The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has described the ongoing expansion of the Nigerian Army Aviation wing as a strategic game-changer and a decisive force multiplier in addressing the country’s evolving security challenges. He made the remark on Thursday, 26 February 2026, during a strategic visit by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the engagement, the COAS noted that the modernization of the Nigerian Army remains a top priority, with air power playing a critical role in enhancing operational effectiveness. He stressed that sustained policy backing and predictable resource allocation are essential to maximize the impact of aviation capabilities in support of ground operations across various theatres.
According to him, maintaining operational superiority in today’s complex security environment requires the seamless integration of advanced aviation platforms and unmanned aerial systems with responsive administrative and logistical frameworks.
He explained that the ongoing expansion of Army Aviation and the enhancement of Unmanned Aerial Systems have significantly improved response times, precision engagement, intelligence gathering and situational awareness.
Lieutenant General Shaibu further stated that these capabilities are redefining battlefield dynamics by enabling the Nigerian Army to project power more effectively, dominate operational space and protect the civil populace. He added that the success of the modernization drive depends largely on sustainable funding, efficient procurement processes and robust logistics to ensure continuity and long-term operational dominance.
The COAS also highlighted the growing infrastructural and logistical demands resulting from the increase in personnel strength approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He advocated deliberate investment in barracks construction and facility upgrades to provide adequate accommodation and improve the welfare and living conditions of troops, noting that enhanced welfare remains essential for morale, cohesion and operational readiness.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, described the visit as a strategic move to deepen collaboration between the Ministry and the Nigerian Army. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening administrative synergy, removing procedural bottlenecks and prioritizing resource governance and policy implementation in support of the Army’s aviation expansion and broader modernization agenda.
He assured that the Ministry would continue to work closely with the Nigerian Army to ensure sustained operational superiority and enhanced national security.
