The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Air Force

  • Air Force to deploy technology for Nigeria’s security, says NAF chief

    Air Force to deploy technology for Nigeria’s security, says NAF chief

    Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar has promised that the Air Force would not be left behind in modern warfare, which is being driven by technology.

    Speaking while declaring open a two-day NAF Communications Workshop at the NAF Headquarters Abuja, Air Marshal Abubakar said the giant strides of the NAF towards infusing technology in its operations were aimed at efficient and effective air operations for the defence of the nation’s territorial integrity.

    The Air Force boss, who lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for the support he gave the NAF to make Nigeria safe, however, said given the fact that the communications branch of the NAF would play strategic roles in modern warfare, it is imperative to give the branch the needed attention through capacity-building and expansion.

    He said: “Over the years, we have noticed a gradual decline in expertise, skills and professionalism of the branch personnel, especially with the disengagement from service of our highly trained personnel. Sophisticated equipment are in use today and technological advancement is quite rapid. So personnel must be abreast with current developments if they are to remain relevant.

    “Modern warfare is technologically driven, hence the giant strides of the NAF towards infusing technology in its operations. In particular, the employment of information and communications technology is a strategic tool to enhance our operational and administrative processes. In line with one of the key drivers of my vision, human capacity development, the NAF has embarked on several trainings for its personnel in software development, cyber security, communications, imagery analysis and maintenance of our navigational aids facilities. Several local training has been conducted.

    “Furthermore, a total of 12 officers have been trained in the USA as software developers and eight others trained in India on cyber security and there are plans to train more. These would enable the NAF build capacity in embedded systems and micro controllers-components of the auto pilot for the  UAVs.”

     

     

  • Air Force joins battle against herdsmen

    Air Force joins battle against herdsmen

    The Air Force will join the military operations against killer-herdsmen and militia in Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa, Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar said yesterday.

    He said the intervention of the NAF would be through the establishment of Forward Operational Base (FOB) in Taraba state and Quick Response Wing along Benue and Nasarawa axis.

    A statement signed by Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, said the Air Chief said the developments were part of an elaborate efforts to address the security challenges.

    The statement reads: “Air Marshal Abubakar also spoke on the current and likely threats as well as contingencies from the perspective of air operations. Some of the initiatives included but are not limited to the establishment of new commands and some units, improvement in human capacity development, improved aircraft serviceability and logistics support as well as enhanced personnel welfare.”

  • Air Force destroys Boko Haram weapons

    Air Force destroys Boko Haram weapons

    •Group leader Shekau releases video

    The Air Force said yesterday that it has destroyed artillery guns belonging to Boko Haram terrorists in Sambisa forest with a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA).

    The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, in a statement supported with a video clip, said the operation was conducted after an Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance platform confirmed the presence of the terrorists weapons.

    The statement reads: “A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), on February 6, successfully destroyed an artillery gun belonging to the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) in Sambisa Forest.

    “A NAF Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform sighted the artillery gun while on a routine surveillance on the outskirt of the Sambisa general area.

    “Consequently, the surveillance ISR aircraft requested for an immediate air strike and a NAF RPA was deployed to interdict the target. Overhead the target location, the RPA acquired and attacked the target, completely destroying the artillery gun and setting it ablaze.

    “NAF aircraft continue to survey the Sambisa Forest and environs as part of the ongoing coordinated air and land operations aimed at ridding the country of the remnants of the insurgents.”

    Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau released a video on Tuesday, pledging to continue attacks, days after the military reiterated that the terrorist group had been defeated.

    Shekau, in the video, said a recent offensive to clear out Boko Haram’s stronghold of Sambisa forest in Borno State failed; he vowed to keep fighting against Nigeria and western education.

    “The person who believes in nationalism is the one we are at war with, the person who believes in disseminating western education, which is replete with unbelief, is the one we fight,” Shekau said in the 11-minute video.

    Nigeria has repeatedly claimed it has beaten Boko Haram, whose name means “Western education is forbidden” in the Hausa language.

    President Muhammadu Buhari said the jihadists were “technically defeated” in December 2015.

    Boko Haram’s capacity has been weakened since 2014 when it controlled swathes of territory in the Northeast, but still poses a threat.

    Last Sunday, Boko Haram fighters stormed a village in the Northeast, killing two people. Six were killed in an attack on northern Cameroon.

    At least, 20,000 people have been killed in nearly nine years of the violence and more than 2.6 million rendered homeless, triggering a humanitarian crisis across the Lake Chad region.

     

  • Air Force airlifts hostages from Sambisa

    Air Force airlifts hostages from Sambisa

    The Nigerian Air Force said yesterday that it has airlifted scores of Boko Haram hostages from the Sambisa Forest following the capture of the forest (Camp Zairo) by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya said in a statement issued in Abuja that the rescued hostages including the aged, women and children were airlifted to the 105 Composite Group, Maiduguri by the NAF Agusta 109 helicopter.

    AVM Adesanya said the NAF medical team on standby has conducted preliminary checks on the hostages and provided them medical treatment prior to the process of integrating them with the society.

    According to him, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar has directed that those with serious medical conditions be placed on admission to ensure that they are well taken care of .

    AVM Adesanya said: “Following concerted efforts by air and ground elements against Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) in the Sambisa Forest, which led to the capture of Camp Zairo, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has airlifted rescued hostages who had been in the captivity of the BHTs.

    ” The rescued hostages, including the aged, women as well as children, were airlifted to the 105 Composite Group, Maiduguri by the NAF Agusta 109 helicopter. At the NAF Base in Maiduguri, the NAF Medical Team, which was on standby, conducted preliminary medical checks on the rescued hostages and also provided them with medical treatment prior to the process of integrating them into the larger society.

    ” Furthermore, the rescued hostages, who were all looking tired and malnourished after the period of captivity, were fed by the NAF.

    “The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has directed that those with serious medical cases be immediately placed on admission to ensure they were adequately cared for. This is in furtherance of the NAF’s resolute efforts at winning the ‘hearts and minds’ of the locals, as part of an overall campaign strategy.

    ” It would be recalled that the NAF, under its current leadership, has been rendering humanitarian services to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North East and other parts of the country as part of its corporate social responsibility.

    “So far, over 300, 000 IDPs have benefited from NAF’s medical outreach programmes, which spread across the entire country. The NAF would continue to airlift the rescued hostages and provide them with the needed initial succour”.

  • Air Force Bombs Boko Haram in Sambisa

    Air Force Bombs Boko Haram in Sambisa

    The Nigerian Air Force ( NAF ) said on Thursday that it has used Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) to destroy and kill a number of Boko Haram terrorists in the Sambisa general area.
    Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, the NAF’s Director of Public relations and Information made the disclosure in a statement.
    AVM Adesanya who attached a video footage of the operation to the statement, said the operation was done after a routine armed reconnaissance of the area.
    He said: ” A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), on 30 January 2018, successfully destroyed another Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) gun truck in the SAMBISA general area.
    “The NAF RPA sighted the gun truck around ALAFA while on a routine armed reconnaissance of the area, following the dislodgement of the insurgents from Camp ZAIRO.
    “The RPA picked up the trail of the gun truck until it arrived at ALAFA, where it was subsequently attacked.
    “The air strike by the NAF RPA resulted in the immediate destruction of the vehicles in the targeted location, killing all the BHTs inside it, as no survivors were seen scampering from the location after impact”.
  • Air Force battles Boko Haram with remotely piloted aircraft

    Air Force battles Boko Haram with remotely piloted aircraft

    The Air Force  yesterday said it has used a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) to neutralise scores of the Boko Haram terrorists in Sambisa.

    It added that the air strikes also led to the destruction of the artillery guns and gun trucks belonging to the terrorists.

    The NAF Director of Public Relation and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olatukunbo Adesanya, in a statement supported with video footage of the operation, said the use of the remotely piloted aircraft followed an Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform confirming the presence of the insurgents in the area.

    The statement reads: “A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), on 27 January 2018, successfully destroyed an artillery gun and some gun trucks belonging to the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) in the Sambisa Forest. A NAF Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform and the RPA had observed the terrorists withdrawing with the artillery gun and gun trucks after an unsuccessful operation. The NAF crews on both the ISR and the armed RPA trailed the withdrawing insurgents to their final destination in Parisu. Thereafter, the RPA acquired the artillery gun position and attacked the piece, causing a huge explosion and destroying the equipment.  The explosion also killed insurgents operating the equipment and those around it while a few others were sighted fleeing from the site of the explosion. The successful air strikes are part of the ongoing coordinated air and land operations aimed at ridding the Sambisa Forest of the remnants of the insurgents.”

  • Stay off Lagos, others Air Force tells criminals

    Stay off Lagos, others Air Force tells criminals

    THERE will be increased aerial patrols of Lagos and other Southwest states to keep criminals at bay, Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Nnamdi Ekeh said yesterday.

    Speaking with reporters after taking over from the former AOC, AVM Ibrahim Yahaya, in Lagos,  AVM Ekeh said the air force was committed to improved security nationwide.

    According to him, efforts were ongoing for the induction of additional air assets.

    Ekeh said: “You will recall that just recently, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin was here to inaugurate one of Nigerian Air Force’s platforms, an helicopter. This are part of the efforts the force is making to ensure that security issues are taken care of.

    “So the air force is coming with additional platforms to ensure that we put in more efforts and this means that there will be increased aerial patrols within our area of responsibility (AOR).

    Ekeh asked for the officers’ support, promising to work with them as a family to achieve set goals.

    Yahaya, who is now the Chief of Administration, NAF Headquarters, Abuja,  said the command’s ‘’enormous challenges’’  could be surmounted.

    He said: “The challenges I met on my assumption of office 13 months ago were quite enormous. From accommodation problems to deteriorating barrack infrastructure and so on. These situations were overwhelming but the marvellous cooperation I enjoyed from my commanders and continuous support from the NAF Headquarters helped us to record remarkable achievement.”

  • Air Force chief warns against distractions and chaos

    Air Force chief warns against distractions and chaos

    The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has called on officers and men of the Air Force to remain focused and avoid the temptation of distractions from some on-going campaigns in the country.

    Air Marshal Abubakar maintained that the Air Force would not allow any individual or groups of individuals undermine the territorial integrity of the country, stating that the military would protect the nation’s constitution and defend her integrity.

    The Air Chief spoke on Saturday at the Mogadishu Cantonment shortly after the First Quarter Route March Exercise organised by the Air Force for its personnel

    Air Marshal Abubakar said: “Today’s security challenges are very complex. Therefore, a sound mind alone will not be able to solve these challenges without a sound body. For us to succeed in our constitutional roles, we need a sound mind and a sound body. So much was achieved in 2017 and I urge you to redouble your efforts in 2018.

    “In this year, we are going to activate a Forward Operational Base (FOB) in Mubi, Adamawa State, and we will also engage Cross River and Akwa Ibom for the same FOB.

    “This is because of some security challenges that we are beginning to see emerge from the border areas of Borno and Adamawa states.

    “We are also working to establish an annex of the Mobility Command in Akwa Ibom. The whole idea is for us to be properly positioned to discharge our constitutional responsibilities for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “I want to urge all officers and men to continue to put in their best so that no part of Nigeria is undermined by any individual or group of individuals. I must also charge you not to get distracted by some campaigns undertaken by some individuals on the social media to perpetrate chaos and anarchy.

    “You must remain focused and adhere to the constitution of the country.

    “You are aware that the Federal Government is acquiring more air assets for the air force. We will intensify training and capacity building. We will make sure you are properly kitted and accommodated too,” Air Marshal Abubakar asserted.

     

  • Air Force redeploys 41 senior officers

    Air Force redeploys 41 senior officers

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has redeployed 41 senior officers mostly Air Commodores and Air Vice Marshals.

    The shake-up affects 19 Air Vice Marshals, 14 Air Commodores, four  Group Captains, two Wing Commanders, and two Squadron Leaders.

    Director of Public Relations and Information Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, said the redeployment, which he described as routine, is with effect from tomorrow.

    In a statement, AVM Adesanya described the redeployment as routine and in line with the recent promotions in the Service.

    He said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, had also directed that newly appointed Commanders of NAF field units and other commanders to attend a workshop in Abuja on Wednesday to boost their capability.

    AVM Adesanya said: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the postings and redeployment of a total of 41 senior officers comprising 19 Air Vice Marshals (AVMs), 14 Air Commodores (Air Cdre), 4 Group Captains (Gp Capt), 2 Wing Commanders (Wg Cdr) and 2 Squadron Leaders (Sqn Ldr). The postings and redeployment came as a result of the recent promotion of senior NAF officers to the next higher ranks. Though a routine exercise, the posting exercise is aimed at ensuring that the NAF is effectively manned for operational efficiency and effectiveness.

    “Prominent among those affected by the new postings are: AVM Lawal Alao, who is now the Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji and AVM Olusoji Awomodu, who has been appointed as the Director Manning & Establishments at the Defence Headquarters. In addition, AVM Bello Garba has been redeployed as the Chief of Logistics at Headquarters NAF (HQ NAF) and AVM Mahmoud Ahmed has taken over as Chief of Administration, also at HQ NAF.

    “Other appointments include those of AVM Mohammed Suleiman as the Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at Headquarters Tactical Air Command, Makurdi, AVM Samuel Babalola as the Director of Personnel Management at HQ NAF, AVM Tunde Awoyoola as Deputy Chief of Defence Space Agency and AVM Haruna Mohammed as Commandant Air Traffic Services Training Centre, Likewise, AVM Sambo Usman has been appointed as Group Managing Director of NAF Holding Company, AVM Remigus Ekeh appointed as the Director of Evaluation at HQ NAF while AVM Paul Dimfwina becomes the Coordinator Project Implementation and Monitoring Committee at HQ NAF. Furthermore, AVM Ibukun Ojeyemi is now the SASO at Headquarters Air Training Command, Kaduna while AVM Frank Oparah has been appointed as Director of Research at Defence Headquarters.

    “Also appointed are AVM Peter Uzezi as Director Earth Observation at Defence Space Agency, AVM Olusegun Philips as Director of Museum and Archives at HQ NAF, AVM Chinwendu Onyike as Director of Technical Services at Defence Intelligence Agency and AVM Emmanuel Wonah as SASO, Headquarters Logistics Command, Ikeja. Similarly, AVM Abubakar Liman has been appointed as SASO, Headquarters Special Operations Command, Bauchi, AVM Mahmud Madi as Director of Launch Services and Space Operations at Defence Space Agency and Air Cdre Noah Oyibo as SASO, Headquarters Ground Training Command, Enugu. Meanwhile, Air Cdre Cosmas Ozouggwu is to take over as Director of Production at HQ NAF while Air Cdre David Aluku becomes the Director of Civil Military Relations also at HQ NAF.

    “The new posting also brought about changes at the Unit level. Some of the new Commanders and Commandants are Air Cdre Edward Adedokun, who is appointed as Commandant NAF Institute of Safety, Kaduna and Air Cdre Paul Masiyer, appointed as Commandant Military Training Centre, Kaduna. In addition, Air Cdre Moses Onilede is to take over as Commander 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot, Ikeja while Air Cdre Elijah Ebiowe is appointed as Commander 115 Special Operations Group, Port Harcourt.

    “The newly posted and redeployed senior officers are expected to take over their new offices not later than 2 January 2018. Furthermore, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has directed the newly appointed commanders of NAF field units to attend a workshop being organized at HQ NAF Abuja on 3 January 2018 for commanders. Command appointments in the NAF come with a lot of responsibilities, including the management of human and material resources. The workshop is therefore aimed at equipping/reminding commanders of their responsibilities and HQ NAF expectations in the conduct of their activities”.

  • Major shake up in Air Force, 41 senior officers redeployed

    Major shake up in Air Force, 41 senior officers redeployed

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced a major shake up in its hierachy of  leadership with the redeployment of 41 Senior Officers, mostly of the ranks of Air Commodores and Air Vice Marshals.
    The shake up affected 19 Air Vice Marshals, 14 Air Commodores, four Group Captains, two Wing Commanders, and two Squadron Leaders.
    According to the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, the redeployment is with effect from January 2, 2018.
    In a statement issued in Abuja, AVM Adesanya described the redeployment as routine and in line with the recent promotions in the Service.
    He said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, had also directed that newly appointed Commanders of NAF field units and other commanders should attend a workshop slated for Abuja on January 3, 2018 as their new postings go with lots of responbilities
    AVM Adesanya said: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the postings and redeployment of a total of 41 senior officers comprising 19 Air Vice Marshals (AVMs), 14 Air Commodores (Air Cdre), 4 Group Captains (Gp Capt), 2 Wing Commanders (Wg Cdr) and 2 Squadron Leaders (Sqn Ldr). The postings and redeployment came as a result of the recent promotion of senior NAF officers to the next higher ranks. Though a routine exercise, the posting exercise is aimed at ensuring that the NAF is effectively manned for operational efficiency and effectiveness.
    “Prominent among those affected by the new postings are: AVM Lawal Alao who is now the Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji and AVM Olusoji Awomodu, who has been appointed as the Director Manning & Establishments at the Defence Headquarters. In addition, AVM Bello Garba has been redeployed as the Chief of Logistics at Headquarters NAF (HQ NAF) and AVM Mahmoud Ahmed has taken over as Chief of Administration, also at HQ NAF.
    “Other appointments include those of AVM Mohammed Suleiman as the Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at Headquarters Tactical Air Command, Makurdi, AVM Samuel Babalola as the Director of Personnel Management at HQ NAF, AVM Tunde Awoyoola as Deputy Chief of Defence Space Agency and AVM Haruna Mohammed as Commandant Air Traffic Services Training Centre, Likewise, AVM Sambo Usman has been appointed as Group Managing Director of NAF Holding Company, AVM Remigus Ekeh appointed as the Director of Evaluation at HQ NAF while AVM Paul Dimfwina becomes the Coordinator Project Implementation and Monitoring Committee at HQ NAF. Furthermore, AVM Ibukun Ojeyemi is now the SASO at Headquarters Air Training Command, Kaduna while AVM Frank Oparah has been appointed as Director of Research at Defence Headquarters.
    “​Also appointed are AVM Peter Uzezi as Director Earth Observation at Defence Space Agency, AVM Olusegun Philips as Director of Museum and Archives at HQ NAF, AVM Chinwendu Onyike as Director of Technical Services at Defence Intelligence Agency and AVM Emmanuel Wonah as SASO, Headquarters Logistics Command, Ikeja. Similarly, AVM Abubakar Liman has been appointed as SASO, Headquarters Special Operations Command, Bauchi, AVM Mahmud Madi as Director of Launch Services and Space Operations at Defence Space Agency and Air Cdre Noah Oyibo as SASO, Headquarters Ground Training Command, Enugu. Meanwhile, Air Cdre Cosmas Ozouggwu is to take over as Director of Production at HQ NAF while Air Cdre David Aluku becomes the Director of Civil Military Relations also at HQ NAF.
    “​The new posting also brought about changes at the Unit level. Some of the new Commanders and Commandants are Air Cdre Edward Adedokun, who is appointed as Commandant NAF Institute of Safety, Kaduna and Air Cdre Paul Masiyer, appointed as Commandant Military Training Centre, Kaduna. In addition, Air Cdre Moses Onilede is to take over as Commander 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot, Ikeja while Air Cdre Elijah Ebiowe is appointed as Commander 115 Special Operations Group, Port Harcourt.
    “​The newly posted and redeployed senior officers are expected to take over their new offices not later than 2 January 2018. Furthermore, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has directed the newly appointed commanders of NAF field units to attend a workshop being organized at HQ NAF Abuja on 3 January 2018 for commanders. Command appointments in the NAF come with a lot of responsibilities, including the management of human and material resources. The workshop is therefore aimed at equipping/reminding commanders of their responsibilities and HQ NAF expectations in the conduct of their activities”.