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Tag: Air Chief

  • Air chief urges new NAF pilots to embrace teamwork, professionalism

    Air chief urges new NAF pilots to embrace teamwork, professionalism

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has urged 30 newly graduated helicopter pilots of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to uphold professionalism and embrace teamwork in meeting the challenges of modern warfare.

    He gave the charge at the Combined Graduation Ceremony of the Integrated Helicopter Pilot Course 9/2024 and Airline Transport Pilot Licence Course 2/2025, held at the International Helicopter Flying School (IHFS) in Enugu State.

    Represented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Air Vice Marshal Edosa, the CAS congratulated the graduates on their accomplishment and reminded them that they are embarking on a critical mission of national service.

    He said, “You are stepping into a dynamic and complex operational environment. The threats to our national security are multifaceted and constantly evolving. 

    “Your success will depend not only on the flying skills you have acquired but, on your ability, to adapt, collaborate, and operate as part of a coordinated joint force.” 

    Read Also: New aircraft boost NAF’s operational reach – Air Chief

    He urged the new pilots to wear their wings with “humility and a deep sense of responsibility”, stressing that they carry the hopes of a nation and the trust of a service that remains a pillar of peace and stability.

    According to the NAF boss, the graduation marked a significant milestone for IHFS with the commissioning of its newly renovated aircraft hangar, a critical infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving maintenance capabilities and operational readiness. 

    He stressed that the hangar was one of several ongoing projects, including a new school headquarters and 36 units of student accommodation, which demonstrate the NAF’s commitment to transforming IHFS into a global standard for helicopter training. 

    “The Nigerian Air Force is not only training pilots. We are building a self-reliant, mission-oriented, and resilient force capable of meeting the airpower demands of today’s battle space,” he said.

  • New aircraft boost NAF’s operational reach – Air Chief

    New aircraft boost NAF’s operational reach – Air Chief

    Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has said that the recent acquisition of nine brand-new aircraft has greatly enhanced the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) operational effectiveness, enabling more precise and sustained missions across the country.

    He made this known while presenting a paper titled “Military Strategic Leadership in Air Operations: My Perspective” at the Air Force War College in Makurdi.

    Air Marshal Abubakar noted that the strategic investment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has significantly strengthened the NAF’s capabilities, reinforcing its readiness to address national security challenges.

    He said: “These platforms are already making a measurable impact in key operations geared towards enhancing national security. 

    “These acquisitions will further expand the service’s capacity to execute complex missions and maintain momentum in ongoing air operations.

    The NAF boss said that the service is expecting an additional 49 aircraft, with several scheduled for delivery in the coming months. 

    He said last year, the NAF flown over 4,500 hours across 2,304 sorties, executing nearly 2,000 counterinsurgency missions. 

    “Additionally, over 2,600 anti-banditry sorties were carried out, resulting in 4,670 hours of flight time,” the NAF boss said.

    “In support of efforts to combat economic sabotage, the NAF conducted 366 sorties targeting crude oil theft and illegal refining, amassing more than 1,450 hours of flight time. 

    “These figures are not mere statistics, they represent real missions, real risks, and real outcomes.”

    He reported that between June 2023 and the present, NAF strikes killed 3,496 terrorists in the Northeast, with more than 121,000 insurgents and their families surrendering to security forces.

     “Through the strategic deployment of both kinetic and non-kinetic air power, we have disrupted oil theft syndicates and secured critical infrastructure,” he said.

    He cited recent data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, showing a 13% increase in crude oil and condensate production in Q4 2024, attributing the growth to effective air operations and security collaboration.

    The CAS urged the next generation of Air Force leaders to embrace strategic command challenges, saying, ‘Your leadership, professionalism, and resolve will determine the Air Force’s ability to meet current and future security threats.’”

  • Air Chief advocates improved collaboration, research to combat insecurity

    Air Chief advocates improved collaboration, research to combat insecurity

    The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has called for enhanced collaboration with security agencies and improved research to end the country’s ravaging insecurity.

    He made the call on Wednesday, March 27, during an operational visit to the headquarters, Logistics Command, and other units and formations of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Lagos.

    Abubakar, who also visited the air component of joint taskforce Operation AWATSE, noted that the NAF has made significant progress since its establishment in 1962.

    According to the Air Chief, there was good synergy between the security services like the Department of State Services (DSS), Police, Army, and Navy, adding that exchange of intelligence and joint operations were key components of the NAF’s collaborative efforts to enhance national security.

    On the planned 60th anniversary of the NAF, he said the service had evolved from having limited platforms and training facilities at inception to having 30 different aircraft types and a personnel strength of over 35,000 officers and men spread across all geopolitical zones of the country.

    Abubakar acknowledged the transition from conventional to guerrilla warfare and counter-insurgency operations, emphasising the challenges posed by enemies embedded within civilian populations.

    According to him, this scenario sometimes resulted in unintended civilian casualties, reassuring the public of the NAF’s commitment towards minimizing such incidents.

    Underscoring the importance of research and development in driving innovation within the NAF, the CAS highlighted ongoing efforts, including the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) such as the Gulma and Tsaigumi, which were nearing mass production stages.

    He also noted that several NAF research products had been patented, demonstrating the service’s commitment to technological advancement.

  • Maintain high combat readiness against insurgents, Air chief urges troops

    CHIEF of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar has urged troops of Operation Lafiya Dole to maintain high degree of vigilance and combat readiness against insurgents.

    Abubakar, who said it has become imperative for the troops to remain focused in their assigned duty to eliminate remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents from the Northeast, noted that there was so much at stake for the military in the fight against terrorism.

    The CAS spoke while celebrating the Christmas with frontline troops in Maiduguri, Borno State. He was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, NAF Headquarters, Abuja Air Vice Marshal Muhammodu Mahammad.

    A statement by Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola quoted the Air chief as saying that celebrating the festive period with the troops had become a tradition as a way of boosting their morale.

    According to the CAS, such get-togethers help to foster comradeship while providing an avenue to commend the efforts of those involved in the fight against insurgency.

    Abubakar reminded the troops to sustain their efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the Northeast and other parts of Nigeria.

    According to him, “we all are aware that so much is at stake for us in this war against insurgency.

    “As such, we cannot allow ourselves to be taken unawares. While thanking God for his mercies and keeping us alive to see this celebration, I appreciate all your efforts and that of our families for their unending support.”

    The CAS thanked the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, for providing the resources that enabled the NAF to effectively perform its constitutional roles.

    He pledged the determination of the troops to reciprocate by remaining disciplined and exhibiting the highest level of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

    ATF Commander AVM James Gwani expressed the gratitude of officers and men of the ATF to the CAS for his commitment to the morale and welfare of the personnel as well as for providing the necessary facilities and enabling environment that ensured effective and efficient mission accomplishment throughout the year.

  • Air force to acquire more fighter jets, says Air Chief

    THE Air Force More will soon take delivery of more combat platforms like A-29 Super Tucano and JF-17 Thunder Multi Role Fighter jets.

    Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar said yesterday that platforms would tenable the Air Force to respond effectively to national security challenges.

    Abubakar, who did not give details of the number of combat jets being expected, added that the new platforms would enhance the fight against Boko Haram terrorists and armed bandits.

    He spoke yesterday at the NAF Headquarters, Abuja during the winging of another NAF combat pilot, Flying Officer Salihu Ibrahim, who completed his training in the United States of America (USA).

    The Air Force boss said by the winging of Flying Officer Usman, the NAF has successfully winged within three years 91 combat pilots.

    “This is besides the 67 NAF officers who are currently undergoing flying training in various flying institutions both within and outside the country. It is, therefore, expected that by this time next year, the total number of new pilots would reach an unprecedented 158 in just four years,” Air Marshal Abubakar added.

    He said among the 67 student pilots, is the first female NAF student fighter pilot, who is undergoing Specialised Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) in the USA, as well as another female student pilot, who is undergoing helicopter training in South Africa to become the first female helicopter pilot in the NAF.

    Air Marshal Abubakar said he was delighted to receive the pilot back from the USA and congratulated him for his outstanding performances during the SUPT and Basic Fighter Introduction Courses.”A statement signed by the spokesman of the Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, quoted the Air Force boss as saying that the officer’s exceptional results in various courses came as no surprise given his pedigree in emerging as the best graduating NAF Cadet in his course at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and also performing extremely well during the Initial Officer Training (IOT) Course at the Royal Air Force College, Cranwell United Kingdom (UK).

    He noted that these were, no doubt, evidences of the officer’s hard work, dedication and determination to succeed.

    Air Marshal Abubakar urged the officer to sustain the level of commitment to duty, noting that the young pilot was returning to the country at a time when the NAF, with support of the Federal Government, was about to receive additional combat platforms in the shape of the A-29 Super Tucano and JF-17 Thunder Multi-Role Fighter.

  • Air chief warns airmen against politicking

    The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has warned airmen to guard against moves by politicians to use them for rigging.

    Abubakar gave the advice on Tuesday in Yola when he celebrated Eid with airmen at the Yola Air Force Base.

    He urged them to remain professional and avoid political enticement in the discharge of their duties.

    “We are in political times; a lot of politicking is going on, and so I urge you to remain focused. Don’t get distracted by involving in partisan politics; be very careful in your interaction with political leaders.”

    The CAS, who also inaugurated two blocks of 24 flats at the base, said the gesture was to improve professionalism in the service.

    Base Commander, 153 Base Strike Group Air Commodore Anthony Ndache, who spoke on behalf of other co-located unit commanders, praised Abubakar for prioritising the welfare of office.

  • How troops were rescued from starvation, by Air Chief

    The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has explained how ground forces in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency were last year rescued from water starvation at Alagarno, Borno State.

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, said NAS deployed the fastest means of tactical mobility, which involved deploying helicopters to supply drinking water to the trapped troops.

    Abubakar spoke at the Logistics Command’s simulation of air lifting, supply of relief materials held at the 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot (ACMD), Ikeja, Lagos.

    The simulation was codenamed Exercise Omo Oloja. It was opened by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin.

    Abubakar said: “The critical importance of air logistics support was amply demonstrated in 2017 when the Air Force contained the development of an ugly situation in Alagarno, through supply of drinking water by helicopters to ground troops who had been cut off behind enemy lines.

    “From the foregoing, it’s clear that the best planned operations could fail without logistics support and hence, the need to exercise logistics command regularly to determine the effectiveness of our logistics support arrangements in support of NAF operations.”

    As an instrument of national power, he said, the NAF had been contributing its quota to the counter insurgency campaign through the projection of air power as well as the deployment of Special Forces in theatre of operations.

    He added: “The service is also not unmindful of the occasional need for services to participate in humanitarian and relief operations as military aid to civil authority. It is for this reason that NAF embarks on capacity building initiatives, not only for air logistics support operations, but also to support Nigeria’s national, sub-regional and regional obligations.

    “With recent experiences, it has become clear that without air logistics support, it is virtually impossible to execute any military operations.

    “Considering the security challenges we are facing in the country and the West African Sub Region, air power is required, not only in offensive and defensive roles, but also in collection of credible and timely intelligence. It is also required to move forces within the shortest possible time.

    “Indeed, air power is very critical if Nigeria is to discharge its sub-regional obligations in ensuring stability in the sub-region as demonstrated during The Gambian crises…”

    Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Nnamdi Ekeh said the exercise would enable participants have practical experiences on steps to be taken in carrying out medium scale operations viz-a-viz protection of essential facilities during the airlift.

    He said: “At the end of the exercise, the personnel are expected to have a better understanding of flight preparation process, appreciating the strength and weaknesses of air transport as well as the need for close coordination between Operations, Logistics and Air Engineering staff.”

    Present at the event were General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Maj.-Gen Musa Yusuf; Commandant, Nigeria Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) AVM Sanni Liman, among others.

  • Air chief warns against playing politics with security matters

    •Special forces deployed in Zamfara to stop killings

    Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar has warned against playing politics with security issues.

    “I urge you to continue the good work and resist the distraction of politicization of security issues that awash in the social media platforms. I also urge our citizens to resist the call to anarchy.

    “I wish to reassure all Nigerians that the NAF is fully committed to the successful execution of its constitutional roles and will continue to meet its statutory responsibilities of defending the territorial

    integrity of the nation.

    ” The constitution of Nigeria has clearly assigned role to us, the service will continue to work hard to ensure that our people and communities are secured”,

    Marshal Abubakar gave the admonition in his address at the opening ceremony of the 3rd Inter Nigerian Air Force Combat Sports Competition tagged, Uyo 2018, held at Godswill Akpabio International stadium, yesterday.

    He said  the NAF would continue to work with other security agencies by ensuring that no group attempts to take over the constitutional mandate given to them.

    The chief of air force said that, the 3rd edition of the competition was part of measures put in place by the force to ensure that the personnel were in sound mind and body ready to defend the territorial integrity of the nation.

    He urged contingents to take the competition serious as such would help them to perform their tasks effectively and efficiently.

    Special Guest of Honour Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade, said the competition was organized to inculcate core values of the force.

    Represented by his deputy Prof Ivara Esu, Ayade added that the competition would keep air force personnel fit especially in this period of security challenges.

    He assured that the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, would continue to ensure the safety of Nigeria and its people.

    He urged the Nigerian armed forces to rise up and tackle the security threat plaguing the nation, assuring that, the government of Cross River would continue to offer all necessary support and assistance to the Nigerian Air Force.

    Ayade commended the Akwa Ibom Government for constructing standard sporting facilities that is of a very high standard. Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel said combat readiness in exercise was one way to tackle the security challenges being experienced in the country.

    The Air Force  has deployed Special Forces to Zamfara state to stop the incessant bandit attacks on communities in the state.

    NAF Director of Public Relations and Information Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, said the deployment of the forces was based on the directive of Air Marshal Abubakar.

    AVM Adesanya said: “Following the recent attack on Bawan Daji community in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State where some lives were lost, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, directed that Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Special Forces be deployed to Gusau, as part of efforts to stop the incessant banditry attacks.

    “ Accordingly, the NAF Special Forces, who were trained in asymmetric warfare, were airlifted from Kaduna with the NAF C-130 Hercules aircraft to complement the efforts of other security forces on ground to prevent further attack on innocent citizens.

    “The personnel and other supporting staff would operate from the recently established 207 Quick Response Group in Gusau, where they would reinforce the existing Regiment personnel in the Unit in support of the ongoing Operation SHARAN DAJI in the State.

    “In his address to the troops at Gusau shortly before their deployment earlier today, 3 April 2018, the Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command, Air Vice Marshal Ismaila Kaita, announced that the Special Forces would be further deployed to remote areas of Zamfara State, where they would be engaged in Internal Security operations.

    “He therefore further urged them to effectively utilize their experience and training to protect the lives and properties of the people of Zamfara State. He added that the NAF leadership expects the Special Forces to exhibit the highest standards of professionalism and respect for human rights in discharging their duties.

    “In recent times, the NAF has taken additional measures to enhance its contributions to tackling Internal Security challenges in the country, in fulfilment of its constitutional responsibility.

    “ In addition to earlier established Quick Response Groups and Wings and the deployment of NAF Special Forces to various states, the NAF recently established Quick Response Wings at Agatu, Doma and Nguroje in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States respectively to bring security closer to those in the relatively remote areas.

    “Arrangements are also ongoing to establish a new Quick Response Group in Jalingo, Taraba State to superintend the activities of the 3 new Quick Response Wings.”

  • We’re ever ready to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity, says Air Chief

    We’re ever ready to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity, says Air Chief

    Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar said yesterday that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) “is ever ready to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity”.

    The Chief of Air Staff’s statement is coming barely a week after Chief of Army Staff  Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai disclosed that some unscrupulous politicians had been approaching his officers for political assistance.

    Air Marshal Abubakar told his officers and men in Kaduna  during the second quarter meeting that the Air Force must continue to carry out its constitutional duties professionally and ensure that territorial integrity is not undermined by any group or groups.

    “We are more than ever committed to defend the territorial integrity of this country.” Air Marshal Abubakar said, adding:

    “We are also more than ever committed to monitor oil criminals and other activities challenging smooth running of the country. We are going to equip the various units so they can perform there roles effectively.”

    The CAS who also commissioned the newly rehabilitated 401 flights control tower, said the new structure and the modern equipment therein will assist greatly the operation of the flying training school.

  • Air chief: our military policy hasn’t shifted

    Air chief: our military policy hasn’t shifted

    It’s not an official policy of the military to move towards East for military cooperation despite ordering 10 Super Mushshak aircraft from Pakistan and a shift to Russia for training and equipment, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar said at the weekend.

    Abubakar spoke in Ibadan to douse speculations that Nigeria might have shifted towards the East and abandoned its Western allies because of problem in the acquisition of more air platforms from Brazil.

    Citing human rights issues and corruption, the United States was reported to have again blocked Nigeria’s efforts to procure the Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano or A-29 Super Tucano light attack from the second retailer, Brazil.

    The light attack aircraft, which is designed for light attack, counter-insurgency (COIN), close air support and aerial reconnaissance, was sold to Brazil by America. It can only be resold to a third party with consent from America.

    Two weeks ago, Nigeria took delivery of four Super Mushshak aircraft of the 10 ordered from Pakistan.

    They will be used to train new pilots to be deployed to the Northeast to clear up remnants of Boko Haram insurgents.

    “East or West to us in the military doesn’t matter. But what is important is what platform is available to us,” Abubakar said.

    He said the purchase of military hardware by the Air Force  was not premised upon geography, but on who has what is needed by the military.

    “Acquisition of military equipment is determined by the result of threat analysis. If you do your threat analysis and you understand it is important to have such and such platform and that platform is in the South or the North, East or West, you go for it and that is exactly what we are doing; it doesn’t matter if it is the East or West,” Abubakar said.

    The  Air chief said although the Air Force had increased its platform about 300 per cent since 2015, there was room for more.

    “You will never have all that you want to have because we would have loved to have certain number of platforms, but we are comfortable with what we have because we are making full use of them. No country will have all that it wants to have.”

    On the war against Boko Haram, he said: “It is common knowledge that security challenges in the Northeast has been substantially addressed. We are at the tail end of the crisis from my reading of the situation, at least from the military point of view. What is happening is suicide attack, though tragic and unfortunate. It is typical of insurgents trying to cause distractions.

    “These are some challenges you always see in society where you have insurgency. The kind of challenges, where you have large convoy of vehicles moving from one village to the other killing people, that is not going to happen again. But as I said, you might still have isolated cases of bombings.”