The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has ordered personnel of the Nigerian Army Aviation to intensify operations for the total annihilation of bandits and terrorists threatening the nation’s peace.
General Shaibu gave the charge on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, during the unveiling of the **Coordinator, NA Aviation Residence and new accommodation for officers and soldiers at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment in Giri, Abuja.
Addressing the troops, the COAS emphasized that air power has become the centerpiece of modern warfare and counter-insurgency. He noted that the Army Aviation arm remains critical to intelligence gathering, rapid 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,” the Army Chief stated.
General Shaibu explained that the provision of decent housing for Aviation personnel is a key pillar of the Army’s “Soldier First” policy. He noted that the initiative is aimed at boosting morale and operational efficiency, urging the beneficiaries to justify the investment by delivering decisive results in all theatres of operation.
While commending the Directorate of Procurement for the timely delivery of the projects, the COAS reaffirmed the commitment of the Army Headquarters to equipping the Aviation wing with modern infrastructure and cutting-edge technology.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Nigerian Army Aviation Command, Brigadier General Al-Amin Ibrahim, expressed his gratitude to the COAS for his visionary leadership. He noted that the commissioning of the residences reflects a deliberate effort to transform the command into a highly professional and welfare-driven force capable of meeting Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
