COAS: Expanded Army Aviation to Boost Fight Against Insecurity
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday declared that the ongoing expansion of the Nigerian Army Aviation wing will significantly strengthen the military’s capacity to confront Nigeria’s evolving security threats.
A statement by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director Army Public Relations today in Abuja.
Shaibu described the move as a “strategic game-changer” and a decisive force multiplier designed to enhance operational superiority across multiple theatres of operation.
He spoke at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, while receiving the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwa, during a strategic visit aimed at deepening collaboration between the ministry and the Nigerian Army.
According to the COAS, modern warfare and asymmetric threats demand seamless integration of advanced aviation platforms and unmanned aerial systems with responsive administrative and logistical frameworks.
“Maintaining operational superiority in today’s complex threat environment demands seamless integration of advanced aviation platforms and unmanned aerial systems,” he said.
He noted that the expansion of Army Aviation capabilities, alongside the enhancement of Unmanned Aerial Systems, has significantly improved response time, precision engagement and situational awareness.
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“These capabilities are redefining battlefield dynamics and strengthening the ability of the Nigerian Army to project power, dominate operational space and protect the civil populace,” Shaibu added.
The Army chief, however, stressed that sustained policy backing and predictable funding remain critical to maximizing the impact of air power in counter-insurgency and internal security operations.
He warned that without efficient procurement processes, sustainable funding structures and robust logistics support, modernization gains could be undermined.
Shaibu also raised concerns about growing infrastructural pressure following the recent increase in personnel strength approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
With thousands of recruits currently undergoing training, he called for deliberate investment in barracks construction and facility upgrades to improve accommodation and welfare.
“Enhanced welfare and improved living standards are essential to morale, cohesion and operational effectiveness,” he stated.
In his remarks, Pheelangwa described the engagement as strategic and reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to strengthening administrative synergy with the Army.
He pledged that the ministry would work to eliminate procedural bottlenecks, improve resource governance and support policy implementation to ensure the success of the Army Aviation expansion and broader modernization agenda.
The renewed focus on air capability signals a shift toward technology-driven security operations, as the military seeks to consolidate gains and respond more decisively to Nigeria’s fluid and complex security landscape.
