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Tag: Air Force

  • Air Force promotes 22 officer to rank of Air Vice Marshall, 16 to Air Commodore

    Air Force promotes 22 officer to rank of Air Vice Marshall, 16 to Air Commodore

    The Air Force Council (AFC) has approved the promotion of 38 senior officers to the next higher ranks in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). 

    Out of the 38 senior officers promoted, 22 were elevated to the rank of Air Vice Marshal, while 16 were elevated to the rank of Air Commodore, according to a statement by Group Captain Kabiru Ali, a Deputy Director in the NAF’s Directorate of Public Relations and Information.

    The senior officer elevated to the rank of Air Vice Marshal are Edward Gabkwet, Abubakar Sule, Olayinka Oyesola, Abubakar Bukar, Razaq Olanrewaju, Olanrewaju Oyename, Ahmed Idris, Abdulrasheed Kotun, Chidiebere Obiabaka, Gambo Mbaka, Felix Uwakara, John Ukeh, Emeka Ashiegbu, Zayyan Usman, Mohammed Ibrahim, Babatunde Ajayi, David Dickson, Muhammed Sulaiman, Rasaq Shittu, Friday Ogohi, Henry Yurkusi and Suleiman Usman.

    Read Also: JUST IN: EFCC, Air Force officers clash in Kaduna

    Those promoted to the rank of Air Commodore include Valentine Oraeki, Dogari Apyeyak, Ali Idris, Mohammed Ahmed, Shehu Chindo, Abubakar Mohammed, Logomfa Nansoh, Abraham Sule, Idris Suleiman, Oluwaseun Oluwatayo, Ibrahim shehu, Yahaya Bashir, Adolphus Akins, Rilwanu Abdullahi, Babangida Zakari and David Bigila 

    The statement said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, congratulated the newly promoted senior officers, and reminded them of the need for deep thinking and critical evaluation of current security environment with a view to proffering actionable strategies towards overcoming the problems it portends for our nation. 

  • Why we deployed AI, others to fight terrorism – Air Force

    Why we deployed AI, others to fight terrorism – Air Force

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it would continue to deploy emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to fight terrorism and other security threats in the country.

    It also said it would improve its investment in state-of-the-art encryption and cybersecurity measures to ensure the security of its communications and information systems.

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar, said this at the opening ceremony of NAF’s Communications Information Systems (CIS) Conference in Abuja, on Wednesday, November 8.

    He said artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are crucial in modern-day military operations, adding that, “the ability of the NAF to harness the power of technology will determine its success in ensuring the highest levels of operational effectiveness and efficiency.”

    Air Marshall Abubakar said the NAF’s ability to monitor Nigeria’s airspace through the implementation of military total radar coverage of Nigeria was critical to meeting airpower demands for national security.

    NAF’s chief said: “A deep focus on artificial intelligence can revolutionize how we process data, analyze information, and make informed decisions in real-time, thereby giving us the edge we need to excel in theatres of operations around the country.”

    Air Marshal Abubakar said the CIS would enable commanders to make informed decisions, coordinate forces and ultimately achieve mission objectives. 

    He said the theme of the Conference is, “Exploiting Emerging CIS Technologies for an Agile and Resilient NAF to Effectively Meet National Security Imperatives” aligned with his Command Philosophy, which he said is “to transform the NAF into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments.”

    He said the conference underscores the NAF’s dedication to staying ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare through the effective use of emerging CIS technologies.

    Read Also: Air Force kills eight terrorists in Borno

    According to him, the presence of experienced senior officers as resource persons underscored the conference’s significance. He, therefore, urged participants to see the forum as an opportunity to positively impact NAF’s capabilities.

    The NAF’s chief also called for deliberations to be guided by the theme in order to come up with innovative solutions. 

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Communication and Information Systems (CCIS), Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, said the 2-day event was aimed at exploring innovative CIS that would enhance NAF’s operational capabilities in addressing pressing national security imperatives.

  • Air Force officer wins  at  Lagos Boxing Show

    Air Force officer wins  at  Lagos Boxing Show

    Nigeria Air Force boxer Gbadamosi Olawale recovered from a first round knockdown to defeat Gabriel Kingsley in the final fight at the 131st Lagos Boxing Show at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium on Saturday.

    Olawale, fighting in the blue corner, found himself in his rare end towards the end of the first round but he shook it off, got up and dominated the rest of the fast-paced three round 63.5kg fight, even dropping Kingsley twice in the remaining rounds to win a 4-1 majority decision from the ringside judges.

    “He is a very strong boxer and this was a tough win, Olawale said after the fight. “I am happy I was able to recover quickly and take over the fight.

    Read Also: Arsenal cruise to victory at Bournemouth

    “This victory took months of preparations and I am glad to have won it in front of my family, fellow soldiers and fans.”

    Other fights saw Bello Olamide of Capsolight Boxing Club, fighting in the red corner, win by superior points over Ashimota Boxing Club’s Atanda Ayomide in their 40kg contest then Mojeed Mubarak of Progress Boxing Club outpunched Akewushola Hammed of Olu Moses Boxing Club in an unanimous decision victory in the second.

    Brightest Boxing Club’s Kareem Shukurat shone brightly in the Battle of the Shukurats by destroying Oganjimo Shukurat of Hardpunch Boxing Club 5-0 unanimously before Air Force’s Dauda Rasak  lost to Omotajo Qudus of Star Boxing Club by the same scores in their 60kg fight.

  • Air Force, troops kill scores of insurgents in Borno, Yobe

    The Air Force has launched Operation Green Sweep II against Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeast, killing several insurgents in the first day of the operation.

    It came as the Army said the troops of 120 Task Force Battalion have eliminated several Boko Haram terrorists at Goniri in Yobe State and recovered arms, including five gun trucks.

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, who has been leading operations in the war for sometimes, hailed the efforts and successes of the troops in recent encounters with the terrorists

    Buratai, who urged the troops to sustain and upscale the tempo of the operation, also enjoined them to be more vigilant.

    In line with the extant military traditions, customs and ethics, he spoke while holding a durbar with the troops at the Command and Control Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State.

    About 300 troops drawn from the various units and formations across the Theatre Command attended the occasion, where, as a rare privilege, the troops freely interacted one-on-one with the Chief of Army Staff.

    At the event, the troops were allowed to bare their minds on issues bothering them either as a group or individually, especially on professional matters like administration, welfare, logistics and general operational situation, including progress and challenges.

    He assured them of continuous support to ensure the looming defeat of the dying Boko Haram terrorists and the eventual destruction of the Islamic State West Africa Province battling to establish a dominant presence in Nigeria.

    Also, NAF spokesman Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, who announced the launch of Operation Green Sweep II in a statement, said structures of the insurgents were destroyed, following the air interdiction carried out with two Alpha Jet aircraft.

    The statement reads: “The Air Interdiction Operation, which commenced on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, will target selected locations within the Northeast to further degrade the remnants of the terrorists as well as deny them safe havens and freedom of action.

    Read Also: ‘Air Force didn’t drop weapons for herdsmen’

    “In the morning of Day One of the operation, air strikes by NAF aircraft resulted in the obliteration of an Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) tactical headquarters and neutralization of several terrorists at Kollaram in Northern Borno State.

    “The attack was executed following a series of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions that showed the presence of a significant number of ISWAP fighters in buildings under trees spread across the settlement along with communication facilities with roof-mounted solar panels, defensive parapets around the settlement as well as suspected tunnels at various locations.

    “Consequently, the ATF dispatched two NAF Alpha Jet aircraft to attack the location recording accurate hits in the target area, leading to the destruction of some of the structures and equipment as well as the killing of several terrorists.”

    Army’s spokesman Col. Sagir Musa said in a statement that the terrorists were clinically dealt with by troops as they approached the location of the soldiers at Goniri in Yobe State with fighters on motorcycles and seven gun trucks.

    Col. Musa said: “Following aborted attempt by terrorists to infiltrate 120 Task Force Battalion location at Goniri, Yobe State, Sector 2 Operation Lafiya Dole, at about 1833 hours on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, troops of the Battalion, in a professional manner, tactically waited for the terrorists to close into the killing range and opened a heavy volume of fire on the criminals who came with seven gun trucks and several other fighters on motorcycles.

    “Consequently, this encounter/ambush resulted in the annihilation of dozens of terrorists, many fled with some levels of injuries and the following equipment were captured, five gun trucks, one Vehicule Blinde Leger (VBL) – a French wheeled 4×4 all-terrain vehicle built by Panhard, assorted quantity of ammunition and an unconfirmed number of motorcycles were destroyed.

    “Generally, in comparable terms, the security situation within the Northeast zone is relatively calm and under control, as troops remain committed and resolute to conducting robust multiple aggressive operations to end the insurgency,” the statement said.

  • Air Force strikes neutralise scores of bandits in Zamfara

    THE Air Force yesterday said scores of bandits terrorising villagers around Doumbourou forest in Zamfara State have been neutralised through air strikes.

    According to its spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, the air component of operation Hadarin Daji launched the strikes following intelligence reports on the presence of the bandits in the forest.

    He said in a statement that structures belonging to the bandits were also destroyed during the bombardment.

    Air Commodore Daramola said: “The operation was executed on May 25, pursuant to human intelligence (HUMINT) reports indicating that some locations within the Forest were being used by the armed bandits as hideouts, including a group of huts belonging to a notorious kingpin named ‘Dangote’.

    Read also: Army denies killing of 25 soldiers in Borno

    “Accordingly, following confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), an Alpha Jet aircraft was detailed to attack the armed bandits’ camp, leading to the destruction of their structures and neutralisation of close to two dozen bandits.

    “The NAF, working in consonance with other security agencies, will sustain its operations to flush the bandits out of the Northwest of the Country.”

  • Air Force moves to curb impersonation on roads

    Men of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Forward Operations Base, at Ahanve, Badagry, Lagos, have embarked on an exercise called Route Sweep, to dislodge miscreants mounting illegal roadblocks on the Badagry-Seme and Apa-Owode roads.

    The Commander of the unit, Group Captain Obinna Obiabaka, said in Badagry that the exercise was aimed at identifying and arresting miscreants parading themselves as men of the Air Force along the roads.

    He said the Air Force would work with other security agencies and residents to ensure the safety of lives and property and promote sanity on the roads.

    Obiabaka said the unit was also consulting with the communities to check the activities of criminals in the creeks behind the Air Force base.

    He said the move followed the arrest of Onyeka Ibekwe at Owode, who allegedly impersonated an Air Force officer while threatening to arrest people.

    Read Also: Air Force strikes kill 20 bandits in Zamfara

    The Air Force on May 13 arrested Ibekwe for allegedly impersonating personnel of the base.

    The base spokesman, Warrant Officer Friday Akanni, said the arrest of Ibekwe was a step to curb the menace of miscreants, who paraded themselves as Air Force or Military personnel by mounting roadblocks and extorting money from road users.

    He said the Air Force was not happy with the activities of the miscreants, noting that besides constituting insecurity, they were a nuisance to the communities.

    Akanni said the exercise code-named Route Sweep would be continuous to reduce the activities of criminals and ensure that only authorised security agencies remained on the road.

     

     

  • Air Force to mark 55th anniversary in style

    •NAF inducts 92 pilots in three years

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to mark its 55th anniversary in grand style.

    In the past two years, it has inducted 92 fighter pilots and added 16 brand new aircraft to its fleet.

    Between now and 2020, 18 brand new aircraft of various categories are expected to be acquired following President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval, the NAF announced yesterday.

    It hailed the President for his support, saying the NAF would continue to show appreciation for the investment of his administration in the force for the peace, unity and security of the nation.

    Addressing reporters on the activities lined up for this year’s celebration, the chairman of the celebrations committee, Air Commodore Nnamdi Ananaba said the celebration would hold in Abuja from April 27 to 29.

    The air commodore said this year’s edition, tagged: NAF@55, would enable the Air Force to show Nigerian taxpayers what their air force is capable of, besides providing a good opportunity to reflect on how far it has come over the years.

    “The celebration is scheduled to take place in Abuja from April 27 to 29. It presents the NAF a good opportunity to reflect on how far we have come as an air force. It would also enable the NAF to show the Nigerian taxpayers what their air force is capable of.

    “With a hind sight, we realise that the NAF has a lot to celebrate and showcase. From being a service, which, during the Civil War, rolled bombs out of aircraft by hand to one that is highly professional and equipped with advanced aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) capable of precision strikes from as far away as 250 kilometres, there has obviously been a remarkably change, much of which was achieved within the last three and a half years,” Ananaba said.

    He noted that under the leadership of Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar, the NAF recorded significant milestones in different areas, particularly in the acquisition and reactivation of aircraft, expansion of its organisational structure and improved training and building capacity.

    The committee chairman lauded the leadership of the air force for enhancing its capability to “more effectively deal with Nigeria’s peculiar security challenges, such as insurgency, oil theft, banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling, amongst others”.

     

     

     

  • Boko Haram: Air Force takes delivery of two Agusta power attack

    THE Air Force has taken delivery of two Agusta 109 power attack helicopters to boost the fight against insurgency, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar announced yesterday.

    He added that the helicopters are currently being assembled and would be inducted during the forthcoming 55th anniversary of the Air Force.

    According to a statement by the Air Force spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, the CAS broke the news to front line troops in Maiduguri while celebrating Easter.

    Air Commodore Daramola explained that the Air Chief reminded the troops that there is so much at stake hence the need for troops to clear up remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents from their hideouts.

    The statement reads: “The luncheon, which is in keeping with the CAS’ tradition of celebrating festive periods with frontline troops, afforded him the opportunity to interact with the troops in an informal setting to appreciate them for their sacrifices in the fight against insurgency, thereby boosting their morale while also filling the void created by their inability to celebrate the season with their families.”

    He added that Air Marshal Abubakar expressed delight to be in Maiduguri and commended the resilience and commitment of the troops in ensuring that Nigeria and Nigerians are safe.

    The CAS was as saying that with the support of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as the National Assembly, the Air Force would continue to acquire new platforms and build human capacity whilst ensuring the welfare of personnel, in order to effectively and efficiently respond to national security imperatives.

    He specially commended the Commander, officers, airmen and airwomen of the ATF for the successes recorded in the fight against the terrorists within the OPLD Theatre as well as in the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Operation YANCIN TAFKI.

    Air Commodore Daramola said: “He equally commended the ATF Commander for the various value adding welfare projects that had been executed to enhance the wellbeing of personnel.

    “The CAS reminded the personnel that so much was at stake in the fight to rid the Nation of insurgents, terrorists, armed bandits and other criminal elements.

    “Accordingly, he urged them to remain resolute while intensifying their efforts and maintaining continuous vigilance to defend the liberties and values Nigerians hold so dear.

    “Air Marshal Abubakar seized the opportunity to thank the government and people of Borno State as well as the Shehu of Borno and other traditional rulers in the State for their continued support to the NAF through the ATF OPLD.

    “He equally appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for his unflinching support to the NAF by ensuring the enabling environment and providing the necessary resources for the Service to perform its assigned duties.”

  • Boko Haram : Air Force takes delivery of two Agusta power attack helicopters

    The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar on Monday announced delivery of 2 Agusta 109 power attack helicopters to boost the fight against insurgency in the country.

    He added that the helicopters are currently being assembled and would be inducted during the forthcoming 55th anniversary celebration of the Air Force.

    According to the spokesman of the Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, the Air Chief broke the news to front line troops in Maiduguri when he celebrated Easter with them.

    Air Commodore Daramola explained in a statement that the Air Chief reminded the troops that there is so much at stake hence the need for troops to clear up remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents from their hideouts.

    “The luncheon, which is in keeping with the CAS’ tradition of celebrating festive periods with frontline troops, afforded him the opportunity to interact with the troops in an informal setting to appreciate them for their sacrifices in the fight against insurgency, thereby boosting their morale while also filling the void created by their inability to celebrate the season with their families”, Daramola explained further.

    He added that the Air Chief expressed delight to be in Maiduguri and commended the resilience and commitment of the troops in ensuring that Nigeria and Nigerians are safe.

    Read also: We have depreciated Boko Haram’s efficacy – FG

    He quoted the Chief as saying that with the support of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as the National Assembly, the Air Force would continue to acquire new platforms and build human capacity whilst ensuring the welfare of personnel, in order to effectively and efficiently respond to national security imperatives.

    He specially commended the Commander, officers, airmen and air women of the ATF for the successes recorded in the fight against the terrorists within the OPLD Theatre as well as in the Multi-National Joint Task Force Operation YANCIN TAFKI, Daramola noted.

     Daramola said :”He equally commended the ATF Commander for the various value adding welfare projects that had been executed to enhance the wellbeing of personnel.

    “The CAS reminded the personnel that so much was at stake in the fight to rid the Nation of insurgents, terrorists, armed bandits and other criminal elements.

    ” Accordingly, he urged them to remain resolute while intensifying their efforts and maintaining continuous vigilance to defend the liberties and values Nigerians hold so dear.

    “Air Marshal Abubakar seized the opportunity to thank the government and people of Borno State as well as the Shehu of Borno and other traditional rulers in the State for their continued support to the NAF through the ATF OPLD.

    ” He equally appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for his unflinching support to the NAF by ensuring the enabling environment and providing the necessary resources for the Service to perform its assigned duties.

    ” He noted that the delivery of the 2 Agusta 109 Power attack helicopters was a testimony of this immense support. He remarked that the NAF, working in concert with sister Services and other security agencies, would continue to reciprocate by sustaining its operations, not only in the Northeast but also in the Northwest, in order to ensure that Nigerians are able to pursue their legitimate aspirations, without fear.”

  • Air Chief celebrates Easter with troops

    Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, celebrated the Easter holiday with troops deployed to the north-west of the country to flush out bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements in the zone.

    According to the spokesman of the Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, the troops were called upon to remain resolute in their commitment to ensure safety of lives and properties in the zone.

    He explained in a statement that the Air Chief also expressed satisfaction with the performance of the troops so far.

    Air Commodore Daramola said: “The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has hosted officers, airmen and airwomen of the Air Task Force (ATF), Operation DIRAN MIKIYA, to a luncheon to mark the 2019 Easter Celebration.

    “The occasion, which held at the ATF Headquarters in Katsina, provided an opportunity for the CAS to interact with the troops who have been working tirelessly to restore peace and stability in the Northwest of Nigeria.

    “Addressing the troops, the Air Officer Commanding, Special Operations Command, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Napoleon Bali, who represented the CAS at the event, expressed satisfaction with the performance of the ATF.

    Read Also: Air Force kills four bandits in Kagara forest

    “He extended the good wishes of the CAS and encouraged the personnel to remain resolute while sustaining their efforts towards eliminating the activities of armed bandits in Zamfara and surrounding States with a view to ensuring peace in the Country.

    “AVM Bali lauded the magnanimity of the CAS in ensuring that the personnel have a few hours to unwind in celebration of the holy season.

    “He said this would no doubt boost their morale and assuage the pains of their inability to celebrate the season with their families.

    “He also commended the Commander 213 Forward Operations Base Katsina, Group Captain Hadi Ahmed, for providing necessary base services support to ensure the smooth operations of the ATF.

    “Also present at the luncheon were the Commander 17 Brigade Nigerian Army, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Colonel Buhari Madaki, as well as officials and staff of civil agencies operating at the Musa Yar’Adua International Airport.”