Army Acquires Additional Drones As COAS Reaffirms Commitment To Troops Welfare

The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shuaibu said the Nigerian Army has expanded its air capabilities with the procurement of additional TP-2 drones and the enhancement of its aviation platforms for combat missions, as part of renewed efforts to improve operational efficiency against security threats nationwide.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving the welfare of personnel, noting that better living standards and prompt welfare benefits were essential to boosting morale and operational performance

The COAS spoke on Wednesday at the end of the 2026 COAS conference, where top military officials assessed current operations, training activities and Nigeria’s changing security challenges.

He explained that the acquisition of advanced military equipment was intended to improve intelligence gathering, enemy tracking, precision engagement and medical evacuation during operations.

He said, “Our investments in modern capabilities, such as the acquisition of additional protracted TP-2 drones and the configuration of the Nigerian Army aviation for combat purposes are timely and strategic.

“These force multipliers have significantly enhanced our surveillance, target acquisition, precision strikes and casualty evacuation capabilities.”

The Army Chief stated that the dynamic nature of modern security threats demanded that troops remain responsive, flexible and innovative in tackling emerging challenges.

He added that deliberations at the conference focused on intelligence, military operations, logistics, administration and institutional reforms aimed at building a more technologically advanced and battle-ready force.

Shuaibu also reiterated the Army’s commitment to improving the welfare of personnel, noting that better living standards and prompt welfare benefits were essential to boosting morale and operational performance.

“As earlier shown in the clip presented by my Chief of Staff, there are several direct intervention projects currently ongoing across the Nigerian Army for a more conducive working and living conditions critical to strengthening the army’s combat readiness. These intervention efforts were made with the realisation that a well-motivated soldier operating in a conducive environment will undoubtedly demonstrate higher morale, loyalty and effectiveness.

“The discussion on welfare programmes such as timely payment of entitlements, improved health care services, educational support and enhanced welfare package will significantly contribute to the overall combat effectiveness of our troops. We must therefore continue to prioritise the well-being of our personnel and their families,” he said.

He further pointed to improvements in recruit drills, specialised military training, professional education and leadership programmes, maintaining that discipline, professionalism and merit remained key pillars of the institution.

The COAS urged commanders across formations to ensure that resolutions reached during the conference translated into practical results on the field.