COAS Urges Use of Advanced Air Power in Modern Wars; Militaries Target Fertiliser Diversion

In a significant statement during his strategic visit to Abuja, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, underscored the importance of deploying advanced air power to achieve operational superiority in modern wars. He highlighted that this involves integrating aviation platforms and unmanned aerial systems with responsive administrative frameworks.

According to Col Apollonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt Gen Shaibu said, "Sustained policy support and predictable resource allocation are essential for maximising the impact of air power." The COAS further noted that the expansion of the Army Aviation wing is critical in addressing evolving security challenges. He explained that these capabilities have significantly improved response times, precision engagement and situational awareness across various theatres.

The military's plans to regulate fertiliser distribution in the North-east theatre of operations reflect a broader strategy aimed at preventing its use for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Lt Gen Shaibu revealed that recent operations intercepted Toyota pick-up trucks loaded with vehicle spare parts and fabrics, suspected to be destined for terrorist groups. Additionally, soldiers seized 460 bags of fertiliser in the Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State.

Meanwhile, troops under Operation Hadin Kai arrested 42 illegal miners in Gulani LGA of Yobe State, a move intended to disrupt funding sources for insurgency. These actions are part of intensified offensives targeting flashpoints such as Abadam, Bama, and Damboa LGAs of Borno State, and Damaturu and Geidam LGAs of Yobe State.

During a press briefing in Abuja on February 23, 2026, Maj Gen Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, detailed these operations. He mentioned that troops from Operation Hadin Kai intercepted a Toyota pick-up truck loaded with vehicle spare parts and fabrics suspected to be destined for Boko Haram elements on February 23, 2026. In another operation in the same area, soldiers impounded a truck conveying 460 bags of fertiliser suspected to be en route to insurgents.

The COAS also highlighted infrastructure demands due to the increased personnel strength approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. With thousands of recruits currently undergoing training, he called for deliberate investment in barracks construction and facility upgrades to ensure adequate accommodation, improved welfare, and enhanced living standards.

Mr Richard Pheelangwa, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence, described the visit as a strategic engagement aimed at deepening collaboration between the ministry and the Nigerian Army. He reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to enhancing administrative synergy and prioritising effective resource governance in support of the Army's aviation expansion and broader modernisation agenda.

In another development, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma have introduced agro-security patrols to safeguard farmlands and protect herders in the North-west. This initiative aims to reduce farmer-herder tensions and enhance food security while dismantling local criminal networks.

Maj Gen Onoja also cited recent encounters where troops repelled a terrorist incursion with "overwhelming firepower," neutralising several insurgents and forcing others to retreat. He noted that sustained operations have kept Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS elements under pressure, disrupting their operational networks and denying them safe havens.

The military's achievements in February 2026 include arresting 312 terrorists, rescuing 409 kidnapped victims, and receiving the surrender of 46 insurgents. Breaking down these figures, he said 85 suspects were arrested in the North-east, where 104 kidnapped victims were rescued and 46 insurgents, along with their families, surrendered.

In the North-west, 36 terrorists were arrested and 104 victims rescued, while in the North Central, 78 suspects were apprehended and 54 victims freed. In the South-south and South-east, 59 and 54 terrorists were arrested respectively.

Onoja attributed some of these intensified operations to enhanced cooperation with the United States, describing it as a significant boost to Nigeria's counter-terrorism efforts. He expressed confidence that the impact of this collaboration would become increasingly evident.

As the holy seasons of Ramadan and Lent commence, Onoja urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities through the emergency line 193, and continue cooperating with security agencies to ensure peaceful and incident-free observances.

The Nigerian military remains committed to safeguarding the country's security and stability.