The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Waidi Shaibu, has vowed to deal with the terrorist group, Lakurawa, wreaking havoc in parts of the northern region.
Shaibu, who was recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu, stated this at his screening by the Senate on Wednesday.
He recounted his military career and field experience, highlighting his role as a commanding officer in Borno State, where he played a key part in counterinsurgency operations.
“We defeated Boko Haram insurgents in 2015 and a significant number of terrorists surrendered during my tenure,” he told the lawmakers.
“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.
‘Security Not Cheap’
He further stated that in the long term, the Nigerian Army would enhance career development and prioritise troops’ welfare.
“The Army will deal decisively with the new bandit group known as Lakurawa. It requires a whole-of-society approach.
“While security is not cheap, we will ensure effective management of available resources,” he said.
The screening of Shaibu continued with senators asking him to take a bow and leave (temporarily).
Shaibu is one of the new service chiefs appointed by President Bola Tinubu.
The new service chiefs were appointed by President Bola Tinubu in October, 2025.
Others are Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Vice Marshall S. K. Aneke as the Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff.
Chief of Defence Intelligence Major-General E.A.P Undiendeye retains his position, according to a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President, Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, last Friday.
