By Miriam Humbe
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged personnel of the Nigerian Army Aviation to intensify operations aimed at the total annihilation of bandits and terrorists threatening the peace and security of the nation.
Col Appolonia Anele, the Acting Director Army Public Relations disclosed this in a statement signed on Tuesday.
General Shaibu gave the charge on Tuesday, 21 July 2026 while unveiling the Coordinator, NA Aviation Residence and new accommodation for officers and soldiers at Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri, Abuja.
The COAS said air power has become central to modern warfare and counter-insurgency operations.
He noted that the Army Aviation plays a critical role in intelligence gathering, troop movement, medical evacuation, and precision strikes against criminal elements.
“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,” Lieutenant General Shaibu stated.
He added that the provision of decent accommodation for Aviation personnel aligns with the Army’s “Soldier First” policy, aimed at boosting morale and operational efficiency.
He urged the troops to justify the investment by delivering decisive results in all theatres of operation.
The COAS commended the Directorate of Procurement for timely delivery of the project and reaffirmed the Army Headquarters commitment to providing the Aviation arm with modern equipment and infrastructure.
Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Coordinator, Nigerian Army Aviation Command, Brigadier General Al-Amin Ibrahim, expressed profound appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for his visionary leadership and commitment to personnel welfare.
He noted that the commissioning of the residences reflects the COAS’ deliberate efforts to strengthen the Nigerian Army Aviation Command while reinforcing the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a highly professional, welfare-driven and operationally effective force capable of meeting Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
