The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed personnel of the Nigerian Army Aviation to intensify operations and ensure the total defeat of bandits and terrorists threatening Nigeria’s peace and security.
Speaking on Tuesday during the unveiling of the Coordinator’s residence and newly completed accommodation for officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army Aviation at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri, Abuja, the COAS said air power remained a critical component of modern warfare and counter-insurgency operations.
He noted that the Army Aviation plays a strategic role in intelligence gathering, troop movement, medical evacuation and precision strikes, stressed that its capabilities must be fully deployed to deny criminal elements freedom of operation.
“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,” Shaibu charged.
The Army Chief said the provision of the new accommodation aligns with the Nigerian Army’s “Soldier First” policy, which prioritises the welfare of personnel to enhance morale and operational effectiveness.
He urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the investment by delivering decisive results across all theatres of operation, while commending the Directorate of Procurement for the timely completion of the project.
Shaibu also reaffirmed the commitment of the Army Headquarters to strengthening the Nigerian Army Aviation with modern equipment and improved infrastructure to enhance its operational capabilities.
In his vote of thanks, the Coordinator of the Nigerian Army Aviation Command, Brigadier General Al-Amin Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to the COAS for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to personnel welfare.
He said the commissioning of the residences demonstrates the Army leadership’s resolve to build a highly professional, welfare-driven and operationally effective force capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
