The Nigerian Army has increased the role of military aviation in its counter-terrorism campaign with the Chief of Army Staff directing personnel of the Army Aviation to intensify air operations against terrorists and armed groups.
The Army Chief, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, gave the charge at the unveiling of the Coordinator’s Residence for the Nigerian Army Aviation Command and newly completed accommodation for officers and soldiers at Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri, Abuja.
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While talking to the Army Aviation personnel, the COAS said air power was a decisive component of modern warfare particularly in counter-insurgency operations. He said the Aviation Command had become indispensable in intelligence, surveillance, troop mobility, medical evacuation and precision strikes against terrorist and bandit groups operating across the country.
Lieutenant General Shaibu urged the personnel to take full advantage of the available aviation platforms to dominate the airspace and deny the criminal elements freedom of action, adding that the importance of sustained aerial superiority to degrading terrorist capabilities and restoring security to the affected regions cannot be over emphasised.
He also linked the new accommodation to the Army’s Soldier-First philosophy, saying that improved welfare directly improves morale, operational focus and mission effectiveness. The COAS challenged Army Aviation personnel to justify the investment through enhanced professionalism and impactful operational results in all theatres.
The Army Headquarters reiterated its resolve to build up the Aviation Command through continuous investments in modern equipment, infrastructure and operational capabilities.
The COAS appreciated the Directorate of Procurement for the timely completion of the accommodation project and termed it another milestone in the Service’s personnel welfare programme.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Coordinator, Nigerian Army Aviation Command, Brigadier General Al-Amin Ibrahim, commended the COAS for his leadership and continued investment in the welfare of personnel.
The project, he said, “is a reflection of the deliberate efforts to strengthen the Army Aviation and at the same time, to continue the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a professional, welfare-driven and combat-ready force capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
