The Nigerian Army has announced plans to expand its aviation wing as part of efforts to strengthen its operational capabilities and improve response to security challenges across the country.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this in Abuja during a meeting with the Chief of the South African Army, Lt.-Gen. Lawrence Mbatha, who was on an official working visit to Nigeria.
Shaibu said the Army was working to build a stronger aviation unit and would explore opportunities for pilot training in South Africa, which has a well-established military aviation training system.
According to him, the proposed collaboration will focus on training Nigerian Army pilots to enhance tactical aviation operations and support ground troops during security missions.
He noted that expanding the Army’s aviation capability would serve as a force multiplier, enabling faster troop deployment, improved reconnaissance, and better air support for soldiers engaged in operations against insurgency, banditry and other security threats.
Beyond pilot training, the partnership is also expected to cover specialised medical training for Nigerian military doctors, particularly in areas such as forensic pathology and trauma care for battlefield injuries.
The Army chief said such cooperation would strengthen the capacity of the Nigerian Army to manage complex security operations while also improving the quality of medical support available to personnel in combat situations.
In his remarks, Mbatha said his visit was aimed at deepening existing military ties between Nigeria and South Africa through knowledge exchange, joint training initiatives and enhanced operational cooperation between the two armies.
He noted that both countries face similar security challenges and could benefit from sharing experiences and expertise in addressing emerging threats.
The planned expansion of the Nigerian Army’s aviation wing forms part of broader efforts to modernise the force and improve its effectiveness in tackling the country’s evolving security challenges.
Abuja Network News
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