Amidst criticisms, particularly following the accidental bombing of civilians in Kaduna State, the Nigerian Army has earmarked a budget of N2,555,713,396 to operationalize its revived aviation unit in the 2024 financial year. President Bola Tinubu submitted the 2024 budget estimate to the National Assembly, which includes an additional N850 million for establishing the army’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (drone) command.
In September, Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja explained the revival of the aviation unit, emphasizing its complementarity to ground troops’ responsiveness, agility, and efficiency during operations. He highlighted the effectiveness of aviation units in other countries like the United States, Egypt, Kenya, and Pakistan in combating contemporary security threats.
During the Nigerian Army Aviation seminar in Abuja on September 26, Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja disclosed that President Tinubu had approved the procurement of 12 MD 530F Cayuse Attack Helicopters for the army. He expressed the army’s willingness to learn from the experiences of other nations in army aviation and mentioned the submission of the aviation outfit to the Nigerian Air Force for proper mentoring.
However, the Nigerian Army faced severe criticism after its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) accidentally bombed villagers in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State, resulting in a rising death toll of 126 individuals. Many questioned the army’s decision to engage in airstrikes instead of partnering with the Air Force for air support. The Federal Government vowed to punish those found culpable for the tragic incident.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Tinubu, visited the injured at the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, assuring that measures would be taken to avert future occurrences, and those found culpable would be punished accordingly.
With a budget exceeding N3 billion for its aviation unit in 2024, the Nigerian Army, despite apologizing for the mistake, appears determined to optimize its aviation capabilities. Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa defended the army’s right to have an aviation unit, emphasizing the joint operations among the military branches.
Additionally, the army plans to spend about N32 billion on barracks construction and renovations across the country for both officers and soldiers, with the work to be carried out through direct labor.
