Army aviation playing decisive role in operations — COAS

Abuja: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says Nigerian Army Aviation is now playing a decisive role in ongoing operations, significantly enhancing combat effectiveness across theatres.

Shaibu said this on Monday in Abuja, at the opening of the Chief of Army Staff First Bi-Annual Conference 2026.

He described the growing integration of air assets into ground operations as a major force multiplier, improving troop mobility, precision strikes and rapid response capabilities.

According to him, a key milestone was recently achieved in the North-East theatre where Nigerian Army aviation assets successfully supported the insertion and extraction of troops in difficult terrains, including the Tunggutu Triangle.

“This marks a major operational breakthrough in our efforts to dominate previously inaccessible areas and disrupt terrorist activities with greater speed and precision.”

The COAS noted that the Army had also strengthened its operational posture through sustained deployments, reconfiguration of formations and establishment of new units in critical areas.

He said the evolving security environment required a more agile, technology-driven and intelligence-led force, capable of responding effectively to asymmetric threats across the country.

Shaibu reiterated the Army’s commitment to deepening joint and inter-agency collaboration, as well as leveraging strategic partnerships to enhance operational outcomes.

He commended officers and soldiers for their resilience and professionalism, while urging commanders to remain adaptive and mission-focused in tackling emerging security challenges.

In his opening remarks, the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Alabi, said the conference was aimed at reviewing ongoing operations, assessing challenges and developing practical strategies to improve effectiveness.

Alabi urged participants to be solution-oriented in their deliberations with a view to further reposition the Nigerian Army in line with its constitutional responsibilities.

The conference brought together senior officers, commanders and heads of formations and institutions to chart the army’s operational direction for the rest of the year.