₦airaland Forum

Major-General W. Shaibu,Chief of Army Staff

Chronicling Maj Gen Waidi Shuaibu’s 14 months Stint As Theatre Commander, North East Operation Hadin Kai



By: Zagazola Makama
Published: 30 April 2025

Over the past 14 months, Major General Waidi Shuaibu has demonstrated exemplary leadership as the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai in the North East, steering numerous military and civil initiatives aimed at restoring peace, neutralizing terrorism, and stabilizing the region.

His tenure has been marked not only by significant operational successes but also by infrastructural development and community engagement, affirming his commitment to comprehensive counter insurgency strategies.

From the outset of his appointment, Major General Waidi Shuaibu prioritized the enhancement of operational capacity within the theatre. He oversaw the refurbishment and upgrade of military hardware, including fixing ten VP 1 Type 89 APCs, five BMPs, three Steyr APCs, six Camel MRAPs, and other vital equipment belonging to various units such as 199 Special Forces Battalion and 25 Brigade. These efforts were in preparation for the 2024 dry season operations, ensuring the troops had the necessary assets to effectively combat insurgents and carry out their missions.

One of the remarkable feats under his leadership was the successful deep clearance operations into the Sambisa Forest and the TumbuKtu Triangle in February 2024. These operations significantly degraded terrorist and their hideouts as well as supply routes. Furthermore, the orchestrated in theatre Local Community Policing and Peace Enforcement (LCPPE), which took place from 12 to 17 February 2024, helped foster trust with local communities and created an environment conducive to peacebuilding activities.

Major General Waidi Shuaibu's operational achievements are vividly illustrated by the neutralization of over 567 terrorists associated with JAS and ISWAP from February 2024 to date. These targeted assaults coupled with meticulous intelligence gathering resulted in the recovery of 492 assorted weapons, over 10,714 rounds of ammunition, and numerous high value items including general purpose machine guns, rifles, and various explosives. His forces also confiscated large caches of communication devices, including 54 Baofeng radios and 332 mobile phones, disrupting terrorist command and control communications.

The success of counter-terrorism activities extended beyond weapon captures. Under his command, the military rescued over 2,225 civilians from terrorist enclaves. Additionally, more than 9,800 patrols, nearly 2,700 ambushes, and over 990 clearance and offensive operations were carried out, significantly weakening enemy strongholds and restoring safety to the civilian population. Through intensive interdiction NAF Air Component operations conducting 232 missions across 230 sorties, clocking more than 567 hours of flight time the air component remained a force multiplier in the fight.

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) played a crucial role; the Nigerian Air Force UAV command executed 760 ISR missions totaling 6,674 flight hours, providing real-time intelligence and enabling precision strikes. This synergy of air and ground operations facilitated the arrest of over 161 terrorists’ logisticians and the surrender of an astounding 121,012 fighters along with their families, which marked a paradigm shift in the theatre’s counter-insurgency efforts.

Other Key activities was the successful conduct of Operation Desert Sanity III (February to June 2024), aimed at degrading insurgent networks, coupled with the ongoing efforts in community stabilization. The release of over 4,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Kukawa after successful stabilization operations exemplifies the tangible peace dividends under his leadership.

Infrastructure and civil-military cooperation also saw notable progress. The renovation and upgrading of the Headquarters JTF (NE) office complex, construction and furnishing of escort and drivers’ lounges, and the refurbishment of Soldier’s accommodation in the Theatre Command fostered operational efficiency and morale.

In the domain of civil-military engagement, the Theatre Commander organized the Quranic Recitation Competition, which sought to promote harmony and spiritual resilience among the troops and communities. This initiative was complemented by training activities such as IED awareness, detection courses for officers, and specialized weapon handling training for Civil Defense personnel, reflecting his holistic approach to security.

The theatre’s successes extended to high-profile counter-terrorism operations, which involved neutralizing key terrorists leaders including Tahir Baga and Abu Rijal in May and September 2024 respectively. The decapitation strategy, alongside community engagement, significantly weakened the terrorists’ leadership hierarchy.

In recognition of these efforts, the Nigerian military’s North East Theatre under Major General Waidi Shuaibu received the Security Watch Award in December 2024 the most outstanding defense command in Africa an accolade that underscored the effectiveness of his leadership.

His initiatives also contributed to crucial civil-military projects, including the construction of 30 two-bedroom Community Base Quarters and the organization of community engagement activities such as a Quranic recitation contest, which saw three participants sponsored for Hajj pilgrimage.

In addition to operational success, Major General Waidi Shuaibu undertook critical interventions like the timely installation of military-grade long-range surveillance cameras in key locations such as Monguno, Gajiram, and Kekeno, further enhancing battlefield awareness.

Following his accomplished tenure, Major General Waidi Shuaibu was succeeded by Major General Abdulsalam Enesi Abubakar as the 15th Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK). This strategic move has been widely welcomed within security and political circles, as Maj Gen Abubakar brings over a decade of extensive operational, command, and instructional experience. His illustrious career includes serving as Commander Sector 3 OPHK and Multi-National Joint Task Force in Monguno, GOC 7 Division/Commander Sector 1 OPHK Maiduguri, and GOC 3 Division/Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN.

Maj Gen Abubakar’s impressive military background reflects his expertise in offensive operations, community engagement, and infrastructure development—traits that are expected to further bolster the fight against insurgency. His previous roles have seen him successfully lead operations that neutralized high-profile terrorists and disrupted their supply chains, making him a formidable leader capable of steering the theatre toward stability. His advocacy for community involvement and humanitarian assistance underscores his holistic approach to counter-insurgency, which harmonizes military actions with civil development.

Given his extensive experience, Maj Gen Abubakar’s appointment marks an optimistic new chapter in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against terrorism in the North East. As he assumes command, there is cautious hope among stakeholders that his strategic vision and operational expertise will intensify efforts to restore lasting peace, rebuild communities, and secure the region for future generations.



In summary, Major General Waidi Shuaibu’s leadership has yielded remarkable operational successes and infrastructural progress, significantly weakening insurgent networks and delivering tangible peace dividends. His tenure laid the foundation for continued progress, and his successor, Major General Abdulsalam Enesi Abubakar, is expected to leverage his vast experience to accelerate these gains. As Nigeria remains committed to restoring peace in the North East, the leadership baton now passed to Maj Gen Abubakar symbolizes a renewed hope for victory against insurgency and a stable future for the region.


Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzhIaFxxzcY?si=v4pB3p8YugU54jz7

Major-General W. Shaibuwas appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as Chief of Army Staff on Friday, 24 October, 2025.

From the outset of his appointment, Major General Waidi Shuaibu prioritized the enhancement of operational capacity within the theatre. He oversaw the refurbishment and upgrade of military hardware, including fixing ten VP 1 Type 89 APCs, five BMPs, three Steyr APCs, six Camel MRAPs, and other vital equipment belonging to various units such as 199 Special Forces Battalion and 25 Brigade. These efforts were in preparation for the 2024 dry season operations, ensuring the troops had the necessary assets to effectively combat insurgents and carry out their missions.

In recognition of these efforts, the Nigerian military’s North East Theatre under Major General Waidi Shuaibu received the Security Watch Award in December 2024 the most outstanding defense command in Africa an accolade that underscored the effectiveness of his leadership.

In addition to operational success, Major General Waidi Shuaibu undertook critical interventions like the timely installation of military-grade long-range surveillance cameras in key locations such as Monguno, Gajiram, and Kekeno, further enhancing battlefield awareness.


Asiwaju Tinubu will always go for the best of our best Nigerian patriots in service of our great Nation!

Here's wishing Gen. Waidi Shuaibu and his team all the very best.

All the enemies of Nigeria keran. All the enemies of Nigeria will lose las las. They always lose.
God bless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and the Federal Republic of Nigeria for ever.

Congratulations to the Battlefield General himself! You deserve it sir. Please keep giving your best. We will keep praying for you and victory for you. God bless you.

If we are to go by this, the man deserves the appointment.

How can you recover 332 phones and there are still attacks from the terrorist's.... what exactly did the Army intelligence did with the 332 phones.

Fine boy with pink lips.

Doesn't look like he will perform tho.

If you're shaking up the service chiefs then you have to start from the MoD. Even the CAS was performing well yet you removed him. I weep for this nation.

KingAzubuike:
Fine boy.

Doesn't look like he will perform tho

KingAzubuike:
Fine boy.

Doesn't look like he will perform tho

Dey play keyboard warrior.


He said, “In yet another remarkable achievement in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North-East theatre of operations, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force, North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Maj. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Monday, 22 July 2024, handed over another rescued Chibok girl, Ihyi Abdu, to the Borno State government.”

According to the state, Shaibu, while briefing journalists at the Headquarters, Theater Command, Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri, said the conduct of military operations across the theatre was key to achieving the mandate of OPHK, which is to restore normalcy in the North-East, for socio-economic activities to thrive.


Punch Newspaper report on him , 24th July 2024 and that is him in the screenshot below.

And here's what Prof. Zulum, Governor of Borno State, has to say about Gen. Waidi Shuaibu’s phenomenal leadership in battle.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieZRloorQkc

All the terrorists and terrorists sympathizers ti keran!

Mediocrity.
I can tell you categorically that he will flop 🤧 😔.

Col Muhammad Abu Ali, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru, Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, these are "Generals" we lost at the height of winning the war and annihilating the terrorists with brutal bloodied nose.
Maj Gen Waidi Shaibu, Baba God biko protect this one for us.

God bless the Nigerian Military, God bless President Tinubu and God bless Nigeria.

-Kiss the truth!

No story. He should just deal with the bandits and terrorists

Congratulations!

We need tangible results and nothing more!



@hotseat

I hope we see the effects of his experience with the insecurity pervading the entire nation.

tinubo you are sacking northerners and replacing them with southerners, the north will not forget

I hope he will make discernable impact.

Reports of military barracks being overrun by motorcycle carrying insurgents does not bode confidence in the military.

Will this change make any difference? Going after bandit and surpressing them will require the full commitment of our political class because they are the people energizing the bandit across board.

Our military top echelon are also complicit of these bandit attacks, they do shy away going hard because they also benefit from them.

Wish them well, hope this will end the insecurity

Another jihadist in uniform

Mr president, fear fear daddy. My guy fear coup come run change all service chiefs. No worries, ur change go happen come 2027

This is nice and commendable.

Meanwhile check my signature and patronize mo 🙏🙏

Which state is he from,I want to check something

Presidency is not about putting friends and relatives in different post , this is Nigeria for us

So this one will avert the pending coup

Wake me up when they appoint new IGP for police too

Congrats to him and the Igala nation

The problem with fight against terrorism in Nigeria is not the capacity of the Army ranks it is with the non-pollical will to eradicate banditry and boko haram

Mr Waidi will do nothing, in fact he won't make any impact. Not because he is incapable but because Tinubu and the FG is not ready to flush out bandits and boko haram. Those who sponsors banditry and terrorism are the ones that made him President, so he won't want to offend them

Nigeria is ruled by Terrorists and terrorist sponsors!

Doing things the same way with the expectation of different results is just pure sarcasm.

KingAzubuike:
Fine boy with pink lips.

Doesn't look like he will perform tho.

If you're shaking up the service chiefs then you have to start from the MoD. Even the CAS was performing well yet you removed him. I weep for this nation.

As you are weeping, weep well well

KingAzubuike:
Fine boy with pink lips.

Doesn't look like he will perform tho.

If you're shaking up the service chiefs then you have to start from the MoD. Even the CAS was performing well yet you removed him. I weep for this nation.

Go and carry juju and hunters gun and remove him nah

All this one na achievement?
And yet terrorism still linga

Moroccoguy:
If we are to go by this, the man deserves the appointment.

/
The profiles and CV/resume' of Nigerians rarely tally up to their performances. Stellar profiles; mediocre output.

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