Army Aviation Expansion Key to Suppressing Emerging Security Threats — COAS
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has described the expansion of the Nigerian Army Aviation wing as a decisive force multiplier and a strategic game-changer in confronting the country’s evolving security threats.
The COAS made the assertion on Thursday during a strategic visit by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, to Army Headquarters in Abuja. He stressed that sustained policy backing and predictable resource allocation remain critical to maximizing the operational impact of air power in ongoing military operations.
According to him, maintaining operational superiority in Nigeria’s increasingly complex threat environment requires the seamless integration of advanced aviation platforms and unmanned aerial systems with efficient administrative and logistical frameworks. He noted that the ongoing expansion of Army Aviation capabilities, alongside enhancements in Unmanned Aerial Systems, has significantly improved response times, precision engagement and situational awareness across multiple theatres of operation.
“These capabilities are redefining battlefield dynamics and strengthening the Nigerian Army’s ability to project power, dominate operational space and protect the civil populace,” he said.
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General Shaibu further emphasized that the sustainability of the modernization drive depends on structured funding mechanisms, streamlined procurement processes and robust logistical support systems. Predictable resource flows, he noted, would guarantee continuity, operational effectiveness and long-term dominance of the Army Aviation component in support of ground forces.
The Army Chief also highlighted the growing infrastructural demands resulting from the increased personnel strength recently approved by Bola Ahmed Tinubu. With thousands of recruits currently undergoing training, he called for deliberate investment in barracks construction and facility upgrades to ensure adequate accommodation, improved welfare and enhanced living standards for troops.
He described welfare and infrastructure development as essential pillars for boosting morale, strengthening cohesion and sustaining operational effectiveness.
In his remarks, Mr. Pheelangwa said the visit was aimed at deepening collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and the Nigerian Army. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening administrative synergy, eliminating procedural bottlenecks and prioritizing sound resource governance and policy implementation in support of the Army’s aviation expansion and broader modernization agenda.
The engagement, according to defence officials, underscores ongoing efforts to reinforce Nigeria’s military capabilities and sustain operational superiority amid persistent security challenges.
By PRNigeria
