The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola

  • Flogging of suspected bandits unacceptable – NAF

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has condemned the reported flogging and physical assault of suspected bandits by some military personnel in Zamfara, as totally unacceptable.

    NAF’s  spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, condemned the action in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    ” The attention of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been drawn to a video and some pictures circulating on some social media and online platforms showing some military personnel flogging suspected armed bandits at Shinkafi Local Government Area (LGA) in Zamfara State.

    ” The NAF has discovered that some of its personnel were part of the joint team stationed at the Galadi Sub-Sector at the time.

    ” The NAF wishes to state unequivocally that the troops’ actions of flogging and physically assaulting the disarmed suspects were totally unacceptable and not in consonance with the Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) guiding the conduct of the operation.

    ” Our personnel have always been directed to respect the rights of innocent civilians as well as captured combatants, no matter the provocation.

    ” The joint team had, sequel to intelligence reports, intercepted a group of suspected armed bandits, including some fighters from across the border, at their Sububu Forest hideout whilst they were on the verge of executing an attack against innocent civilians in Shinkafi.

    ” In the process, the team recovered one AK-47 rifle along with 3 loaded magazines and 3 dane guns from the bandits.

    Read also: Senate committee advocates more funding for NAF

    ” In an effort to obtain further information on the criminals’ plans and the location of their armoury, the troops employed unauthorized, crude corporal methods.

    ” The public is to please note that the NAF has zero tolerance for such human rights violations and has since initiated appropriate action to address the anomaly.

    ” In this regard, a Board of Inquiry (BOI) has been set up by the Headquarters Special Operations Command (HQ SOC) to determine the remote and immediate causes of the incident with a view to ensuring that appropriate disciplinary action is taken against all NAF personnel found culpable.”

    The spokesman said the public would be kept informed on the outcome of the investigations.

    He said the NAF, as an organisation, remained a professional fighting force that would continue to operate within the ambits of all relevant laws and procedures.

    Daramola said the NAF would also continue to operate in line with international best practices, while remaining fully accountable to the Nigerian people.(NAN)

  • Polls: Air Force begins airlift of election materials

    The Nigerian Air Force said on Tuesday that it has started the airlift of election materials for the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC).

    A statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air commodore Ibikunle Daramola said the airlift would be conducted day and night to deliver sensitive and non-sensitive materials to designated places.

    Air Commodore Daramola said: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on Monday 11 February 2019, commenced the airlift of electoral materials for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) across the country for the conduct of the 2019 General Elections.

    “The airlift exercise includes day and night missions, during which both sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials were conveyed in batches, with NAF C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja to various airports across the country.

    “The materials were duly delivered by the C-130H aircraft crew to teams of INEC and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) officials together with security personnel waiting at the various airports.

    Read Also; Air Force strikes insurgents in Northern Borno

    “It may be recalled that the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, during his meeting with Air Officers Commanding (AOCs) and NAF Field Commanders on 1 February 2019, had expressed the readiness of the NAF to avail INEC its transport aircraft to enable expeditious movement of electoral materials, as done in the past.

    “It is pertinent to state that the transport aircraft are deployed solely to provide airlift support to meet INEC’s logistics requirements, in fulfilment of NAF’s constitutional role of providing Military Aid to Civil Authority. “

  • Air Force neutralises bandits in Zamfara again

    The Nigerian Air Force said on Friday that it has destroyed another hideout of armed bandits in Zamfara state, killing some of the bandits during the attacks.

    Air Force Director of Information and Public Relations, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement said the strikes on the bandits were carried out following credible intelligence reports confirming their presence in the area.

    Air Commodore Daramola said : “The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation DIRAN MIKIYA has destroyed another armed bandits’ hideout and neutralized several of their fighters near Doumbourou Hill in Zamfara State.

    “The attack was executed yesterday, 2 January 2019, following human intelligence (HUMINT) reports, which were later confirmed by Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, indicating that a large number of bandits, armed with high calibre weapons, regularly assemble at a compound around the foot of the Hill before going out on operations.

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    ” Accordingly, the ATF scrambled 2 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) attack helicopters, supported by an ISR platform, to engage the bandits and destroy their compound. The helicopters strafed the target area in successive waves of attack, with the first wave causing some damage to the structures and neutralizing some of their fighters.

    “The second wave was sequenced to engage the armed bandits as they re-emerged out of their hiding places, thus inflicting further fatalities on them. Credible HUMINT sources later revealed that the leader of the group was amongst those killed during the attack.

    ” The ATF, will continue to work in close coordination with surface forces and other security agencies, to conduct reconnaissance and air interdiction missions with a view to restoring normalcy to the affected States in the Northwest”.

  • Air Force strikes Boko Haram camp in Borno

    The Nigerian Air Force said Tuesday that Boko Haram terrorists camp at Ngwuri Gana in Borno state has been destroyed through air strikes while scores of terrorists were also neutralised.

    The Spokesman of the Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement that the air operations were conducted after intelligence reports have established the presence of the insurgents in the area.

    Read Also:Air Force strikes Boko Haram base in Borno

    Air Commodore Daramola said: “In continuation of operations to seek out and destroy remnants of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) in the North East, the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE yesterday, 5 November 2018, destroyed a BHT Camp and neutralized several terrorists at Ngwuri Gana in Borno State.

    “The operation was carried out based on human intelligence reports indicating that the settlement was one of the locations from where BHTs launch attacks against own troops’ positions and villages around the general area of Kumshe.

    “Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions later confirmed the presence of a large number of BHTs in the settlement and also identified a suspected Communications Centre with BHT flag and solar panels mounted.

    ” Accordingly, the ATF launched a coordinated attack on various targets within the settlement employing Alpha Jet and F-7Ni aircraft as well as Mi-35 attack helicopters leading to the destruction of BHT Communication Centre and neutralization of several BHTs.

    ” The NAF, working in concert with surface forces, will sustain the tempo of operations with a view to destroying all remnants of the terrorists in Borno State”.

  • Air Force Strikes Boko Haram members in Borno

    The Nigerian Air Force Monday said scores of Boko Haram Terrorists have been killed at their hideout in Bogum, Borno state.

    Spokesman for the Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement that the attacks on the terrorists were carried out with two Mi-35 Helicopter gunships.

    Read Also:Air Force bombs Boko Haram training camp

    Air Commodore Daramola said: “The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has decimated a Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) hideout and neutralized several terrorists at Bogum in Northern Borno State.

    “The attack was carried out Monday, 14 October 2018, after intelligence reports indicated significant BHT activities within the settlement.

    “The ATF scrambled two Mi-35 Helicopter Gunships to engage and destroy the identified BHT positions in the village.

    “Overhead the target, the concentration areas of the BHTs were attacked in successive waves by the helicopters with direct hits recorded on the targets, leading to the neutralization of several BHTs. The few surviving BHTs were tracked and mopped up in subsequent follow on attacks.

    “The NAF, working in concert with surface forces, will sustain the tempo of operations with a view to destroying all remnants of the terrorists on the fringes of Lake Chad and other areas in Northern Borno”.

  • Breaking: Air Force Jets crash in Abuja

    The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the crash of two of its aircraft involved in the on-going rehearsals for the 58 Independence Anniversary Celebration of the country.

    The crash occurred around 11 am on Friday at Mpape area of Abuja metropolis.

    Read Also: Nine die in Ekiti road crash

    No lives were lost in the crash.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola confirmed the crash in a statement.

    He said: “I wish to confirm an air incident involving 2 Nigerian Air Force aircraft taking part in the rehearsals for the 58th Independence Day Celebrations.

    “Thankfully no lives were lost. Details will be communicated later. Thank you”

  • Air Force Bombs Boko Haram locations in Lake Chad, Damasak

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Friday said more air attacks are being carried out against Boko Haram Terrorists in the fringes of Lake Chad and at Damasak in support of ground troops leading to the death of scores of the insurgents.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information of NAF, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola explained in a statement that the air interdictions were conducted through the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole and Operation Thunder Strike II.

    Read Also:NAF neutralises Boko Haram vehicle, fighters in Borno

    He also said Boko Haram facilities and their vehicles were destroyed in raids conducted at Tumbun on the fringes of Lake Chad and at Damasak in northern part of Borno state.

    Air Commodore Daramola said: “As Operation THUNDER STRIKE 2 entered the tenth day, Friday, 12 September 2018, the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has recorded significant successes against Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) in air raids conducted at Tumbun Rego on the fringes of Lake Chad in Borno State.

    “The attacks were conducted in successive waves, involving Nigerian Air Force (NAF) F-7Ni and Alpha Jet combat aircraft as well as Mi-35M Helicopter Gunships supported by Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, resulting in the destruction of a BHT vehicle and neutralization of scores of insurgents.

    “Characteristic of the insurgents’ tactics, the BHT fighters were initially well camouflaged under foliage and inside abandoned buildings within the settlement. However, timely intelligence enabled the ISR platforms to track and locate one of the BHT vehicles as it was entering the settlement. The vehicle was engaged and destroyed by the attack aircraft.

    “Subsequent waves of attack targeted the scores of insurgents that emerged from their hiding places after the attack on the vehicle. These were engaged in turns by the attack aircraft and neutralized.

    “In another development, the ATF conducted several ISR and Close Air Support missions throughout the night of 12 and early morning of 13 September 2018 in support of troops of the 145 Nigerian Army Battalion, ensuring that the BHTs’ attack at Damasak was thwarted.

    “Meanwhile, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, was in Maiduguri today, 13 September 2018, to again assess progress of the operation as well as boost the morale of the frontline troops.

    “He seized the opportunity to commend the Command and personnel of the ATF for their efforts while urging them to sustain the momentum of operations with a view to locating and destroying all remnants of the insurgents within the fringes of Lake Chad and other areas in Northern Borno”.

  • Air Force kills several bandits in Zamfara forests

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said on Tuesday that several armed bandits have been killed through air strikes in the forests of Zamfara state following intelligence reports on the locations of the bandits.

    According to the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, the Air Task Force of Operation Diran Mikiya carried out the attacks against the bandits in Bayan Ruwa and Rugu Forests in the eastern axis Zamfara state.

    Read Also:Soldiers to rebuild public infrastructure destroyed by bandits in Zamfara

    Air Commodore Daramola in a statement further revealed that the bandits’ warehouses and make shift structures in Rugu Forests were destroyed during the operation which was conducted with the support of ground troops.

    Air Commodore Daramola said : “In continuation of operations to flush armed bandits out of the Northwestern part of the country, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Air Task Force (ATF) for Operation DIRAN MIKIYA has, between 25 and 27 August 2018, successfully neutralized several armed bandits at BAYAN RUWA and RUGU FOREST in the Eastern part of Zamfara State.

    “The attack on BAYAN RUWA was executed following an encounter with a notorious group of armed bandits by own ground forces whilst conducting clearance operations on 25 August 2018. The troops called for close air support and the ATF dispatched a ground attack aircraft as well as an attack helicopter to the location.

    “The aircraft supported the ground forces of Sector 3 to inflict maximum damage on the criminal elements.

    “On 26 August 2018, an attack helicopter on armed reconnaissance around same location sighted makeshift structures within a forested area suspected to be a new hideout being developed by the bandits that survived the attack of the previous day.

    “The helicopter subsequently engaged the location. Some of the bandits, who were seen attempting to flee the location, were mopped up by subsequent follow-on attacks.

    “Similarly, armed reconnaissance missions conducted on 26 and 27 August 2018, revealed the presence of some armed bandits at a settlement East of HAYIN ALHAJI as well as some warehouse-like structures deep inside RUGU FOREST that were being used as hideouts by the bandits. Several armed bandits and a considerable number of rustled cattle were seen around one of the makeshift warehouses.

    “Accordingly, the warehouses and the criminals operating there were attacked by the combat helicopters leading to the destruction of the makeshift buildings and neutralization of several armed bandits.

    “The ATF will continue to dominate the area through armed reconnaissance and air interdiction missions to completely decimate the armed bandits in order to ensure a return to normalcy in Zamfara and other States in the North West. All persons involved in armed banditry in the area are therefore advised to renounce violence, surrender to security agencies and hand over their weapons.”

  • Air Force bombs bandits in Zamfara, scores killed

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Friday said scores of armed bandits have been killed through air strikes near Mashema Village and at another location 4km southeast of Yanmari, all in Zamfara state.

    The new Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement that air raids were carried out on the locations of the bandits with NAF Alpha Jet aircraft and the support of ground troops resulting in the deaths of several of them.

    Read Also:Buhari deploys fighter jets after Zamfara bandits

    Air Commodore Daramola said: “OPERATION DIRAN MIKIYA has recorded some early successes, as Nigerian Air Force (NAF) combat aircraft neutralized several armed bandits during air attacks near Mashema Village and at another location 4km Southeast of Yanmari, both in Zamfara State.

    “On 1 August 2018, ground troops, while on clearance operations near Mashema, came in contact with a group of armed bandits at a location West of Mashema Village and therefore requested for air support. Accordingly, a NAF Alpha Jet aircraft from Katsina and an Mi-35M from Gusau were scrambled.

    “In close coordination with troops on the ground, the combat aircraft engaged the bandits’ location with rockets and cannons neutralizing several of them and causing a few survivors to scamper in different directions.   The 2 aircraft subsequently pursued the fleeing bandits and thereafter neutralized them in follow-up attacks.

    “Similarly, while on armed reconnaissance on 2 August 2018, a NAF combat helicopter located over twenty armed bandits dressed in black attire with stolen cattle in their custody, in an open field near Yankari and Hayin Alhaji villages.

    “The bandits, a few of whom were mounted on motorcycles, began to disperse on hearing the sound of the helicopter but were engaged by the helicopters’ machine guns. Several armed bandits were neutralized in the air attack while a few survivors, seen fleeing the location, were taken out in subsequent follow-up attacks.

    “It will be recalled that OPERATION DIRAN MIKIYA, which commenced on 31 July 2018, is an intensive air operation aimed at locating and neutralizing armed bandits and other criminal elements in the Northwest with a view to restoring normalcy in the affected areas.

    “The Operation will be sustained, in coordination with sister Services and other security agencies, to stop killings, cattle rustling and other criminal activities. Accordingly, the NAF continues to solicit credible intelligence from locals, traditional rulers, local government chairmen and other government functionaries to facilitate the success of the operation”.