major General Farouk Yahaya by the joint committee of the House of Representatives on Army and Defence is currently ongoing.
The name of Major General Yahaya was sent to the House by President Muhamadu Buhari, following the tragic death of former Chief of Army Staff, Ibrahim Attahiru, who died alongside 10 others in a plane crash.
Major Gen Yahaya was accompanied to the screening by the Special Adviser to the President on House of Representatives, Umar El-yakub and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence.
Before the session was declared a closed-door session, the Chairman of the Committee on Army, Abdulrasak Namdas, asked the nominee about the synergy between the armed forces and other security agencies.
Major Gen Yahaya said he has a good relationship with the heads of the other branches of the military, including DSS and the Police.
Babajimi Benson, the Chairman of the Committee on Defence moved for the session to be held behind closed door.
Details later…
June 15, 2021
Northern Governors Shocked Over Death Of Chief Of Army Staff
The Northern Governors Forum has expressed deep shock over the air crash involving an airforce plane that killed the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, his aides and crew members in Kaduna.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a statement said the Forum is distressed over the sad incident which claimed the lives of the Army Chief and other officers and men of the Nigerian armed forces who were on an official assignment in the cause of advancing the security and peace of the country.
Lalong said this is another sad day in the history of the nation as it has lost patriotic Nigerians who gave their lives to the defence of the territorial integrity of the country, and also ensuring that its citizens live in peace and security.
He said ” Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru was a committed soldier whose passion for defending Nigeria was very clear throughout his military career even before his appointment as the Chief of Army Staff. Since his appointment, we have engaged him as Northern Governors Forum and individually as Governors towards enhancing the security and safety of our States, region and the nation at large. Within the few months he held sway, we have seen improvements and high resolve to bringing an end to insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities. We had been working on consolidating this before this tragic incident that took his life and that of others working with him. We are highly shocked and pained”.
Lalong while condoling with the the President and Commander in Chief Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian Army, families of the deceased officers and men, as well as the entire Nigerian Armed Forces said the sad event is deeply regrettable but should not deter the Armed Forces from giving their best in the service of the nation just as the deceased COAS, officers and men did before their tragic death.
He prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort their families.
May 22, 2021
New Chief of Army Staff, Attahiru officially resumes duty
The new Chief of Army Staff, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru has officially resumed duty.
He resumed officially after a hand over ceremony at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, on Wednesday.
Attahiru takes over from Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, who resigned Monday.
Following the retirement of the immediate past Service Chiefs, President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the appointment of their replacement.
The new Service Chiefs include, Major-General LEO Irabor, Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General I. Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral AZ Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff and Air Vice-Marshal IO Amao, Chief of Air Staff.
Addressing the new Service Chiefs, Buhari had charged them to be patriotic in the discharge of their duties.
The president had disclosed that Nigeria was in a state of emergency, hence the new Service Chiefs should serve Nigeria well.
January 28, 2021
Chief Of Army Staff Lays Foundation For Army Health Facility In Borno
Chief of Army Staff,COAS,Lt-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has inaugurated the foundation laying of the Nigerian Army Referral Hospital ,ARH, in MAIDUGURI,in his concerted efforts to overcome health and medical challenges often faced by troops in the front line.
He explained that after completion of the facility, troops of Operation Lafiya Dole in Northeast engaged in the fighting of Boko Haram insurgency in Sambisa Forest and Lake Chad region,will have a sigh of relief,as cases hitherto often referred to Kaduna Military hospital will be a thing of the past.
Lt Gen.TY Buratai, disclosed this,Monday,in Maiduguri, at a ground breaking ceremony of the foundation laying of the ARMY referrral hospital.
Hear him,”We’ve made remarkable progress in fighting Boko Haram insurgency. This hospital, after completion, will provide health and medical needs of our troops to end the decade long insurgency in the Northeast”.
According to him, “The completion of the refereral hospital in Maiduguri,fully manned by trained medical staff and mordern equipment,could reduce the lost of time and lives of often referred wounded troops to the Kaduna military hospital.
“The 200-bed capacity world class hospital will also provide quality healthcare delivery services to our troops and residents of Maiduguri metropolis”as the hospital when completed will have a medical and equipment stores, power and gas plants and a parking lot for about 100 vehicles.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state,in a brief remarks, said the state government shares the same philosophy with Lt Gen.TY Buratai, in establishing the Army referral hospital and noted that,the completion of the hospital could also boost and strengthen military/civilian relationship.
“The completion of this hospital will add more value to both troops and communities of Borno state”, he enthused.
June 1, 2020