RismadarVoice Reporters
July 21, 2026
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged personnel of the Nigerian Army Aviation to intensify air operations towards the total annihilation of bandits and terrorists threatening the peace, security and territorial integrity of the country.
Lieutenant General Shaibu gave the charge on Tuesday during the unveiling of the Coordinator, Nigerian Army Aviation Residence and newly constructed accommodation for officers and soldiers at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri, Abuja.
The Army Chief described air power as a critical component of modern warfare and counter-insurgency operations, stressing that the Nigerian Army Aviation remains indispensable in intelligence gathering, troop deployment, medical evacuation and precision strikes against criminal elements.
According to him, the Army Aviation must continue to dominate the nation’s airspace and deny terrorists and bandits the freedom to operate.
“Your platforms must be used to dominate the airspace and deny bandits and terrorists freedom of action. I challenge you to ensure the total annihilation of these enemies of the state so that Nigerians can live in peace,” the COAS said.
Lieutenant General Shaibu noted that the provision of quality accommodation for Aviation personnel was in line with the Nigerian Army’s “Soldier First” policy, which prioritises the welfare of personnel as a means of enhancing morale, professionalism and operational effectiveness.
He urged officers and soldiers to reciprocate the investment in their welfare by delivering decisive results across all theatres of operation.
The COAS also commended the Directorate of Procurement for the timely completion of the housing project and reaffirmed the commitment of Army Headquarters to equipping the Aviation arm with modern platforms and infrastructure to effectively confront emerging security threats.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Coordinator, Nigerian Army Aviation Command, Brigadier General Al-Amin Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the welfare of personnel.
He said the commissioning of the residences underscores the COAS’ deliberate efforts to strengthen the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army Aviation Command while advancing the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a highly professional, welfare-driven and operationally effective force capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
