The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed that the expansion of Army Aviation remains a key pillar of Nigeria’s modernisation drive and a decisive factor in countering emerging security threats across the country.

The COAS made this known during a strategic visit by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa, to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, Shaibu stressed that sustained policy backing and predictable funding are critical to unlocking the full operational impact of air power within the Nigerian Army.

According to him, maintaining superiority in today’s increasingly complex threat environment requires the seamless integration of advanced aviation platforms and unmanned aerial systems with efficient administrative and support frameworks.

The Army Chief highlighted the ongoing expansion of Army Aviation assets and the enhancement of Unmanned Aerial Systems, noting that these capabilities significantly improve response time, precision strikes and situational awareness across multiple theatres of operation.

He explained that the growing air capabilities are redefining battlefield dynamics, strengthening the Army’s capacity to project power, dominate operational space and safeguard civilian populations.

Shaibu further observed that the success of the modernisation programme largely depends on sustainable funding models, transparent procurement processes and robust logistical support, adding that predictable resource flows would ensure continuity, long-term effectiveness and operational dominance.

The COAS also drew attention to rising infrastructural and logistical demands resulting from the increased personnel strength approved by President Bola Tinubu.

With thousands of new recruits currently undergoing training, he called for deliberate investment in barracks construction and facility upgrades to ensure adequate accommodation, improved welfare and better living conditions, which he described as vital to morale, cohesion and combat effectiveness.

In his remarks, Pheelangwa described the visit as a strategic engagement aimed at deepening collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and the Nigerian Army.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening administrative synergy, eliminating procedural bottlenecks and prioritising effective resource governance and policy execution to support the Army’s aviation expansion and the broader military modernisation agenda in the interest of sustained national security.