The Major General Waidi Shaibu, the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has pledged a decisive crackdown on the emerging terrorist group known as Lakurawa, which has been terrorizing communities across northern Nigeria. Shaibu made this vow during his screening before the Nigerian Senate in Abuja on October 29th, 2025.
Appointed last week by President Bola Tinubu, Major General Shaibu recounted his extensive military experience, especially his role leading counterinsurgency operations in Borno State during Boko Haram’s peak insurgency. “We defeated Boko Haram insurgents in 2015 and saw a significant number of terrorists surrender under my command,” he stated.
He also highlighted the adoption of advanced technology to improve military operations and emphasized his direct involvement in missions that dismantled numerous terrorist cells over the past five years.
Under his new leadership, Shaibu promised a more strategic and people-centered security approach, emphasizing personnel welfare and the effective management of resources. “The Army will deal decisively with the new bandit group known as Lakurawa. This requires a whole-of-society approach,” he said.
He further acknowledged that while security comes at a cost, it will be managed with utmost efficiency.The Senate Committee showed strong support for Shaibu’s appointment, urging him to “take a bow and go,” effectively endorsing him to assume office immediately.Major General Shaibu is among the new set of service chiefs appointed by President Tinubu in October 2025, alongside Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.
Meanwhile, Major General E.A.P. Undiendeye retained his post as Chief of Defence Intelligence. The appointments mark President Tinubu’s strategic effort to reinvigorate Nigeria’s military leadership and enhance the country’s internal security in the face of persistent terrorist and bandit threats.
