An ambidextrous safety for a firearm is provided. The ambidextrous safety includes separate first and second opposed and spaced-apart thumb safeties that are interconnected by a shaft extending therebetween. The shaft is formed by a first shaft portion extending from the first thumb safety and a second shaft portion extending from the second thumb safety. The first and second shaft portions are interlocked, for instance, via a tongue-and-groove connection. The shaft extends through a separate sleeve which surrounds and reinforces the tongue-and-groove connection and prevents loosening and disconnection thereof.