The Nigerian Army has stepped up the role of military aviation in its counterterrorism campaign, with the Chief of Army Staff directing Army Aviation personnel to intensify air operations against terrorists and armed groups.
The Army Chief, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, delivered the charge while unveiling the Coordinator’s Residence for the Nigerian Army Aviation Command alongside newly completed accommodation for officers and soldiers at Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri, Abuja.
Addressing Army Aviation personnel, the COAS described air power as a decisive component of contemporary warfare, particularly in counter-insurgency operations. He noted that the Aviation Command has become indispensable in intelligence, surveillance, troop mobility, medical evacuation and precision strikes against terrorist and bandit groups operating across the country.
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Lieutenant General Shaibu urged personnel to maximise available aviation platforms to dominate the airspace and deny criminal elements operational freedom, stressing that sustained aerial superiority remains critical to degrading terrorist capabilities and restoring security across affected regions.
He also linked the newly commissioned accommodation to the Army’s Soldier-First philosophy, explaining that improved welfare directly enhances morale, operational focus and mission effectiveness. The COAS challenged Army Aviation personnel to justify the investment through greater professionalism and decisive operational outcomes across all theatres.
The Army Headquarters further reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the Aviation Command through sustained investments in modern equipment, infrastructure and operational capabilities.
The COAS commended the Directorate of Procurement for the timely completion of the accommodation project, describing it as another milestone in the Service’s personnel welfare programme.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Coordinator of the Nigerian Army Aviation Command, Brigadier General Al-Amin Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to the COAS for his leadership and continued investment in personnel welfare.
He said the project reflects deliberate efforts to strengthen Army Aviation while advancing the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a professional, welfare-driven and combat-ready force capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
