The newly appointed Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Waidi Shaibu, has vowed that the military will eliminate the emerging Lakurawa terrorist group terrorising communities across the northern region.
Shaibu, who was appointed last Friday by President Bola Tinubu, stated this on Wednesday during his screening before the Nigerian Senate in Abuja.
Recounting his military background and operational experience, Shaibu told lawmakers that he had played a leading role in counterinsurgency operations during his tenure as a commanding officer in Borno State, one of the epicentres of Boko Haram’s insurgency.
“We defeated Boko Haram insurgents in 2015 and a significant number of terrorists surrendered during my tenure,” the Army Chief said.
“We leveraged technology to improve operations, and for the past five years, I have been deeply involved in missions that led to the decimation of many terrorist elements,” he added.
Shaibu pledged that under his command, the Nigerian Army would adopt a more strategic and people-centered approach to internal security, while also focusing on personnel welfare and career advancement.
“The Army will deal decisively with the new bandit group known as Lakurawa. It requires a whole-of-society approach,” he said. “While security is not cheap, we will ensure effective management of available resources.”
Following his remarks, the Senate Committee members asked Shaibu to “take a bow and go,” effectively endorsing his nomination.
Major General Shaibu is among the new set of service chiefs appointed by President Tinubu in October 2025. Others include Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retained his position.
The appointments were announced in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.