The United States Government has commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its high level of preparedness ahead of the delivery of the AH-1Z helicopters to Nigeria, as well as readiness of designated NAF facilities where the aircraft will be domiciled.
A US delegation from PMA-276 led by Robert Galan, conveyed the commendation during a three-day high-level engagement between the delegation and senior NAF stakeholders at the Service Headquarters in Abuja.
The AH-1Z is an advanced twin-engine attack helicopter for modern close air support and multi-role missions. It excels in close air support, anti-armor, anti-air, armed reconnaissance, and fire support coordination, aided by the Target Sight System for long-range target ID and tracking.
NAF’s spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the meeting focused on the comprehensive Programme and Support Plan designed to ensure seamless integration, sustainment, and operational effectiveness of the incoming fleet.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has described the expansion of the Nigerian Army Aviation Wing as a critical pillar and force multiplier in confronting Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, who was represented at the engagement by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdullahi, reaffirmed the Service’s unwavering commitment to aligning all operational, technical, and logistical requirements to guarantee immediate operational readiness upon delivery of the aircraft.
Aneke said the engagement underscored the steady advancement of Nigeria–United States defence cooperation, anchored on mutual trust, shared security objectives, and institutional professionalism.
He also noted that the commendation reflected international recognition of the Nigerian Air Force’s meticulous planning, strategic foresight, and disciplined modernisation drive under his leadership.
According to the air chief, beyond the fleet acquisition, the collaboration strengthens Nigeria’s airpower capability, reinforces national security architecture, and contributes meaningfully to broader national stability and sustainable development.
Speaking on Thursday, when he received the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, Shaibu stressed that sustained policy support and predictable resource allocation are essential to maximising the operational impact of air power.
He maintained that operational superiority in today’s complex threat environment demanded seamless integration of advanced aviation platforms and unmanned aerial systems with responsive administrative frameworks.
“The ongoing expansion of Army Aviation capabilities and enhancement of Unmanned Aerial Systems are vital enablers that significantly improve response times, precision engagement and situational awareness across multiple theatres of operation,” he said.
Shaibu said those capabilities redefine battlefield dynamics and strengthen the ability of the Nigerian Army to project power, dominate operational space and protect civil populace.
According to him, the success of these modernisation efforts depends largely on sustainable funding structures, efficient procurement processes and robust logistical support.
He stressed that predictable resource flows will ensure continuity, operational effectiveness and long-term dominance, enabling the Army Aviation component to fully deliver on its strategic mandate in support of ground operations.
Earlier, Pheelangwa described the visit as a strategic engagement to deepen collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and the Nigerian Army.
The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening administrative synergy, eliminating procedural bottlenecks and prioritising resource governance and policy implementation in support of the Army’s aviation expansion and broader modernisation agenda, to ensure sustained operational superiority and national security
