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Tag: Air Force

  • Air Force neutralises Boko Haram terrorists in Borno

    The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has neutralised many Boko Haram terrorists in Koleram, Borno State, it was learnt.

    NAF’s spokesman AVM Olatokunbo Adesanya said the operation was conducted on Monday following calls by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division that ground troops came in contact with Boko Haram men.

    He added that an Alpha Jet was deployed to provide Close Air Support (CAS) to ground forces.

    The statement reads: “The GOC, therefore, requested for support from the NAF, sequel to which the Alpha Jet was scrambled to provide CAS. There was exchange of fire between terrorists and our ground forces.

    “The crew of a NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft established contact with the ground troops, and guided the Alpha Jet crew to the major source of fire from Boko Haram terrorists.

    “Consequently, the NAF Alpha Jet engaged the target with rockets and cannons, neutralising the terrorists and destroying their weapons.

    “The Air Task Force will continue to conduct missions, on request, to support our troops in counter-insurgency operations in Northeast.”

  • Air Force kills Boko Haram terrorists in Borno

    •Suspects, collaborator held in Yobe

    The Air Force yesterday said it killed several Boko Haram insurgents in Yuwe, Borno State, following air strikes on the sect’s facilities.

    A statement by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, said the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole conducted the air interdiction.

    The statement reads: “The Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole, on April 28, neutralised scores of Boko Haram Terrorists at Yuwe in Borno State, through air strikes.

    “The mission was conducted following intelligence report that terrorists were hibernating in the settlement. Consequently, the ATF detailed Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet aircraft and one Mi-35 Helicopter gunship to conduct air interdiction on the location in two waves.

    “Overhead the location, the NAF fighter aircraft acquired and attacked the terrorists in the settlement with bombs, rockets and canons while a NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) conducted Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) of the mission.

    “The BDA revealed that at the end of the attack, some of the buildings in the location were destroyed while the terrorists were neutralised.

    “Thereafter, some of the surviving terrorists were seen scampering for safety, with various degrees of wounds. The fighter aircraft then attacked them in subsequent waves.”

    The Army has said it arrested three Boko Haram suspects and a collaborator in Yobe State.

    A statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Texas Chukwu, said the operation was carried out by troops of 233 Battalion on Operation Lafiya Dole.

    He added that the suspects were arrested on April 27 at Mingel and Damagum, Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State.

    He, however, said they all hailed from Borno State.

    The statement reads: “Troops of 233 Battalion deployed on Operation Lafiya Dole, on April 27, while on raid to Mingel and Damagun in Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State, nabbed four Boko Haram terrorists with their collaborator.

    “The suspects, who hail from Borno State, include Chari Masaa (40); Gonbuzu Abar (30); Modu Moduchollo (20); Titta Masawa (20) and their collaborator, Gambo Idrisa (30).’’

    Items recovered include four mobile phones and 150,000 cash.

    The statement added that: “Troops of Forward Operation Base, Potiskum, while on routine patrol on April 26, arrested a suspected Boko Haram terrorist, Sailsu Musa (30), of Sabon Gari Duddaye in Nangere Local Government Area.”

  • Air Force bombs Boko Haram facilities, kills scores

    The Nigerian Air Force has said it has used its platform to launch air strikes at Boko Haram facilities at Yuwe in Borno state.
    It said the attack resulted in the death of unspecified number of Boko Haram terrorists, while their facilities were completely destroyed.
    A statement endorsed by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya said the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole conducted the air interdiction.
    AVM Adesanya said: “The Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, on 28 April 2018, neutralized scores of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) at YUWE in Borno State through successful air strikes.
    “The mission was conducted following intelligence report that BHTs fighters were hibernating in the settlement. Consequently, the ATF detailed Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet aircraft and one Mi-35 Helicopter gunship to conduct Air Interdiction on the BHT location in two waves.
    “Overhead the location, the NAF fighter aircraft acquired and attacked the terrorists in the settlement with bombs, rockets and canons while a NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) conducted Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) of the mission.
    “The BDA revealed that at the end of the attack, some of the buildings in the location were successfully destroyed and engulfed in fire while the occupying terrorists were neutralized.
    “Thereafter, some of the terrorists that survived were seen scampering for safety, with various degrees of wounds. The fighter aircraft then attacked the fleeing BHTs in subsequent waves of attack”.

  • Air Force strikes insurgents’ hideout in Borno

    The Air Force said yesterday that the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole killed several insurgents in air strikes at Arege and Tumbun Rago in Borno State.

    A statement by the spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, said: “The Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole, in a combined operation with the Nigerien Air Force on April 8, launched a coordinated air strike on Boko Haram Terrorists locations at Arege and Tumbun Rago in Borno State.

    “The attacks followed reports received sequel to an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission conducted by an aircraft belonging to Nigerien Air Force, which revealed boko haram activities at Arege and Tumbun Rago.

    “Consequently, the ATF detailed Alpha Jet and F-7Ni aircraft to conduct Air Interdiction strikes on the locations while the ISR aircraft from Niger provided necessary support and also conducted Battle Damage Assessment (BDA).

    “The BDA showed that during the first attacks at Arege, several vehicles belonging to BHTs were destroyed, killing all the occupants. The fighter aircrafts neutralised fleeing terrorists in subsequent attacks.

    “Thereafter, NAF fighter aircraft and the ISR aircraft from Niger combined to attack terrorists’ locations at Tumbum Rago.

    “The combined operations by the Air Forces of both countries are part of renewed efforts at clearing boko haram elements from their known locations in the Northeast.”

  • Air Force deploys Special Forces in Zamfara to contain attacks

    The Air Force yesteday deployed Special Forces in Zamfara State to stem incessant attacks by bandits, it was learnt.

    A statement by Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, said the action followed directive of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

    AVM Adesanya said the Special Forces would work with other security agencies to control the situation.

    The statement reads: “Following the recent attack on Bawan Daji in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, directed that Special Forces be deployed in Gusau, as part of efforts to stop the incessant attacks.

    “Accordingly, the NAF Special Forces, who were trained in asymmetric warfare, were airlifted from Kaduna with the NAF C-130 Hercules aircraft to complement the efforts of other security forces on ground.

    “The personnel and other supporting staff would operate from the recently established 207 Quick Response Group in Gusau, where they would reinforce the existing Regiment personnel in the Unit in support of the ongoing Operation Sharan Daji in the state.

    “The Air Officer Commanding, Special Operations Command, Air Vice Marshal Ismaila Kaita, who addressed troops at Gusau before their deployment, said the Special Forces would be further deployed in remote areas where they would be engaged in internal security operations.

    “He urged them to effectively utilise their experience and training to protect the people and their properties.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Air Force to prioritise personnel’s welfare

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has said the force will prioritise the welfare of its training instructors, and the provision of infrastructure at the Training Command in Kaduna State.

    Air Marshal Abubakar, who spoke yesterday when he visited the command, said the welfare of instructors and pilots was paramount to safeguarding assets of the force.

    According to him, the Training Command is very strategic to the Air Force, hence the reason for his operational visit to identify its challenges, with a view to addressing them.

    His words: “We have gone round and seen everything. What is important is to look at the resources available and try to address challenges affecting the welfare of personnel. We will also ensure that pilots are in the right frame of mind discharge their duties effectively.

    “Whatever we are doing in terms of airpower originates from this base. So, we want to see what is happening to the welfare of instructors in that training, water supply, electricity, and so on.

    “All these are very important because we want to graduate people who will be effective in the discharge of their responsibilities.”

    The Air Officer Commanding, Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Muhammed Idris, enumerated the challenges of the command to include inadequate accommodation, electricity, water and training instructors.

    He, however, praised the CAS for the special attention given to his command over the years, and appealed that more should be done to reduce the command’s challenges.

     

  • Air Force deploys 100 jets in search of 110 schoolgirls

    Air Force deploys 100 jets in search of 110 schoolgirls

    The Air Force has deployed 100 fighter jets in the search for the 110 schoolgirls abducted on February 19, the Federal Government said yesterday.

    The students of the Government Girls Science and Technical College (GGSTC), Dapchi, Yobe State were abducted from their hostels by terrorists.

    Twenty of the jets have flown 200 hours as at Monday evening, according to a fact sheet on the search released by Minister of Information, Culture and National Orientation Lai Mohammed.

    Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar relocated yesterday to Yobe State “to personally superintend the search for the girls”, the minister said.

    He also released the details of the missing girls. Eight are in JSS1, 17 in JSS2, 12 in JSS3, 40 in SS1, 19 in SS2 and 14 in SS3. The girls’ ages range from 11 to 19 years.

    “The list, which also contains the contact address and phone number of each missing girl, was verified by a 26-member Screening Committee that include the Executive Secretary, State Teaching Service Board, Musa Abdulsalam; Director, Schools’ Management, Ministry of Education, Shuaibu Bulama; Principal of GGSTC, Adama Abdulkarim; the two Vice Principals, Ali Musa Mabu and Abdullahi Sule Lampo; Admission Officer Bashir Ali Yerima, and the Form Masters for all the classes,” Mohammed said.

    National Security Adviser (NSA) Babagana Monguno, who constituted a 12-member committee “to unravel the circumstances surrounding the abduction”, gave the committee March 15 deadline to submit a report.

    Gen. Munguno, who visited Governor Ibrahim Gaidam in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, yesterday announced that 80 other planes would join the search for the girls.

    He told the governor: “The Nigerian Air Force has deployed 20 aircraft in Maiduguri and 80 others on their way. So far, 200 hours have been utilised in flying sorties looking for these girls.

    “We have also been made aware of the fact that the Nigerian Air Force will step up its operation regardless of the very hard and severe weather condition.”

    Giving further details of the security measures in place as well as efforts to get the girls back, Munguno said: “Back in Abuja, we have set up our own machinery in dealing with this situation. All the security agencies have been working together. The situation room has been expanded – the one in the office of the National Security Adviser that is linked directly to all other security agencies but most importantly to the theatre command over here.

    “I have made efforts with my counterparts across the region to try and work and share intelligence together and see how quickly we can bring to an end this very unfortunate situation. But, apart from that, we are also looking at other measures in dealing with past occurrences and how to forestall any future occurrence. “

    Air Marshal Abubakar and some other military chiefs were with Munguno at the meeting with the governor, who praised President Muhammadu Buhari for his efforts so far and for sending the third high-level delegation to the state within one week of the girls’ abduction.

    Gaidam, nevertheless, said it is “unfortunate that prior to the attack, the Army units stationed in Dapchi and Bayamari towns were removed.  ”We are, therefore, of the opinion that there is no reason whatsoever to take that untimely action since Dapchi is the headquarters of one of the frontline local governments and Bayamari too is one of the major settlements close to the neighbouring Republic of Niger associated with porous terrain that should be protected.”

    Munguno assured that “the government will continue to push harder, dealing with all organisations – local and international – and engaging with every group that comes forward to see that these girls are brought back safely to their parents. This is a commitment that the government has made.”

    The NSA committee to be inaugurated in Abuja today will be chaired by a military officer of the rank of Major General. It comprises one senior Provost each from the Army, the Navy and the Air Force; representatives of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA); Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA); the Police; Department of State Services (DSS); Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); two representatives of the Yobe State Government and a representative of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    The terms of reference of the Committee include ascertaining the circumstances surrounding the abduction of the girls, confirming the presence, composition, scale and disposition of security emplaced in Dapchi as well as in GGSTC before the incident and suggesting measures that can lead to the location and rescue of the girls.

  • Air Force steps up search for 110 kidnapped girls

    Air Force steps up search for 110 kidnapped girls

    Minister: govt ’ll rescue them

    The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has deployed more assets in a day and night search for the 110 schoolgirls abducted last week by suspected Boko Haram men.

    The Federal Government said yesterday that 110 pupils of the Government Girls’ Science Technical College (GGSTC), Dapchi are unaccounted for.

    Dapchi is the headquarters of Bursari Local Government Area of Yobe State. It is about 100 kilometres from Damaturu, the state capital.

    The figure is higher than the 105  given by the parents of the pupils at the weekend.

    The school was on February 19 attacked by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in military fatigues who took away the girls in 11 trucks.

    Minister of Information, Culture and National Orientation Lai Mohammed, gave the latest figure yesterday after a meeting of the Federal Government delegation with Yobe State Governor Ibrahim Gaidam and other stakeholders on the Dapchi attack in Damaturu, the state capital.

    Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Dambazau and Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole Maj.-Gen. Roger Nicholas were in the team.

    A statement by NAF Director of Public Relations and Information Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, urged Nigerians, including the rural dwellers who might have information that could lead to the location of the girls, to bring such information to the attention of the military authorities.

    AVM Adesanya said : “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed additional air assets, including Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, to the Northeast in a renewed effort at locating the missing Dapchi girls.

    “Before now, following confirmation of reports that some of the girls were yet to be accounted for, the NAF had deployed some ISR platforms and helicopters to search for and possibly locate the missing girls as well as the rogue Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs).

    “Although these search operations were conducted in a covert manner, for obvious reasons, the efforts did not yield the desired results.

    “Accordingly, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, directed the immediate deployment of additional air assets and NAF personnel to the Northeast with the sole mission of conducting day and night searches for the missing girls.

    “It is noteworthy that the renewed efforts at locating the girls are being conducted in close liaison with other surface security forces. While the NAF will spare no efforts at possibly locating the girls via its air operations,

    “It also seizes this opportunity to call on anyone, especially the locals, who might have any information that could lead to the location of the girls to bring such information forward to NAF authorities or other relevant security agencies.”

    Mohammed said efforts were being made to get the girls back. He explained that a situation room to give succor to the traumatized parents and guardians would be created. The deployment of policemen and Civil Defence men in schools has been decided by the government.

    “Far reaching decision were taken here today: one, is that henceforth, the police and the Civil Defence corps will ensure that their presence is strong in every school to serve as a deterrent to the insurgents. Secondly, the security agencies and outfits are working together and synergising to ensure that these girls are recovered as fast as possible.

    “We are working on very important things that would not be very impudent to talk about but we want to assure Nigerians that no stone will be left unturned in our determination to rescue these girls,” he said.

    On how the figure of the abducted pupils was arrived at, Mohammed said it was based on the briefings from the principal of the college, Hajia Adama Abdulkarim, and the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Mohammed Lamin, that 906 students – out of who 110 have not been accounted

    for – were in the school on the day of the attack.

    He said the security agencies were working on many leads regarding the whereabouts of the girls.

    ‘’This is the second time in four days that a Federal Government delegation would visit Yobe State since the unfortunate incident. This is a measure of the seriousness with which we are addressing the issue. The security forces are leaving no stone unturned in their search for the girls.

    ‘’We are back here in Yobe as part of efforts to provide some succor to the parents of the girls, to let them know that they are not alone and also to reassure them that we will not rest until we have found the girls. We will carry the parents along on the efforts we are making,’’ Mohammed said.

    Mohammed explained that his statement in Dapchi last Thursday that “Boko Haram is  looking for oxygen to breath” is at aimed at  like trivialising the abduction but rather to underscore the major success the government has achieved against the insurgents in the last few years.

    He said: “If you look at what this government has done in containing the Boko Haram insurgency, you will agree with me that this is actually looking for attention. It is actually more like oxygen. Just one life is very important. We are not making it look trivial, but we are just saying that we must remain focused. It is a very huge task and we want to assure Nigerians that the days of Boko Haram is almost at an end.”

    Apart from the governor, members of the state Executive Council, the principal and vice principal of the school, representatives of the parents of the missing girls and security

    agencies attended the meeting.

    Mohammed said “No stone will be left unturned in our determination to rescue these girls,” the minister said.

    He said the federal and state governments as well as parents would collaborate with security agents to rescue the students.

    The minister reiterated that the insurgents were being contained and now looking for soft targets.

    “Government will remain focused and resolute in the fight against insurgency to rescue the students and every Nigerian in their custody.”

    Dambazau said the delegation embarked on the trip to get the facts right ‘’so that the approach to the solution can be correct’’.

    ‘’We must get back the girls and also ensure that this does not happen again,’’ he said.

  • Air Force begins medical outreach for IDPs

    Air Force begins medical outreach for IDPs

    The Air Force has begun a two-week medical outreach for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Maiduguri and Damboa, Borno State.

    According to Director of Public Relations and Information Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, the medical intervention: “Alleviating the Medical/Surgical Needs of IDPs in Maiduguri and Damboa”, is at the instance of Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

    AVM Adesanya, in a statement, said the programme would address the health challenges of IDPs.

    The statement reads: “In continuation of efforts at alleviating the plights of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Northeast and other parts of the country, the Air Force (NAF) has begun a two-week medical outreach for IDPs in Maiduguri and Damboa Local Government Areas of Borno State.

    “Themed: “Alleviating the Medical/Surgical Needs of IDPs in Maiduguri and Damboa”, the outreach also involves surgical interventions for those with complicated and critical health challenges.

    “The leader of the NAF Medical Outreach Team, who is also the Director of Public Health and Humanitarian Services at Headquarters NAF, Group Capt. Azubuike Chukwuka, said the outreach, at the instance of the Chief of Air Ataff (CAS), is to assuage the sufferings of the IDPs and enhance civil-military relations, as part of ‘winning the hearts and minds’ strategy of the NAF.

    “Since the exercise started on February 13, the team has conducted 71 eye surgeries and 31 general surgeries. At Damboa, 32 eye operations and 10 general surgeries have been conducted

    “The team has so far provided free medical treatment to 590 IDPs at Damboa. Therefore, 1,272 IDPs have been attended to in Damboa and more are expected to benefit.”

  • Air Force deploys troops in Niger

    Air Force deploys troops in Niger

    •To open quick response commands in Nasarawa, Taraba

    The Air Force said yesterday that troops had been deployed in support of Operation Karamin Goro in Niger State.

    Operation Karamin Goro is targeted at bandits, cattle rustlers and kidnappers.

    A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, said the one-month joint operation with the Army was at the behest of the state government.

    The statement reads: “As part of efforts to curb kidnapping, armed banditry, cattle rustling and other forms of criminalities in Niger State, the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has contributed a substantial number of troops to the ongoing Joint Operation codenamed Operation Karamin Goro.

    “The operation started on January 18, and is part of efforts by the Niger State government to enhance security of life and properties.

    “The NAF, as part of its statutory responsibilities of defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria, has been involved in various internal security operations across the country. These include the fight against insurgency in the Northeast, cattle rustling, kidnapping and armed banditry in the Northwest, militancy in the South-South and pipeline vandalism in the Southeast.

    “Only recently, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, announced the establishment of additional Forward Operational Bases (FOBs) in Taraba and the Benue/Nasarawa border, as part of plans to further tackle the incessant herdsmen-farmers clash.

    “Operation Karamin Goro could end today unless the situation demands otherwise.”

    Air Marshal Sadiq Baba Abubakar has said the Air Force will establish Quick Response Commands in Nasarawa and Taraba to checkmate rising security threat on the Benue/Nasarawa border and parts of Taraba State.

    Abubakar spoke yesterday in Lafia when he led a delegation to Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura.

    According to him, the commands will comprise 150 Special Forces, who will graduate from a special training on Friday.

    He said: “Immediately they graduate, they will be deployed in Nasarawa State. The idea is for us to create an enabling environment for people to pursue their legitimate aspiration without any fear.”

    Al-Makura thanked the Air chief for the initiative, especially at the time of security challenges following implementation of the anti-grazing law.

    His words: “There could not be better time to deploy your initiative to this corridor than this time, and we have seen the result in the Air Force as you have done with your other colleagues in the military.”

    Al-Makura assured Abubakar of the state’s readiness to partner the Air Force to ensure the initiative succeeds.