The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, received members of the 41 Regular Combatant Course Alumni Association at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, in an emotional reunion of brothers-in-arms united by duty, service and shared purpose.

Welcoming his coursemates, the COAS expressed deep appreciation for their visit, describing them as “an integral part of his success journey.” He noted that the bond forged at the Nigerian Defence Academy decades ago remains unbroken, adding that their collective experience and wisdom continue to enrich the Nigerian Army and the nation.

Shaibu pledged to continue working closely with his colleagues, both serving and retired, in advancing national security and sustaining the spirit of unity that defines their course. He revealed that since his appointment, his coursemates have been actively engaging him in discussions on how best to achieve a safer and more secure Nigeria.

He charged them to remain his “eyes and ears,” stating that their continued support, insight and field experience are invaluable to the success of his command. “Together, we can make Nigeria safer, stronger and more united,” he emphasised.

Earlier, the President of the 41 Regular Combatant Course Alumni Association, Major Lancelot Anyanya (Rtd), led the delegation in extending heartfelt congratulations to Shaibu on his appointment as the 25th Chief of Army Staff. He noted that members of the 41 Regular Combatant Course are the first Post-Jubilee Generation Officers of the Nigerian Defence Academy, known for excellence in military service.

Anyanya described the Army Chief as “a friend, brother and leader whose elevation has brought immense joy and pride” to members of the Course across all services. He said the appointment rekindled a sense of collective fulfilment among coursemates, many of whom see in Shaibu the embodiment of professionalism, integrity and excellence.

He commended the COAS for his distinguished service record, recalling his exceptional leadership qualities since their days at the Academy, where Shaibu served as Academy Cadet Adjutant more than three decades ago. He expressed confidence that the Army Chief would continue to discharge his duties with class, excellence and panache, in alignment with the vision of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The delegation also congratulated the COAS’s wife, Mrs Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, for standing firmly behind her husband and for her role as National President, Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), assuring the Army Chief of their total support.