Expansion Of Army Aviation Strategic To Improving Response Time — COAS

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has said the expansion of the Nigerian Army Aviation wing was a strategic move to improve response time, precision engagement and situational awareness across multiple theatres of operation.

He described the aviation wing as a critical pillar in the modernisation drive and a decisive force multiplier of the Nigerian Army in confronting Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

He stated this on Thursday, February 26, 2026, when he received the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.

In a statement by the Army Spokesperson, Col. Appolonia Anele, the COAS stressed that sustained policy support and predictable resource allocation were essential to maximising the operational impact of air power.

He emphasised that maintaining operational superiority in today’s complex threat environment demanded seamless integration of advanced aviation platforms and unmanned aerial systems with responsive administrative frameworks.

He said, “The ongoing expansion of Army Aviation capabilities and enhancement of Unmanned Aerial Systems as vital enablers that significantly improve response times, precision engagement and situational awareness across multiple theatres of operation.”

According to him, these capabilities were redefining battlefield dynamics and strengthening the ability of the Nigerian Army to project power, dominate operational space and protect civil populace.

The Army Chief further noted that the success of these modernisation efforts depends largely on sustainable funding structures, efficient procurement processes and robust logistical support.

He stressed that predictable resource flows will ensure continuity, operational effectiveness and long-term dominance, enabling the Army Aviation component to fully deliver on its strategic mandate in support of ground operations.

The COAS also drew attention to the growing infrastructural and logistical demands arising from increased personnel strength approved by President Bola Tinubu.

The Army Chief said with thousands of recruits currently in training, a deliberate investment in barracks construction and facility upgrades to guarantee adequate accommodation, enhanced welfare and improved living standards, which he described as essential to morale, cohesion and operational effectiveness.

In his remarks, Mr. Pheelangwa described the visit as a strategic engagement to deepen collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and the Nigerian Army.

He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening administrative synergy, eliminating procedural bottlenecks and prioritising resource governance and policy implementation in support of the Army’s aviation expansion and broader modernisation agenda, to ensure sustained operational superiority and national security.