Major General Waidi Shaibu Biography: Net Worth, Religion 2025

Who is Major General Waidi Shaibu?

In a major shake-up of Nigeria’s military leadership, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Major General Waidi Shaibu as the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS). Hailing from Kogi State, Shaibu has built a distinguished career in the Nigerian Army, earning recognition for his operational leadership in counter-insurgency efforts in the North-East.

His appointment marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s security posture, reflecting a government desire to renew the fight against internal threats with experienced commanders.

Early Life & State of Origin

Major General Waidi Shaibu originates from Kogi State, central Nigeria. Though detailed information about his early childhood is sparse, his roots in Kogi State ground his identity and connection to Nigeria’s diverse military leadership.

Growing up in this region may have shaped his world-view and sense of service. He remains identified publicly as Muslim.

Education & Military Training

While full academic credentials are not publicly documented in exhaustive detail, Major General Shaibu’s military education and training trajectory include:

• Numerous command and staff courses within the Nigerian Defence Academy and other Army training institutions.

• Recorded assumption of command posts, e.g., taking over the command of the 7 Division, as reported in January 2022.

• Leadership of the North-East theatre of operations (Operation Hadin Kai) where he oversaw mission planning, hardware refurbishment, and community-engagement initiatives.

These stepping stones illustrate a career shaped by infantry command, counter-insurgency operations, and high-level leadership preparation.

Career Highlights & Operational Achievements

GOC 7 Division

Major General Shaibu served as General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, at Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, which is a major formation in the North-East theatre of operations.

Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai

He then served as the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, leading troops in the fight against insurgents such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). His tenure was marked by significant operational gains — including large numbers of insurgents neutralised or surrendered, weapons seizures, and initiative to build trust with local communities.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS)

In October 2025, he was appointed Chief of Army Staff, one of the highest positions in the Nigerian Army, reflecting confidence in his capabilities and leadership record.

Personal Life: Wife & Children

Major General Waidi Shaibu is married and has three children. His wife’s name is not publicly disclosed, consistent with respect for their privacy. His role as husband and father fits alongside his demanding military duties, and while he keeps his family life relatively private, it is known that he balances service commitments with family responsibilities.

Age, Religion & Net Worth

• Age: 58 years — reflecting decades of service and experience.

• Religion: Islam — he is identified as a Muslim, which also guides some of his values and community engagements.

• Net Worth Estimate: Approximately US $120,500. This figure is an estimate and should be viewed in context: military pay, allowances and official entitlements in Nigeria may differ considerably from private sector compensation.

Contact Details & Public Presence

Publicly available, verified contact information for Major General Shaibu is not provided in open sources, as is standard for high-ranking military officers due to security protocols. For professional or official correspondence, interested parties should direct communications through the Nigerian Army Public Relations or Defence Headquarters channels.

Why His Appointment Matters

1. Operational Credibility: His track record in the North-East gives him credibility for the COAS role at a time when Nigeria’s security challenges are intense.

2. Strategic Renewal: The leadership change signals a broader reset in the nation’s military command structure, potentially paving the way for new tactics and stronger civil-military coordination.

3. Representation: Coming from Kogi State, his rise also speaks to the broader geographic reach of Nigeria’s senior military appointments, reinforcing national integration.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What is Major General Waidi Shaibu’s state of origin?
A: He is from Kogi State in Nigeria.

Q: How old is he?
A: He is approximately 58 years old.

Q: What is his net worth?
A: The publicly cited estimate is around US $120,500.

Q: Is his wife publicly named?
A: No. His wife’s name has not been disclosed publicly; he is married with three children.

Q: What military operations has he led?
A: Among others, he led the North-East theatre under Operation Hadin Kai and commanded the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army.

Q: How can one contact him?
A: Direct personal contact details are not publicly listed. Official correspondence should go through the Nigerian Army’s Public Relations or Defence Ministry channels.

Conclusion

Major General Waidi Shaibu’s appointment as Chief of Army Staff marks a significant milestone in his career — one built on frontline command, counter-insurgency experience, and a firm commitment to service. Hailing from Kogi State and standing at age 58, he combines regional roots with national leadership. Married with three children and practising Islam, he keeps his personal life discrete while serving publicly in one of Nigeria’s top military roles. With an estimated net worth of US $120,500, his profile underscores service over accumulation.

As Nigeria navigates complex security threats, his leadership role is both symbolic and practical. For those tracking the country’s defence evolution, Major General Waidi Shaibu is a figure worth knowing.