COAS Charges Army Aviation to Intensify Offensive Against Terrorists, Commissions New Accommodation in Abuja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has tasked personnel of the Nigerian Army Aviation to intensify operations against bandits and terrorists, urging them to sustain air operations aimed at restoring peace and security across the country.
The COAS gave the directive on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, during the commissioning of the Coordinator, Nigerian Army Aviation Residence and newly constructed accommodation for officers and soldiers at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri, Abuja.
Speaking at the ceremony, Lieutenant General Shaibu described air power as a vital component of modern warfare and counter-insurgency operations, noting that the Nigerian Army Aviation remains critical to intelligence gathering, troop deployment, medical evacuation and precision strikes against criminal elements.
He called on aviation personnel to maximise the use of available air assets in denying terrorists and bandits freedom of movement and operational capability.
“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 explained that the newly commissioned accommodation forms part of the Nigerian Army’s “Soldier First” policy, which prioritises the welfare of personnel as a means of improving morale, professionalism and operational effectiveness.
He urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the Army’s investment by remaining committed to excellence and delivering decisive results across all theatres of operation.
The Army Chief also commended the Directorate of Procurement for the timely completion of the housing project and reaffirmed the commitment of Army Headquarters to equipping the Nigerian Army Aviation with modern infrastructure and operational capabilities.
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 commitment to personnel welfare and institutional development.
He said the commissioning of the residences reflects the Army leadership’s determination to strengthen the operational capacity of the Aviation Command while transforming the Nigerian Army into a highly professional, welfare-driven and combat-ready force capable of addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.
The commissioning underscores the Nigerian Army’s continued efforts to enhance troop welfare while strengthening operational readiness in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other security threats nationwide.
COAS Charges Army Aviation to Intensify Offensive Against Terrorists, Commissions New Accommodation in Abuja