The Nigerian Army has released the official portrait of Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, urging the public and media outlets to stop using outdated images. The Army emphasized that only the newly released portrait represents the official image of the military chief.
In a statement released on its official handle on Tuesday, the Nigerian Army warned that circulating old images of the COAS could create confusion or misinformation, directing journalists and the public to avoid using older images that depict the COAS at a lower rank.
“To ensure accuracy in media reporting and official communications, we release the official portrait of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. W. Shaibu. The public, press, and organizations are advised against using previous images,” the statement said.
The portrait shows Lt.-Gen. W. Shaibu in full military uniform with his official decorations, reflecting his position as the nation’s top-ranking army officer. The release is part of the Army’s effort to standardize communication materials and provide verified visuals for media and official use.
The Army spokesperson, emphasized, “Visual accuracy is critical in news reporting. Using only authorized images prevents misunderstandings and ensures the integrity of information disseminated to the public.”
Media experts note that releasing official portraits is standard practice for militaries worldwide, serving as both identification tools and symbols of professionalism. The Army highlighted that outdated photos of the COAS had circulated on social media, prompting this clarification.
The Nigerian Army advised media houses and the public to download the official portrait from verified Army channels online. It also warned that continued use of old images could be treated as a breach of official communication protocols.
Online reactions have been mixed. Some citizens praised the Army for ensuring accuracy, while others questioned why the use of old photos could cause confusion. Analysts stress that, in today’s fast-moving digital environment, accurate visuals of public officials are crucial for trust and credibility.
The portrait release coincides with ongoing initiatives by the Nigerian Army to modernize public relations and improve timely dissemination of verified information about military leadership and operations.
The Nigerian Army insists that the official portrait of Lt.-Gen. W. Shaibu is now the recognized visual identity of the COAS. The public and media are urged to comply with this directive to ensure accurate and professional reporting.
