The Nigerian Army on Thursday held a formal handing and taking over ceremony between the outgoing Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, and the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, Major General Waidi Shaibu, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Following the ceremony, Lt. Gen. Oluyede proceeded to the Defence Headquarters, where he officially assumed duty as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), taking over from General Christopher Musa.
The brief but symbolic event marked a major transition in the military hierarchy, coming shortly after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a series of high-level leadership changes within the Armed Forces.
Senior military officers, directors, and other top personnel witnessed the ceremony at the Army Headquarters, which signified the formal transfer of authority between the outgoing and incoming service chiefs.
“Handing and taking over between the outgoing Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, and the incoming Chief of Army Staff, Maj Gen Waidi Shaibu, in progress at the Nigerian Army Headquarters, Abuja,” a statement from the Army Public Relations Directorate confirmed.
Similar ceremonies were also held at the Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Navy Headquarters, where newly appointed service chiefs took over command.
President Tinubu had earlier announced the appointment of Maj. Gen. Shaibu as the new Chief of Army Staff following the retirement of Lt. Gen. Oluyede. His appointment was subsequently confirmed by the Nigerian Senate in line with constitutional provisions.
During Thursday’s event, Lt. Gen. Oluyede officially handed over documents and instruments of authority to Maj. Gen. Shaibu, symbolizing the completion of the leadership transition.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede, who served as Chief of Army Staff since 2023, formally bowed out of active service after the handover.
Maj. Gen. Shaibu is expected to immediately assume full command responsibilities of the Nigerian Army, as the new leadership team settles into office.