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Tag: Air Force

  • Air Force kills Boko Haram insurgents in Lake Chad

    The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has killed more Boko Haram terrorists and destroyed their hideouts at Bukar Meram and Tumbun Allura, on the fringes of Lake Chad, after air interdictions by Operation Thunder Strike II, it was learnt yesterday.

    According to NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, the air strikes were conducted after intelligence and Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms established the presence of insurgents in the areas.

    Daramola, in a statement, said: “In continuation of Operation Thunder Strike II, the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole, yesterday (Monday), destroyed Boko Haram facilities and neutralised several insurgents at Bukar Meram and Tumbun Allura, on the fringes of Lake Chad, Borno State.

    “The attack at Bukar Meram was conducted based on intelligence that insurgents were sighted within the settlement, which was also confirmed by successive days of ISR missions.

    “Accordingly, the ATF detailed an  Alpha Jet aircraft and helicopter gunship to carry out air interdiction and two of the identified locations were destroyed.

    “Similarly, ISR missions showed that some terrorist were trying to regroup at another location in Tumbun Allura, after their bases in the settlement were destroyed on September 4.

    “Consequently, the identified location within the town was attacked and destroyed by NAF Alpha Jet and F-7Ni aircraft.

    “The NAF, working in concert with surface forces, will sustain the momentum of Operation Thunder Strike II to destroy vestiges of the insurgents in the Lake Chad green fringes.”

  • Boko Haram: NAF destroy terrorists’ facilities in Sambisa forest

    The Nigerian Air Force says the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, has successfully destroyed some Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) facilities and equipment at Alafa Yagayaga in Sambisa forest.

    According to the Air force, ATF has also destroyed a suspected BHT ammunition depot in Kusuma on the fringes of Lake Chad, Borno.

    Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

    He said that the air strikes was in continuation of OPERATION THUNDER STRIKE 2 which commenced on Sept.3.

    “The air strikes against BHTs at Alafa Yagayaga were targeted at structures within the settlement identified via previous Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions to be rendezvous (RV) points for the insurgents.

    “Consequently, a combination of NAF fighter aircraft and helicopter gunships were detailed to carry out air interdiction on the locations while the NAF ISR aircraft conducted Battle Damage Assessment (BDA).

    “The attack platforms acquired the targets and took turns to attack the location, destroying the structures and killing most of the BHTs in the process.

    “The few surviving BHTs, seen fleeing the area, were strafed and neutralised by the helicopter gunships,” he said.

    Daramola said that the attack at Kusuma was initiated, following credible intelligence indicating the presence of a BHT logistics/ammunition depot within the settlement.

    “Accordingly, the ATF detailed a fighter aircraft to attack the insurgents’ position while the NAF ISR aircraft conducted BDA.”

    He explained that at end of the attacks, the BDA revealed a direct hit on the ammunition depot which was engulfed in fire.

    The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information added some other adjoining BHT structures were also destroyed and the occupying terrorists neutralised.

  • Air Force destroyes Boko Haram camps

    The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) says the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation Lafiya Dole has neutralised Boko Haram terrorists’ camps at Zanari and Tunbun Rego in Borno State.

    A statement yesterday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said the operation was done on Monday.

    The statement reads: “The NAF ATF of Operation Lafiya Dole has recorded further gains in the ongoing air interdiction operations to wipe out remnants of Boko Haram terrorists within the fringes of Lake Chad.

    “The ATF, on August 20, conducted air strikes on terrorist’ camps at Zanari and Tunbun Rego in Borno State. The strikes at Zanari were planned and executed based on intelligence reports indicating that insurgents had established a training camp in the village and were converging prior to departing for an attack on own troops locations around the Lake Chad area.

    “Accordingly, the ATF scrambled two NAF Alpha Jet aircrafts for a pre-emptive strike on two specified locations within Zanari, where the insurgents were assembled.”

    Daramola said the fighter aircraft acquired and attacked both locations, neutralising several insurgents, with only few survivors seen fleeing the area. He added that: “These were later mopped up by follow-on rocket strikes.

    “Similarly, another identified terrorist’ rendezvous point and staging area on the outskirts of Tunbun Rego was attacked and destroyed by the Alpha Jets.”

    He said the NAF would continue to deploy its platforms to conduct intensive Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions in the Northeast to discover locations of remnants of Boko Haram terrorist and neutralise them.

  • Air Force kills insurgents in Sambisa Forest

    The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) yesterday said it launched air strikes on Boko Haram terrorists regrouping at the fringes of Sambisa Forest in Borno State.

    The spokesman, Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said the attacks were conducted day and night.

    A statement supported with video clips of the attacks, said fleeing insurgents were also dislodged  with helicopter gunships.

    The statement reads: “The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation Lafiya Dole, between August 10 and 18, conducted massive day and night attacks against remnants of Boko Haram terrorists and their facilities.

    “The attacks, which were preceded by days of intensive Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, were planned and executed based on intelligence indicating that the terrorists were moving to regroup around the fringes of Sambisa.

    “The first air strike was a daytime mission executed on August 10 at a location about 4.5 Km Northwest of Arra, around the fringes of Sambisa Forest, where ISR confirmed that terrorists were regrouping to attack our troops in the general area.

    “Accordingly, the ATF detailed an Alpha Jet to attack the location.  Overhead the area, the Jet acquired and engaged targets, destroying parts of the settlement and neutralising several insurgents. Intelligence reports later revealed that some of those who survived converged at another location about 4.8Km West of Arra.

    “Consequently, the ATF deployed Mi-35M helicopter gunships for a night attack on the new location on August 18, resulting in the death of dozens of Boko Haram terrorists.”

    Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in Benue State have killed about 21 herdsmen, Force Commander Maj.-Gen. Adeyemi Yekini said yesterday.

    Gen. Yekini, who addressed reporters at the Tactical Air Command Headquarters in Makurdi, said two soldiers were injured and are receiving treatment at the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Base Hospital.

    Operation Whirl Stroke, covering Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa States, was launched six weeks ago.

    The commander explained that 15 herdsmen were killed on Saturday on the Gbajimba-Akor Tomata axis in a gun battle with troops, adding that one soldier died while two officers sustained injuries.

    He said: “During the fire-fight, the Mi-35 spotted about 20 herdsmen riding motorcycles towards Nasarawa State.

    “Fifteen of them on motorcycles were neutralised with rocket fire from the Mi-35 while others escaped with injuries.

    “Troops lost one soldier while two others sustained injuries and are responding to treatment at NAF Base Hospital.”

    Gen. Yekini hinted that six other herdsmen were killed in Guma on August 4 when troops encountered militia men moving with cattle between Benue and Nasarawa.

    According to him, the troops recovered AK-47 rifle; two AK-47 magazines; 60 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and five motorcycles.

    The air chief hinted that troops, on Sunday, raided Tse Akwaza camp belonging to Benue notorious gang leader Terwase Akwaza (aka Gana), using air strikes, and neutralised key buildings before troops moved in for a mop-up.

    According to him, nothing significant was found, and it was not clear whether or not Gana was killed in the assault.

    He said: “It was not clear if Gana was killed in the assault, but trail of blood seen in the building suggests he might have been hit.

    “A motorcycle usually used by Gana was also damaged and efforts are on to confirm if Gana was killed in the attack, and if not, we will still go after him.”

    Assorted automatic weapons and large ammunition have been recovered from the militia since the operation began six weeks ago.

    He added: “Seven automatic weapons have been recovered from armed militia men in the last six weeks alone – four in Nasarawa and three in Benue State.

    “In all, the OPWS has recovered 40 weapons, 1,100 rounds of ammunition, while 60 suspects have been arrested since inception. All the suspects have been handed over to the DSS and police in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States, depending on where they were arrested and the nature of their offences.”

  • Air Force kills bandits in Zamfara forests

    NIGERIAN Air Force  yesterday said it had killed many bandits in Sububu Forest, Birni Magaji and Rugu Forest in Zamfara State, following air strikes and helicopter gunship attacks.

    A statement by Director of Public Relations and Information Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said the air interdictions and reconnaissance missions were carried out between August 9 and 11.

    Daramola said some bandits were neutralised while advancing on Birni Magaji on motorcycles.

    The statement reads: “The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Air Task Force (ATF) for Operation Diran Mikiya has notched up another series of operations against armed bandits in the Northwest.

    “The successes were recorded in recent air interdictions and armed reconnaissance missions conducted from August 9 to 11, following which bandits in Sububu Forest, Birnin Magaji, and Rugu Forest, Zamfara State, were netralised.

    “The attack at Sububu Forest was executed on the afternoon of August 9, following the discovery of a bandits’ hideout . The ATF earlier conducted a coordinated clearance operation in the morning, involving NAF Special Forces at a suspected bandits’ camp on the outskirts of Galadi in Zamfara Northwest.

    “The bandits were discovered to have vacated the camp and dispersed into the nearby Sububu forest. Consequently, the ATF dispatched a combat aircraft for armed reconnaissance to seek out and destroy them. The aircraft subsequently spotted a large number of bandits within the forest and neutralised them.

    “Similarly, on August 10, a combat helicopter on a reconnaissance mission spotted a group of bandits, armed with automatic weapons and mounted on motorcycles, at a location about 6km Northeast of Birnin Magaji in Zamfara east.

    “From all indications, the bandits were advancing for an attack on Birnin Magaji.

    “Accordingly, another helicopter gunship was scrambled to provide additional support. Both helicopters effectively engaged the bandits and neutralised many of them.

    “On August 1, the ATF conducted another successful attack which neutralised bandits at Rugu Forest. The mission was initiated based on intelligence that a location on the fringes of Rugu Forest, near Ajia, in the Eastern part of Zamfara State, was being used by the bandits as a logistics staging area for the supply of arms and ammunition.

    “Accordingly, a fighter aircraft and helicopter gunship were dispatched and several bandits on motorcycles were neutralised.

    “Operation Diran Mikiya, which begun on July 31, is an intensive air operation aimed at locating and neutralising bandits with a view to stopping killings, cattle rustling and other criminal activities in the Northwest.

    “The NAF continues to solicit useful information from the people to facilitate the success of the operation.”

  • Air Force acquires 18 new aircraft in three years

    CHIEF of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar said at the weekend that within the past three years, President Muhammadu approved the purchase of 18 new combat aircraft for the Air Force and 13 old ones were rehabilitated.

    Air Marshal Abubakar also said over 2,000 Special Forces were trained by the force and about 1,000 of them were already deployed to participate in various operation to keep the country save and secure.

    According to a statement issued in Abuja by the Air Force spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, the Air Force boss spoke in Bauchi during the inauguration of an outdoor small arms shooting range and other projects executed by the Air Force.

    The statement reads: “As part of Bauchi State Government’s contribution to human capacity-building in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Governor Mohammed Abubakar has donated land within the Lame and Bura Forests to the service for the establishment of an Air Range.

    “The governor announced this yesterday, July 28, 2018, during the commissioning ceremony of an outdoor small arms shooting range and other projects recently executed by the NAF at its Base in Bauchi.

    “The other projects commissioned during the event included two blocks of Commanders’ Quarters, one block of 6 x 2 bedroom married senior non-commissioned officers’ accommodation, one block of 10 single room non-commissioned officers’ accommodation as well as the Quarter Guard, entrance way and Gate of Headquarters Special Operations Command (SOC). A historical Photo Gallery building constructed by the Commander 251 Base Services Group was also commissioned yesterday.”

    Speaking during the ceremony, the Bauchi State Governor said the NAF had done remarkably well in dealing with most of the security challenges confronting the nation.

    He said the NAF had always demonstrated professionalism and discipline in the conduct of its operations while making invaluable sacrifices to ensure peace and security in the country. The governor seized the opportunity to once more thank Buhari for approving the establishment of SOC and the NAF Base in Bauchi.

    Highlight of the occasion was a special range classification exercise at the shooting range, where the SGOH and other dignitaries tested their marksmanship ability using the Tavor assault rifle and the FN Browning pistol at 50m and 25m ranges.

     

  • Air Force arrests 16 bandits

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said yesterday that its 207 Quick Response Group in Gusau, Zamfara State, had arrested 16 bandits.

    It said the arrest was made through Operation Sharan Daji, coordinated by the Defence Headquarters.

    NAF spokesman Olatokunbo Adesanya said in a statement that the Air Force had deployed more air assets in Zamfara to support the ongoing operation.

    He said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, announced the deployment of more air assets in Gusau after being briefed on his visit to the unit by the outgoing Commander, Group Captain Caleb Olayera.

    The statement reads: “The 207 Quick Response Group (QRG) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Gusau disclosed that it had arrested 16 suspected bandits while participating in the ongoing Operation SHARAN DAJI, under the auspices of Defence Headquarters (DHQ).

    “The outgoing Commander of the unit, Group Captain Caleb Olayera, made the disclosure while receiving the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who was on an operational tour of the NAF unit in Gusau.

    “The visit by the CAS, who also announced the deployment of more air assets to support the operation, was part of measures to add value to the present security architecture in Zamfara State in terms of air operations and NAF Special Forces Operations.

    “According to Group Captain Olayera, besides its ground operations, 207 QRG has been conducting air operations, such as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, armed reconnaissance and close air support, as part of its contributions to the DHQ-led Operation SHARAN DAJI.”

    “He said in the course of its operations, 207 QRG arrested a major hard drugs dealer, who was handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for prosecution. The unit recovered three guns, seven cartridges and a magazine loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition from suspected bandits.

    “The unit rescued three injured villagers at Boko village as well as five policemen held hostage, in addition to freeing three kidnapped victims. The outgoing commander thereafter briefed the CAS on challenges, which if resolved, would add impetus to the ongoing operations.

    “Air Marshal Abubakar hailed the personnel of 207 QRG for their efforts in seeking to restore peace to Zamfara State. He praised their bravery in the face of danger, while reminding them that as trained soldiers, they had a responsibility to protect the life and property of innocent Nigerians.

    “He assured the personnel that the country appreciates their daily sacrifices and that President Muhammadu Buhari is mindful of them. The CAS announced new steps being taken by the Federal Government to enhance their welfare.

    “He gave directives to the senior NAF officers concerned towards immediately addressing the challenges presented by the commander as well as those identified by him in the course of the visit.

    “In an interview with reporters, Air Marshal Abubakar said the NAF needs intelligence from the populace to help in dealing with the security challenges in the state. He urged the people to support the Armed Forces by providing credible intelligence on the locations of the bandits.

    “The Air chief acknowledged that the projection of air power had natural limitations, such as weather, among others, but that notwithstanding, the NAF would continue to do its best within the ambit of safety.”

  • Air Force bombs Boko Haram terrorists in Borno

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), yesterday said scores of Boko Haram members were neutrilized through series of air strikes  carried out by the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole at Bulagalaye and Kwakwa, in Borno State.

    Its  spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya said in a statement issued in Abuja that the strikes were carried out after the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms had established the presence of the terrorists in the area.

    He added in the statement supported with a declassified video clip that vehicles and weapons belonging to the terrorists were also destroyed in the attacks.

    AVM Adesanya said : ” The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, on 15 July 2018, successfully neutralized several Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) at BULAGALAYE and KWAKWA, both in BORNO State. The successful air strikes on both locations were a result of efforts to trail and neutralize fleeing terrorists after Nigerian Army (NA) troops had repelled the attack on their location around BAMA.

    “Upon receiving reports of the attack, the ATF scrambled an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform and the Alpha Jet aircraft to locate the fleeing terrorists. Consequently, the insurgents, who were seen assembled at a staging area in BULAGALAYE, began to disperse upon sighting the attack platforms.

    “However, the NAF fighter aircraft acquired and attacked the fleeing insurgents with bombs and rockets. As a result of the air strikes, the BHTs were neutralized while their vehicles and weapons were destroyed, leading to a thick cloud of black smoke.

    “Intelligence reports later revealed that a smaller bunch of the BHTs had re-assembled in a settlement known as KWAKWA.

    “Accordingly, the ATF conducted a wave of strikes on the location. Overhead KWAKWA, the ISR platform successfully identified the terrorists’ location and vectored the attack platforms to the target area, which was attacked with bombs and rockets.

  • We didn’t stop plane from landing in Makurdi for political reasons, says Air Force

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday denied that it prevented a chartered flight from landing at its Base in Makurdi for political reasons.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Southern and Middle Belt Forum on Monday alleged that NAF denied them landing rights in Makurdi to attend a Middle Belt summit on restructuring.

    NAF Director of Public Relations and Information AVM Olatokunbo Adesanya said in a statement yesterday that there was a clearly established procedure for non-NAF aircraft to operate into and out of Makurdi.

    “The attention of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has sadly been drawn to allegations that it prevented a chartered flight from landing at its Base in Makurdi on July 16, 2018, for political reasons.

    “There is absolutely no iota of truth in the allegations that NAF’s decision was politically motivated.

    “To start with, the runway at NAF Base Makurdi is not a dual user facility but one constructed strictly for military purpose.

    “Accordingly, in line with global best practices, there is a clearly established procedure for non-NAF aircraft to operate into and out of the runway in Makurdi, and that procedure is well-known to all qualified pilots in Nigeria.

    “Indeed, many airlines had in the past adhered to the stipulated procedure and therefore successfully landed and taken off from the NAF runway in Makurdi.

    “The procedure includes a written request to NAF Headquarters, Abuja for permission for a specific aircraft to operate into its airfield on a specific date and time, including the names of passengers and other necessary details.”

    “In this case, there was indeed a request for permit by the Benue State Government, dated July 16, 2018, for aircraft with Registration Number 5N-FCT to land at NAF Base Makurdi on July 16, 2018.”

    He said requests for landing permits were expected to reach NAF Headquarters not later than two days before the desired landing date.

    According to Adesanya, the NAF, however, went out of its way to expedite the process and accordingly granted the permit for aircraft with Registration Number 5N-FCT to land at NAF Base Makurdi on July 16.

    He added: “However, at about 5 p.m. on 16 July 2018, the NAF was verbally informed that there was a need to change the aircraft for which permission had already been issued, reportedly because the aircraft had developed snags.

    “The NAF, therefore, asked for another written request, in line with the established procedure.

    He said “as at date”, the NAF Headquarters was yet to receive a written request for the replacement aircraft with Registration Number 5N-IZY to land at its Base in Makurdi.

    “For the avoidance of doubts, the NAF does not concern itself with political or religious affiliations of individuals/organisations in granting landing rights at its airfields.

    “The issue of security and safety remains uppermost, particularly while noting that the ongoing Operation WHIRL STROKE is largely being coordinated from NAF Base Makurdi, with fighter aircraft flying in and out of the Base.”

     

     

  • Senate decries killing of 40 people in Sokoto

    The Senate on Thursday decried the gruesome killing of over 40 people by bandits in Sokoto State on Monday.

    The condemnation of the killing followed the adoption of a motion on “Gruesome killing of 40 people in Sokoto State by armed bandits.”

    The upper chamber resolved to urge the Federal Government to mandate the Air Force and the Police helicopter division to embark on surveillance of Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi State with the view of identifying locations and hideouts of the bandits and deal with them decisively;

    It also urged the Inspector General of Police (lGP) through the commissioner of Police in the three states to set up a special squad to mop up the zone in order to get rid of the armed bandits.

    It called for synergy between the Department of State Service, the Police and the armed forces with the view of sharing intelligence and strategies to embark upon in getting rid of the armed bandits;;

    The motion was sponsored by Senators Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) and Senator Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto North)

    Aliero in his lead debate noted with sadness the gruesome and unprecedented killing of innocent and defenseless people in Sokoto by armed bandits on Monday morning at Dogonyero in Candi District in Raba Local government Area of Sokoto State.

    He expressed concerned that “these armed bandits are operating in Zamfara forest where they carry nefarious and barbaric killing of innocent people over a period of two years.”

    Read Also: Buhari condemns bandit attack in Sokoto

    He said that the bandits moved with motorcycles that carry up to three people numbering about thirty motorcycles in all, meaning that the armed bandits were up to 90;

    Aliero expressed worry that “the armed bandits sent two people to the village to buy food for them and the villagers observed that the emissaries were armed and they were interrogated by the villagers and found to be armed bandits similar to the ones operating in Zamfara. The villagers apprehended and executed the two emissaries.”

    He further noted that “the armed bandits sent advance notice to the villagers that they were coming to retaliate the killing of their people.”

    He said “The Chairman of the local government and the village head alerted the law enforcement agencies on this notice of the bandits. Security was provided for a period of 5days after which they were withdrawn, immediately the security agencies were withdrawn, the armed bandits moved in and started killing indiscriminately using A1017 riffles. The situation now is that most of the villagers have left their homes out of fear and so many are still stranded in the bush, not to mention the injured ones still at the hospital and others rendered homeless.”

    Most of the senators who contributed to the motion asked the Federal Government to take steps to protect lives and property in the country.