Early Life & Background
Major General Waidi Shaibu was born on 18 December 1971 in the Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He hails from the Igala ethnic group and has dedicated his life to serving his country through the Nigerian Army. From a young age, he showed discipline, intelligence, and leadership — qualities that shaped his successful military career.
Age
As of 2025, Major General Waidi Shaibu is 53 years old. His journey from a young officer to one of the most respected military leaders in Nigeria reflects his deep commitment to national service.
Education
Major General Waidi Shaibu has a strong academic foundation that complements his military training. His educational background includes:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna (1993).
- Post-Graduate Certificate in Public Administration from the Ghana Institute of Management & Public Administration (GIMPA).
- Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Calabar.
- Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan.
- Master’s Degree in Security & Strategic Studies from the National Defence University, Washington, D.C., USA.
- He is currently pursuing a PhD in Strategic Studies at the University of Ibadan.
He has also attended several professional and military training programs, including the Young Officers Course (Armour), the Platoon Commanders Course, and specialized courses at the Infantry School, both in Nigeria and abroad.
This combination of academic and military education has equipped him with exceptional leadership, analytical, and strategic planning skills.
Family
Although Major General Waidi Shaibu is a public figure, he keeps his personal life private. It is reported that he is married to Hajia Safiyyah Hassan and blessed with two children, Haneef and Hafeeza. He is known as a family-oriented man who balances his professional duties with family values and faith.
Career
Major General Waidi Shaibu has had an illustrious career in the Nigerian Army, marked by dedication, discipline, and numerous achievements.
He was commissioned on 17 September 1994 into the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps as a Second Lieutenant. Since then, he has served in various command, instructional, and administrative positions across the country.
Some of his notable career highlights include:
- General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, Borno State — a division central to counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
- Theatre Commander, North-East Joint Task Force (Operation Hadin Kai) — where he led major anti-terrorism campaigns and operations against insurgent groups.
- Oversaw deep clearance operations in the Sambisa Forest and Tumbuktu Triangle, contributing to the restoration of peace in affected communities.
- Supervised the refurbishment of military equipment, improvement of troop morale, and strengthening of civil-military relationships.
- Appointed as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Nigeria in October 2025, marking the peak of his distinguished service career.
Throughout his years of service, Major General Shaibu has earned a reputation for excellence, courage, and professionalism. His leadership is characterized by operational brilliance and a commitment to improving the welfare of soldiers under his command.
Net Worth
As a serving military officer, Major General Waidi Shaibu’s net worth is not publicly available. The Nigerian Armed Forces maintain strict confidentiality on officers’ personal finances. Therefore, any figures circulating online are speculative. However, his true wealth lies in his accomplishments, reputation, and contributions to Nigeria’s security and peacekeeping efforts.
Key Attributes & Recognition
Major General Waidi Shaibu is widely regarded as a disciplined, intelligent, and strategic thinker. He blends academic excellence with field experience, making him an exceptional leader in modern military strategy.
His tenure as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai was marked by significant operational successes, particularly in degrading terrorist networks and securing previously unsafe areas. He is also known for his ability to foster unity among troops and collaborate effectively with civilian authorities.
Impact & Significance
Major General Waidi Shaibu’s appointment as the Chief of Army Staff comes at a crucial time for Nigeria. His deep understanding of counter-insurgency warfare and peace enforcement gives him a unique perspective on tackling the nation’s evolving security challenges.
He is expected to drive reforms aimed at modernizing the Nigerian Army, improving troop welfare, enhancing professionalism, and deepening community engagement to achieve lasting peace and stability.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Major General Waidi Shaibu |
| Date of Birth | 18 December 1971 |
| Age (2025) | 53 years old |
| State of Origin | Kogi State (Olamaboro LGA) |
| Education | B.Eng (NDA), PGCert (GIMPA), MPA (Univ. of Calabar), M.Sc (UI), M.Sc (NDU USA), PhD in view |
| Marital Status | Married to Hajia Safiyyah Hassan |
| Children | Two (Haneef and Hafeeza) |
| Military Commission | 17 September 1994 |
| Notable Roles | GOC 7 Division, Theatre Commander (NE JTF), Chief of Army Staff (2025) |
| Net Worth | Not publicly verified |
Top 4 FAQs About Major General Waidi Shaibu
1. What is Major General Waidi Shaibu’s educational background?
He holds multiple degrees, including a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Public Administration, and several Master’s degrees in Public Administration, Strategic Studies, and Security Studies. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Strategic Studies at the University of Ibadan.
2. Where is Major General Waidi Shaibu from, and how old is he?
He is from Olamaboro Local Government Area in Kogi State, Nigeria. Born on December 18, 1971, he is 53 years old as of 2025.
3. What are Major General Waidi Shaibu’s notable career achievements?
He has served as General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, and was appointed Chief of Army Staff in 2025. Under his command, the Nigerian Army achieved major successes in counter-insurgency operations and improved troop welfare.
4. What is Major General Waidi Shaibu’s net worth?
His exact net worth is not publicly known. As a senior military officer, his income primarily comes from his service, allowances, and benefits. Most online estimates are speculative and not verified.
Final Thoughts
Major General Waidi Shaibu’s story is one of courage, discipline, and commitment to duty. From his early days as a young cadet to becoming Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, his journey reflects resilience and excellence. His leadership continues to inspire the Nigerian Armed Forces and serves as a symbol of dedication to national service.
