The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Air Force

  • Air Force steps up action against Boko Haram

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been striking fleeing Boko Haram attackers who invaded a military base in Metele village, Guzamala Local Government Area, Borno State.

    The air strikes led to the destruction of  seven vehicles, including gun trucks, and eliminated all the terrorists in the vehicles, The Nation learnt yesterday.

    But there are indications that Boko Haram commanders and their foot soldiers who attacked the military base in Metele were non-Nigerians.

    A military source, who spoke last night, said the military hierarchy had decided to “smoke out” the insurgents behind the ambush and killing of scores of soldiers in Metele.

    As part of steps of involving all military cadres in the war against Boko Haram, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Yusuf Buratai, has relocated this year’s Army Conference from Benin, in Edo State to Maiduguri, in Borno State.

    Although the  conference will hold from tomorrow till Friday, many top Army officers already in Benin have been asked to proceed to Maiduguri.

    According to PRNigeria, a covert military information link, a top military intelligence officer said “the airstrikes had destroyed a convoy of vehicles linked to Boko Haram attackers involved in last weeks raid on the military base at Metele in Borno State.”

    The Boko Haram attackers used rocket-propelled grenades, machine guns and AK47 rifles in raiding the military base where armoured  vehicles were destroyed, and a number of officers and men of the Nigerian Army killed.

    The officer said: “The Nigerian Air Force is following the trail of the terrorists and has successfully destroyed about seven vehicles, including gun trucks, and eliminated all the terrorists in the vehicles.

    ”The Air Force deployed the Mi-35M, multi-role combat helicopters which deliver a more superior flight performance with high-precision weaponry in destroying ground targets.

    ”Meanwhile, the aircraft also crossed the border into a neighboring country in hot pursuit of the where terrorists. Stolen armored vehicles were destroyed.

    ”The airstrikes took place in Tumbun Rego, Kangarwa and Mainok. There were also similar attacks hours after the Sunday’s attack. We expect the Nigerian Air Force to release air strike footage soon.”

    The Boko Haram attack sparked an outrage in the Senate and in the public. Videos and photographs purporting to be those of the attacks surfaced on the social media. The military denied their authenticity.

    Most of the Boko Haram commanders and their foot soldiers who attacked the military base are believed to be foreigners.

    Another intelligence officer told PRNigeria in confidence that the attackers were speaking Arabic, French and some foreign languages.

    The officer said: “Some of our soldiers who escaped after the rescue operation told us that the attackers were dressed in military camouflage similar to the one worn by member-countries of Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

    “We learnt that the attackers were not Nigerians as they spoke in Arabic, French and other strange languages when they first appeared like friendly force before they started to shoot at Nigerian troops.

    ”There is heighten suspicion that the deadliest attacks could not have taken place without collaborators, probably within the military camp or the host community who could have been communicating with the terrorists before and after they stormed the locations.

    ”The military may likely engage in a tactical maneuver for forceful reinforcements of ground troops and air components in the affected areas in view of new developments.”

    A source said: “In solidarity with the soldiers on war front and as part of steps to involve all military cadres in the battle against the insurgents, the Chief of Army Staff has relocated this year’s conference of the Nigerian Army from Benin to Maiduguri.

    “The relocation was an impromptu decision. Buratai wants all officers to be in Maiduguri for on the spot assessment and brainstorming on how to curtail the surging ambush from the insurgents.

    “The conference will actually focus on solutions to attacks on military bases. We will surely review the situation on ground and re-strategise at the conference. All those already in Benin have been redirected to proceed to Maiduguri for the conference, which is holding from November 27th to November 30th.”

    Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed in  heavy airstrikes against Boko Haram terrorists’ locations and vehicles.

  • Lagos Airport not attacked by terrorists, say FAAN, Air Force

    THE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Air Force have debunked reports of a video circulating in the social media showing terrorists attack at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

    It came as the Airport Police Command said yesterday that it would investigate and prosecute persons behind the video.

    FAAN’s spokesperson Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, in a statement, said the video was the handiwork of mischief-makers.

    She urged the international community to disregard such video, saying the airport is safe and activities going on smoothly.

    Mrs. Yakubu said the video in question was that of a simulation exercise carried out by Nigeria Air Force in conjunction with other aviation agencies about two years ago.

    The statement added: “FAAN will like to state unequivocally that MMIA is not under any kind of attack. The video in question is that of an old simulation carried out by Nigeria Air Force and others.

    “FAAN will like to advise those uploading such to desist from the act as it is not only malicious, wicked, embarrassing but also sending wrong signals to the world about the internal security of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    Also yesterday, Air Force spokesman Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement that the video in circulation was an airport security simulation exercise tagged: “Exercise Thunderbolt “, conducted by the Air Force two years ago.

    The statement reads: “The NAF wishes to state categorically that MMIA was not and has never been under any attack. The video being circulated shows an airport security simulation exercise, tagged: Exercise Thunderbolt”, which took place on November 8, 2016, over two years ago.

    “The exercise was aimed at practising NAF personnel and other security agencies at MMIA on actions to be taken in the event of an attack on the airport.

    “The general public is, therefore, advised to disregard the video and also endeavour to refrain from sharing or uploading unverified videos, pictures or articles so as not to cause panic. The NAF wishes to assure all local and international travellers that our airports remain safe and that they can go about their travels without any fear.”

    In a statement yesterday, Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Chike Oti, who is a Chief Superintendent of Police, said the Police Commissioner has directed the command’s Intelligence Unit to unmask the persons behind the rumour for prosecution.

    The statement added: “In view of the disturbing video, the authorities of Lagos State Police Command contacted the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations at the Airport Command and he stated that the video was that of a simulation exercise carried out by Nigerian Air Force in conjunction with other agencies at the airport three years ago.

    “The command wishes to assure the public that MMIA is safe and secure and not under any form of attack as wickedly portrayed by those behind the rumour.”

  • Air Force men clear drainage in Oshodi

    It was a sight to behold yesterday as some senior air force officers joined Oshodi Local Government officials to clear refuse on the streets.

    Residents, commuters and passers-by stood on the roadside to watch them at work.

    The air force men were led by Air Commodore Sunday Makinde, Commander of 615 Base Services Group (BSG), Ikeja. Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Chairman Idris Muse-Ariyoh led his team for the exercise. The air force men also held free medical screening for traders on diabetes, obesity and hypertension.

    Makinde said the exercise was to ensure a clean environment and reduce disease.

    “What we are here to do today is what we call civil – military cooperation. It’s part of our Chief of Air Staff’s vision to promote service delivery and enhance civil – military relations in the country and our immediate environment. We have a medical outreach going on,” he said.

    According to him, the sole responsibility of the military is to protect the nation.

    “What the society stands to benefit from this gesture is to know that the military is for the society; that they own us and to have the feeling that the military is here for them.

    “The society should see us as Nigerians. We all have siblings and relations living with them. To be in the military, you must first be a civilian,” Makinde said.

    Describing the exercise as wonderful, Musa Ariyoh said it was an exercise for the air force men to assist their host community.

    “Their activities are not only about carrying guns, they also engage in humanitarian services like what we are witnessing. Despite this, they open their base for our people who have health problems to come over for free medical care. They’ve provided free health care for Oshodi people today.

    “They have been cleaning the areas, especially Adeyemi Street, which is a very long road. We understand that the drainage has been blocked for a very long time due to residents’ poor sanitation habit, as they dump refuse in the drainage. As you can see, we have over 200 air force men here. They are really doing a great work in our community,” Muse-Ariyoh said.

  • Air Force kills Boko Haram terrorists in Borno operation

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said yesterday it had killed scores of Boko Haram terrorists in their camp at Ngwuri Gana in Borno State in air strikes.

    NAF also said it neutralised suspected terrorists in the operation.

    In a statement by its spokesman Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, NAF said the air operations were conducted after intelligence reports established the presence of insurgents in the area.

    Daramola said: “In continuation of operations to seek out and destroy remnants of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) in the Northeast, the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation Lafiya Dole, on November 5, destroyed a BHT camp and neutralised 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 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 neutralisation 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 targets 500 Special Forces for Nasarawa, Benue

    THE Nigerian Air Force is targeting the deployment of 500 Special Forces personnel and construction of an Helipad for helicopter gunships for the Nasarawa-Benue states corridor as parts of Federal Government efforts to enhance security in the area, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar has disclosed.

    According to Air Marshal Abubakar, the development was necessitated by the need to curb the spate of attacks in the area and sustain the current peace.

    The Air Chief made the remark yesterday during the inauguration of the 21 Quick Response Wing (21QRW) at Agatu, Benue State

    Air Marshal Abubakar said the unit, which is under the control of the 211 Quick Response Group, Owerri, was established to further enhance NAF’s ability to respond to internal security threats within the Nasarawa-Benue states corridor, working in synergy with other security agencies.

    The Air Force boss, who inspected the renovated office and residential accommodation at the 21 QRW Base and handed over a borehole constructed by the NAF to the Obagaji Community in Agatu, was welcomed to Agatu by the Chairman of the local government, Hon. Comfort Echida.

    Abubakar was accompanied by the Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command (AOC SOC), Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Samson Akpasa, and other senior officers from NAF Headquarters.

    In a statement signed by the spokesman of the Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, Air Marshal Abubakar was quoted as saying that he was delighted to be in Agatu to personally activate the 21 QRW.

    He noted that the decision to establish the QRW in Agatu, as well as the QRWs, established at Nguroje in Taraba State and Doma in Nasarawa State, was taken following thorough analysis of the threat environment in the area.

    Based on this, a request was made to the Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, through the Honourable Minister of Defence (HMOD), who graciously approved the establishment of the unit.

    The CAS therefore thanked the C-in-C for approving the establishment of the unit and providing the necessary resources to make it a reality. He noted that the establishment of the unit would contribute immensely towards curbing spate of attacks in the area while ensuring that peace is sustained.

    The Chief of the Air Staff stressed that the NAF would continue to emplace additional facilities, equipment and manpower in the QRW to enable it function effectively and fulfil its mandate.

  • 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.

  • Buhari commissions 62 new officers into Air Force

    •Warns against being used by disgruntled elements

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday commissioned 62 (eight females and 44 males) Pilot Officers and Flight Lieutenant of Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 65 Regular Course into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

    The President, who was represented by Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar, at the ceremony held in NAF base, Kaduna was elated that, for the first time in recent past, NAF regular cadets in their final year are given basic specialist training in their various allotted Air Force specialties.

    According to him, the addition of the 62 cadets into the NAF would further strengthen the personnel need of the force in its responsibility of protection of Nigerian territorial integrity.

    He told the newly commissioned officers to know the limits of their freedom of association and expression and not allow themselves to be used by some disgruntled elements in the society to compromise national security or to act in anyway capable of denting the image of NAF.

    He said, “you must not succumb to any inducement or acts that would cause disaffection amongst fellow members of the Armed Forces as well as protecting Nigerian constitution while remaining absolutely loyal to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “You are graduating at a time when our dear country is grappling with security challenges especially those posed by Boko Haram and militancy in the Niger Delta.

    “There are also emerging national security threats such as herders/farmers clashes and banditry which the government is dealing with decisively.

    “You must be aware that you are expected to secure lives and property by ensuring that every Nigerian lives in peace and is free to pursue his or her legitimate aspiration”, he told the cadets including one Togolese.

    The CoAS however reassured President Buhari of NAF unalloyed loyalty and total commitment to his administration’s aspiration for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

     

  • Air Force partners Fire Service on safety

    The Commander 055 Nigeria Air Force, Rasak Olanrewaju, has said the Force will partner Lagos State Fire Service in fire prevention and safety.

    A statement yesterday by the Fire Service Chief Public Affairs Officer, Bola Ajao, said Olanrewaju made this known during his visit to the Directorate of Fire Service in Alausa, Ikeja.

    According to him, the Lagos Fire Service has become a masterstroke due to its professionalism, effectiveness and swift response to distress calls, as well as control and management disasters.

    The visit, Olanrewaju said, was in recognition of the similarities between the two institutions in the areas of safety and security of the citizenry, as well as the attendant risk involved in the discharge of duties.

    “Recognising the similarities in our calling and risk involved, it behoves us to continue to foster closer relationships and synergy towards improving our operational capabilities,” he said.

    The commander thanked the fire service for putting out the fire at the Force’s Victoria Island, Lagos facility.

    He said he was impressed with the modern equipment on ground at the station and effective response of the firefighters to disaster calls.

    Lagos Fire Service Acting Director Rasaki Musibau said there was need for harmonious working relationship between the Fire Service and other security formations.

    This, he said, would improve productivity and prevent loss of lives and property.

    Musibau decried attacks on firefighters by street urchins and sought other security formations’ support on the protection of firefighters while performing duties.

    He urged motorists to give right of way to fire service vehicles on safety mission, “as delay can result in calamity.”

     

  • Killings: Air Force deploys air assets to Plateau

    THE Nigerian Air Force yesterday said it had deployed air assets to Jos, Plateau State in support of ground troops currently battling to restore peace to the troubled areas.

    A statement from the spokesman of the Air Force, Air commodore Ibikunle Daramola, noted the deployment would include the use of intelligence platforms

    It said: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed an EC-135 helicopter and an Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft along with an additional detachment of NAF Regiment personnel to Plateau State in support of efforts aimed at quelling the crisis that recently erupted in the State and restoring normalcy.

    “The deployment of the ISR aircraft is expected to enhance intelligence gathering while the helicopter would conduct air support missions in close coordination with surface forces of Operation SAFE HAVEN.

    “Meanwhile, NAF L-39 fighter aircraft, operating from Kano, have commenced armed reconnaissance missions over known flash points within the State.

    “Other NAF air assets are also available at other nearby airfields to provide additional support to hasten the process of restoring normalcy in the State.”

     

  • Air Force warns militants against violence

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has warned militants in the Niger Delta region, especially those who recently threatened to resume hostilities, to have a rethink or meet their doom.

    NAF’s Air Officer Commanding (AOC) the Mobility Command, Air Vice Marshal Napoleon Bali, gave the warning in Warri, Delta State, during a visit to the 371 NAF Detachment at Osubi in Okpe Local Government Area.

    The air vice marshal said NAF was fit for any air operation.

    Bali, who was conducted round some projects at Jeddo and NAF Officers’ Mess on Mission Road, GRA, Warri, said his command, with units across the Niger Delta region, would always support other security agencies to protect the lives and property of law-abiding Nigerians.

    He was conducted round the NAF facilities within the Osubi Airstrip and other locations by the Commander of the 371 NAF Detachment, Air Commodore Yakubu Daniel.

    The air vice marshal hailed the Chief of Air Staff for making funds available for the detachment’s projects.

    He said: “My word for those threatening to foment trouble is that they better hold fire. But where they dare it, they should be ready for whatever comes their way.

    “The Mobility Command is ever ready to carry out its duties. The idea of the Mobility Command is to add value to whatever security arrangements that have been put together in the Niger Delta.

    “I have units in Calabar, Uyo, Warri here; others are scattered all over the country. I can tell you the idea is to make sure that law-abiding citizens go about their normal businesses. We are here to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure that the Niger Delta region is free of criminals and economic saboteurs.

    “This is my first operational visit to this unit. It is to find out how they are doing and to ascertain whether all the directives and tasks given by the headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force are being followed through accordingly, based on the Constitution of our country.”