The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has congratulated outgoing Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa for his service to the nation and welcomed Major‑General Waidi Shaibu on his appointment as Chief of Army Staff.
President Bola Tinubu on Friday announced a shake‑up of the military high command. In a statement by Sunday Dare, the President’s media aide, Lieutenant‑General Olufemi Oluyede was named Chief of Defence Staff. Major‑General Waidi Shaibu was appointed Chief of Army Staff; Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke becomes Chief of Air Staff; Rear Admiral Idi Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff. Major‑General E.A.P. Undiendeye remains Chief of Defence Intelligence.
In a statement issued in Kaduna on Sunday, MBF national spokesman Luka Binniya praised Gen. Musa’s “discipline, professionalism and loyalty,” and credited him with promoting unity across the services and boosting troop morale amid complex security challenges.
“General Musa’s service to Nigeria stands as a profound testimony to discipline, professionalism and loyalty to the nation,” the MBF said. The forum thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity afforded Musa and said it hoped the president would continue to draw on the general’s experience in future defence roles.
The MBF also welcomed Maj.‑Gen. Shaibu’s appointment, noting his record in counterterrorism and his emphasis on intelligence‑led operations, troop welfare and civil‑military collaboration. “We urge General Shaibu to carry out his new responsibilities with dedication, fairness and renewed patriotism,” the statement added.
The forum extended congratulations to all newly appointed service chiefs and prayed for “divine wisdom and unity” as they undertake their duties to secure Nigeria.
