The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Air Force

  • Obaseki mulls Security Trust Fund for Edo

     

    … Commends retired military officers’ sacrifice

     

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has revealed plans to pass into law, a bill to set up a Security Trust Fund for the state, as part of measures to revamp the security architecture.

    Obaseki disclosed this when executive members of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association of Nigeria (RANAO), Edo State Chapter, paid a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    He noted, “As part of the rethinking of the state’s security architecture, we will, very shortly, pass into law the new Security Trust Fund Bill, which is going to be the anchor on which our security architecture will be built on.”

    The governor commended members of RANAO for their contributions to the security of the country, noting, “Nigeria has been shaped by your activities as retired security officers and you have fought to keep the country as one.”

    Read Also: Flooding: Obaseki provides relief materials for victims in eight LGAs

    He urged the group to provide advice and assistance to improve the security of life and property in the state, adding that security is a major challenge facing the country, and all hands must be on deck to solve the nagging problem.

    Obaseki said, “As a government, we realise that the challenges we face as a country is quite deep and formidable. Without law, safety and order, government will not succeed. That is why we have tried, as a government, to do our best in terms of safety, security and order to enable us build a great state.”

    Earlier, leader of the group, Retired Major General (Retd.) Paul Edomwande, commended Governor Obaseki for the developmental strides recorded since he assumed office as governor of the state.

    “We laud your effort in abolishing the Community Development Associations (CDAs) that had caused carnage in our communities.

    “Nothing should be allowed to disrupt the mop-up that is still going on,” he added.

  • Air Force Deploys 300 Special Forces in Benue others

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has said the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has deployed over 300 Special Forces in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States for the success of Operation Whirl Stroke.

    Abubakar added that an array of fighter aircrafts, Mi-35 helicopter as well as Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms were also deployed to the military campaign to restore peace and orderliness in the troubled states.

    A statement by the force’s spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, said the Air Chief spoke when he visited the Headquarters of Operation Whirl Stroke in Makurdi, Benue State, with top Officers of the NAF and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee of the NAF, Samson Okwu.

    The statement reads: “The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, in continuation of the series of visits undertaken to assess and enhance the operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) units across the country, on June 23, visited NAF units in Makurdi.

    “The visit afforded the CAS the opportunity to visit the Headquarters of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) and to interact with NAF personnel deployed for the operation. The Chairman, House Committee on the Air Force, Samson Okwu, accompanied the CAS on the visit.

    “The CAS and other senior officers were briefed by the Joint Task Force Commander, Maj.-Gen. Adeyemi Yekini and the Air Component Commander/Deputy Force Commander (OPWS), Group Capt. Precious Amadi.

    “The briefing highlighted the successes recorded since the start of the Operation – reduction in violence in the three states (Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba) under the Force’s area of responsibility.

    “The CAS said the NAF was committed to the security of life and property of Nigerians. He said the NAF had, therefore, contributed about 300 Special Forces to OPWS, with the deployment of an array of fighter aircrafts, Mi-35 helicopter gunships, as well as Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance platforms to end insecurity.

    “The CAS was satisfied with the progress achieved in the operation and lauded the Commander, officers and men of OPWS for the successes. He assured them that the NAF would continue to provide all necessary support to ensure even greater results in the operation.”

    “One of the highlights of the visit was the formal induction of the Mi-35P helicopter gunship, NAF 531, for combat duties in OPWS, as part of NAF’s contributions towards curbing violence in Benue State and environs.”

  • Air Force bombs bandits in Zamfara

    The Air Force on Monday began aerial bombardments in Zamfara State, in a joint military offensive to end banditry in its communities.

    The Commander of the 207 Quick Response Group, Group Capt. Caleb Olayera, addressed reporters yesterday after taking delivery of two helicopters deployed for the operation.

    Group Capt. Olayera described the operation as part of a joint military operation involving the Air Force, Army, Police and Civil Defence to flush out bandits.

    According to him, the Air Force has built helipads to sustain the fight against banditry.

    He said: “We told you that the helipads will be used as the base for our fighter jets to neutralise criminals and their hideouts.”

    The captain promised that peace would soon return to troubled communities with the start of the military operation.

    Governor Abdulaziz Yari has directed the 17 Emirs to file detailed security reports of their domains.

    The governor, who spoke yesterday when the emirs of Kaura-Namoda Alhaji Muhammad Ahmad-Asha; Birnin-Magaji Alhaji Hussaini Dan’ali-Maude and Zurmi Alhaji Abubakar Atiku paid him sallah homage, urged them to immediately convene a stakeholders’ meeting on the matter.

    Yari said the reports should provide recommendations that would enable the government take appropriate measures to address the insecurity in the state.

    The governor, who was concerned with the recurring killings despite the presence of security agencies, said his administration is working with relevant stakeholders within and outside the state to find lasting solutions.

    The monarchs assured the governor of their continued support to end the killings.

  • Air Force deploys two helicopters to Zamfara

    The Nigeria Air force has deployed two helicopters to 207 Quick Response Group Air Force Base in Zamfara state to combat terrorism and beef up security.

    The deployment was made to support personnel operation in the fight against army bandits and terrorism in the state.

    News Agency of Nigeri, reports that the Nigeria Air Force recently commissioned two helipads at the 207 Quick Response Air Force Base in Gusau.

    Read Also: NAF fighter jet neutralises Boko Haram terrorists

    NAN also reports that more personnel were deployed from the Army, Air Force, Police and Department of State Security Service (DSS).

    The development came when the state Governor expressed concern with the activities of security agencies in the state.

    Speaking while receiving the helicopters, the Commander of the 207 Quick Response Group, Captain Caleb Olayera expressed assurance that the state would witness change.

    Olayera said with the helicopters in the Command, criminals would be trace and dealt with.

  • Air Force Chief, Senators, mark Eid el Fitr with troops

    The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Nigerian Air Force, Senator Duro Faseyi and other top NAF officers marked the Eid-el Fitr celebrations at the front-line to boost the morale of troops in the fight against insurgents in the Northeast.
    According to a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, the visit to the war fronts was in line with the tradition already established by the present leadership of the NAF in furtherance of the commitment towards professionalism.
    AVM Adesanya also disclosed that during the visit, a multipurpose hall built by the NAF leadership in hounour of the late AVM Emmanuel Edem was commissioned by the Air Force Chief.
    The statement reads: “In keeping with the tradition established since becoming the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) in July 2015, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, yesterday 15 June 2018, arrived in Maiduguri to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr with Nigerian Air Force (NAF) frontline troops serving in Maiduguri. He was accompanied by senior officers from NAF Headquarters, Abuja.
    ” The visit also provided an avenue for the NAF to commission a newly built multipurpose hall at NAF’s 105 Composite Group, Maiduguri. The hall, which was named after late Air Vice Marshal Emmanuel Edem, a one time Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, was commissioned by Senator Duro Faseyi, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Air Force. Also present at the occasion was Mrs Bernardette Edem, wife of the late senior NAF officer that was honoured.
    “While commissioning the AVM EE Edem Hall, Senator Faseyi observed that the construction of the hall for use by the frontline troops was another significant achievement by NAF. He therefore praised the CAS and the rest of the NAF leadership for their unflinching commitment, which had resulted in the repositioning of the NAF for better service delivery.
    http://staging.thenationonlineng.net/naf-neutralises-boko-haram/
    “He stated that the Senate Committee on Air Force was a witness to the commissioning of several projects across all NAF units, geared towards enhancing NAF’s operational effectiveness and raising the morale of personnel.
    “On the naming of the newly built hall after late AVM Edem, Senator Faseyi was of the view that it was an indication that the NAF, and the country at large, would forever be grateful to those who had served the nation well, even in death. He then charged personnel of 105 Composite Group to properly maintain and make good use of the new facilities.
    “He also saluted the personnel for their bravery, which according to him, was responsible for the relative peace being enjoyed in Maiduguri and the overall corporate existence of Nigeria. He then stated that the nation truly appreciates their daily sacrifices and therefore urged them to remain committed in the interest of the nation.
    “In his remarks, the CAS said he had come with other senior NAF officers to celebrate the Sallah with the personnel, in appreciation of their efforts towards ensuring that Nigerians are secured and are able to pursue their legitimate aspirations without any hindrance.
    ” He therefore thanked guests, particularly Senator Faseyi and Mrs Edem, who came to join in celebrating with the frontline troops, who constantly put their lives on the line to ensure the security of our communities.
    “He recollected his promise in the preceding year that the troops would no longer have to eat under the hot sun while collectively celebrating festive seasons. Air Marshal Abubakar therefore expressed his delight that the promise had been fulfilled with the commissioning of the hall, which had created a more conducive environment for the troops to celebrate.
    “The CAS informed the troops that the NAF had made a lot of gains in the efforts to re-professionalize the NAF. He disclosed that the NAF had been expanded for enhanced operational effectiveness, administrative efficiency and better service delivery. In particular, he mentioned that several Special Forces personnel had been trained and already deployed to newly established NAF units all over the country.
    ” In addition, the NAF has largely addressed the welfare needs of personnel, especially through the provision of residential accommodation, distribution of uniforms, among others. He added that the Federal Government had also been quite supportive in the efforts to enhance the capability of the NAF through the acquisition of new aircraft and reactivation of grounded ones.
    “He therefore expressed the gratitude of the NAF to President Muhammadu Buhari, members of the National Assembly and other government agencies for facilitating the re-professionalization of the NAF. Air Marshal Abubakar also disclosed that, earlier in the day, President Buhari had specifically directed that he should convey his appreciation to the troops, for their daily sacrifices while reminding them that we had no other country but Nigeria and we should therefore work harder to ensure its unity and safeguard its territorial integrity.
    “On late AVM Edem, the CAS revealed that the late senior officer was a highly committed and detribalized individual, who was only interested in the values that personnel could add to the Service and not their tribes or religious inclination.
    “He then recounted some deeds by the late Snr Offr, who he reported to be a man who exhibited much integrity. According to Air Marshal Abubakar, those were some of the reasons the late senior officer was being honoured by naming the new hall after him. He then encouraged all NAF personnel to emulate those unique values exhibited by late AVM Edem”.

  • Air Force hits Boko Haram fighters

    The Eid-el-Fitr festival turned sour for Boko Haram terrorists in Parisu and Takwala in Borno State when the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) pounded their base in the area.

    The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, neutralised many of the Boko Haram fighters through the successful air strikes, Air Vice Marshall Olatokunbo Adesanya, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, said yesterday in Abuja.

    “The mission followed the discovery, by NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, of activities of BHTs in the 2 locations,” Adesanya said in a statement.

    “Consequently, the ATF detailed 2 NAF Alpha Jet aircraft, armed with rockets and cannons, to interdict the locations.

    “Overhead the objective, the NAF fighter aircraft acquired and attacked the objectives with rockets and cannons.

    “At the end of the mission, it was observed that the attack platforms successfully engaged the remnants of the terrorists hibernating within the settlements and consequently neutralized them,” he said.

    Adesanya said that the NAF would continue to deploy its platforms to conduct intensive ISR missions aimed at discovering the locations of possible remnants of BHTs in the entire Northeast.

     

  • Air Force to pound regrouping militants in Lagos creeks

    •Army intercepts trucks with 300,000 ammunition

    Militants are regrouping in the creeks of Lagos and Ogun states but the Air Force is ready to pound them.

    Yesterday, the army intercepted three trucks carrying over 300,000  pump action rifle ammunition.

    Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar hinted on an imminent aerial warfare in the creeks yesterday while inaugurating newly-built accommodation for 120 Airmen and women at O41 NAF Communications Depot in Shasha, near Akowonjo  on the outskirts of Lagos.

    Air Marshal Abubakar, who inspected two C-130 Hercules undergoing Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) and Life Extension Programme, said the operation to flush out the militants would be conducted in collaboration with other security agencies.

    He said: “Very soon, something will be worked out, which will involve sister services like we did the last time. Our commanders on ground are giving us all the input and it is on that basis we are arranging something.

    “Just like we flushed them before, we would flush them again with the support of other security services. The navy, army and police are very relevant in this. But we are flying in the air and are, therefore, not constrained by terrain. So, we are certainly going to deal with the situation.

    “We have night capability and we still have aircraft with camera. With the support of the Federal Government, we have quite a number of them.

    “We have been deploying them and also used them in the Ikorodu general area in Lagos for an understanding of the domain. We have recruited over seven thousand people in the last three years and their welfare needs to be catered for.”

    Assuring that more accommodation would be provided across NAF units and personnel welfare taken care off, Air Marshal Abubakar said he was certain it would enhance their performance and ultimately improve the nation’s security.

    Inaugurating the buildings, the Air Chief said: “It is quite important to ensure that the living condition of our tireless and hardworking personnel is given high premium.

    “Human beings, being the most important resource in organization, ought to have their welfare needs addressed in order for them to be effective in discharging their assigned roles and responsibilities.

    “The project being inaugurated is dedicated to one of our pilots who paid the supreme price while on a national assignment. It is named after the senior officer, who passed on while on rescue mission on an Alpha-Jet aircraft.”

    He said: “A number of platforms in our inventory are also undergoing reactivation and will soon be injected back to service to boost our counter terrorism and counter insurgency operations.

    “As much as capacity is being built within the NAF, we must continue to develop strategies to anticipate and curb other emerging security imperatives across the country.”

    The ammunition-laden trucks intercepted by soldiers marked ANAMBRA AAH 409ZV, LAGOS BDG782XU and LAGOS GGF88XU, were stopped at about 2:58am on Thursday, at Balogun village, along Igbogila-Ilara Road, Ogun State.

    Displaying the ammunition yesterday, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Enobong Udoh, said they received a tip-off from well-meaning Nigerians on the trucks.

    Gen. Udoh, who was represented by the Commander, 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Brig.-Gen. Olusegun Olatunde, said: “Troops of 81 Division while on anti-illegal bunkering, vandalism and anti-smuggling patrols in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, Department of State Security (DSS), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) intercepted three five-ton trucks loaded with thousands of live cartridges at Balogun village, along Igbogila-Ilara road, Ogun State.

    “The live cartridges in boxes and cartons were carefully concealed and sealed in an improvised base made of wooden platform with metallic plates. The drivers and their crew on sighting troops abandoned their trucks and fled. A team is on the trail of the fleeing drivers, their crew, collaborators and sponsors as investigation is ongoing.”

    Pledging sustained war against criminals in the command’s area of responsibility, the GOC urged residents to continue to provide information to security agencies.

    Asked where the trucks were coming from, Udoh said investigations would ascertain that, adding that from the point of arrest, it was clear they entered the country from Benin Republic.

    He said: “We cannot ascertain for now where the trucks were headed but we have told you the exact point they were intercepted.

    “I do not know the estimated value of the ammunition. The drivers and their crew abandoned the vehicles and fled as soon as they were stopped. This just happened and we are releasing the information.

    “We will commence investigation with the vehicles’ registration numbers to ascertain the owners of the vehicles. The trucks are here and no one has come to claim them yet. So, they will still be here.”

    He said security agencies were doing their best to police them, adding that it took the eagle eye of personnel to figure out the concealment.

    He said: “The way the ammunition were concealed, you will not know anything was hidden in them. They built inner compartments with metals. When you open the back of the trucks, you will see that they are empty, not knowing that cartridges are hidden behind the metals.

    The trucks were in a convoy. I do not know the initial point of departure but as soon as all these details are unraveled, we will brief the public.”

  • Air Force launches attacks against Boko Haram, kills insurgents

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday said it has used its newly acquired Mi-35 helicopter gunships to fire rockets and cannon at Boko Haram Terrorists at a camp South East Bonne, Borno State, killing scores of insurgents in the process.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, claimed in a statement that the operation was carried out after an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform had established the presence of the terrorists in the area.

    Adesanya said: ” The newly acquired Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Mi-35M helicopter gunships have successfully unleashed their firepower on Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) at a camp, 9.7km South East of Bonne in the on-going OPERATION THUNDER STRIKE.

    “An earlier Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance report had indicated the significant presence of terrorists in the camp, following which Mi-35M helicopter gunships were deployed to attack them on 15 May 2018.

    “On approaching the target, the Mi-35M helicopter gunships successfully launched rocket and cannon attacks on the camp, in rapid succession.

    “The footage of the attack, as captured by the helicopter’s airborne camera system, indicated the destruction of the targets as the structures within the BHT camp were engulfed in fire while all the terrorists within the camp were also neutralised.”

    NAF took delivery of the second batch of 2 brand new Mi-35M helicopters on 30 April, following which the helicopters were unveiled during the 54th anniversary celebrations in Kaduna.

     

  • Air Force bombs Boko Haram as CDS calls for concerted efforts

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said on Friday that it has again neutralized scores of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) and destroyed their structures in series of air strikes carried out in Bama and Gobara, Borno state.
    Chief of Defence Staff, (CDS) General Abayomi Olonisakin who disclosed this  called for concerted efforts to address the security challenges facing the country.
    General Olonisakin made the call at the closing ceremony of a One-Week Training Progamme on Campaign Planning Course facilitated by the British Military Advisory Team at the Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
    The CDS was represented at the event by the Director of Campaign Planning, Defence Headquarters,  (DHQ) Maj.Gen. Augustine Agundu.
    The NAF said in a statement signed by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Olatokunbo Adesanya that the air interdictions were carried out after the NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms had established the presence of the insurgents in the areas.
    AVM Adesanya said: ” On 15 May 2018, the second day of the ongoing Operation THUNDER STRIKE, the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE successfully conducted air interdiction on a Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) infested location, 13 Nautical Miles North East of Bama.
    “A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft had previously observed significant BHT presence in the location. Accordingly, the ATF detailed a combination of fighter aircraft and helicopter gunships to attack the insurgents’ position.
    “Overhead the location, the attack platforms took turns to unleash their ordinance on the targets while the NAF ISR aircraft conducted Battle Damage Assessment (BDA).
    “At the end of the attacks, the BDA revealed the target structures to have been destroyed and engulfed in in fire while the occupying terrorists were neutralised.
      “Later in the day, in continuation of the Operation, the ATF successfully conducted another attack on a location in Gobara, 15km Northwest of Gwoza. Previous ISR report had indicated that the location served as a hideout for the insurgents. Consequently, NAF fighter aircraft were detailed to carry out air interdiction on the location.
    “The fighter jets acquired and took turns to strafe the location, destroying the building and killing most of the BHTs in the process. After the attacks, the BDA revealed that some other adjoining BHT structures and hideouts were equally destroyed.”
    Meanwhile Gen. Olonisakin maintained that while the Campaign Planning Course was organised by the DHQ to address key gaps in planning operations, military and security agencies should collaborate to tackle the current security challenges threatening the peace and progress of the country.
    The CDS lauded the British Military Advisory Team for facilitating the programme, assuring that the lessons learnt during the period would go a long to ensure integration of concepts in the planning of campaigns for effective military operations.

  • Air Force deploys Special Forces in Taraba

    The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has deployed 150 personnel of its Special Forces to its 23 Quick Response Wing (QRW) in Nguroje, Sarduana Local Government Council of Taraba State.

    Other QRWs in the North Central are in Doma, Nasarawa State and Agatu, Benue State.

    The Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who addressed the troops, urged them to discharge their duties professionally.

    Abubakar, who was represented by Director of Operations, NAF Headquarters, AVM Napoleon Bali, said: “Let me reiterate the need for you to be professional in your duties. You must abide by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Code of Conduct, Rules of Engagement (ROE) and Laws of Armed Conflict.

    “I, therefore, urge you to consider it a rare privilege to be part of the pioneer troops to establish the unit. Accordingly, you need to maintain a cordial relationship with the host community as they support you in your responsibilities.”

    According to the chief of Air Staff, the Special Forces were part of NAF’s policy to build a robust Air Force that can respond effectively, efficiently and timely to national security imperatives.

    He added that evolving security challenges, and the need to create a peaceful environment to facilitate increased economic activities, necessitated establishment of the unit in Nguroje.

    Abubakar urged the troops to partner other security agencies to contain insecurity in Taraba.