The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NAF

  • NAF airstrikes kill terrorists, destroy logistics base in Borno

    NAF airstrikes kill terrorists, destroy logistics base in Borno

    Air strikes by Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets have killed several terrorists hiberting in the Lake Chad fringes of Borno State.

    The air strikes also destroyed the terrorists’ hideouts, structures and “strategic logistics base”.

    NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, disclosed this in a statement yesterday.

    He said the terrorists were struck in their locations at Tumbun Fulani and Tumbun Shitu area along the fringes of Lake Chad.

    The NAF spokesperson said the air strikes became imperative after the military had confirmed the terrorists activities “constituted a threat to military formations and law-abiding Nigerians residing within the locations.”  

    Gabkwet said: “At Tumbun Fulani, terrorists were observed loading jerrycans in two  gun trucks concealed under shrubs.

    Read Also: NAF airstrikes kill several terrorists, destroy logistics base in Borno

    “Subsequently, NAF aircraft were scrambled to interdict the location, believed to be a major logistics base. After the strike, Battle Damage Assessment revealed several terrorists were neutralised and the guntrucks destroyed.

    “Similar strikes were also undertaken at Tumbun Shitu after structures believed to be terrorists’ hideout were observed tucked under thick foliage.

    “Additionally, three gun trucks with terrorists were sighted moving into the location. The need to strike the location thus became imperative. The aftermath of the air strike revealed several terrorists were neutralised and the trucks destroyed.”

    The NAF’ spokesperson said the military is determined to limit the activities of the terrorists in the Northeast and other parts of Nigeria.

    “Operational gains by the Armed Forces of Nigeria are indicative of improved synergy and cooperation by all security agencies as well as the unwavering support of all Nigerians,” Gabkwet said.

  • NAF airstrike kills eight terrorists in Borno

    NAF airstrike kills eight terrorists in Borno

    An airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) component of Operation Hakin Kai, a military operation against Boko Haram and other groups in North East Nigeria, has killed eight terrorists.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 20, by NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the terrorists were killed when NAF aircraft on an armed reconnaissance mission took out a gun truck at Baranga village in Marte Local Government Area of Borno state,

    Edward said: “The opportunity strike, which presented itself unexpectedly, occurred when two armed terrorists on a motorcycle along an active track were trailed.

    Read Also: 30 illegal refineries destroyed in Rivers in two months, says NAF

    “After sighting the aircraft, the terrorists took cover under thick vegetation. Upon engaging the vegetation cover, a gun truck with eight terrorists suddenly appeared, speeding off to evade the attack. Subsequently, the gun truck was engaged and destroyed, thus eliminating the terrorists.”

    The spokesperson said, though remnants of terrorists in North East Nigeria have continued to seek the covers of thick forests and vegetation to evade being detected by security forces, the Wednesday airstrike was “a clear indication of the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria towards ensuring terrorists find it difficult to randomly roam about freely attacking law-abiding Nigerians.”

  • Defence minister lauds NAF’s gallantry against terrorists, bandits

    Defence minister lauds NAF’s gallantry against terrorists, bandits

    The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has said that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officers and soldiers have fought gallantly in the ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations across the country.

    He also said the NAF has continued to make the country proud through its airlift and humanitarian support for the United Nations, African Union, and friendly African countries.

    The minister said this on Tuesday, September 19, at the graduation ceremony of Air War College (AWC) Course 9/2023 in Makurdi, Benue State.

    Represented by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, the minister said: “NAF’s premium on operational art, critical thinking and other pragmatic frameworks for military decision-making processes in the curriculum of the AWC would, no doubt, enhance the culture of proactiveness in operational planning and management in the NAF.”

    Read Also: 30 illegal refineries destroyed in Rivers in two months, says NAF

    Earlier in his remarks, Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, said military war colleges, like AWC, are crucial in enhancing jointness and synergy among military personnel and other security agencies in the ongoing operations against terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements.

    Abubakar said the colleges are also crucial in producing officers whose understanding and beliefs in joint operations would guide the Armed Forces of Nigeria towards efficient use of available military resources.

    He said the AWC was a major stride in human capacity development in the NAF, which he said was critical to the fulfillment of its constitutional mandate.

    Abubakar said: “The successes so far recorded in ongoing joint operations signified the benefits and necessity of joint force employment in contemporary military operations.

    “To optimize combat strength of joint forces in operations, he added, the Defence and Services headquarters must continue working to eradicate all impediments to jointness by the armed forces.”

  • 18 fighter jets to boost NAF fleet

    18 fighter jets to boost NAF fleet

    • Air Force boss visits families of crashed chopper pilots

    The military will rev up the campaign against insurgents and kidnappers with the purchase of 18 fighter jets by the Federal Government.

    They are made up of 12 Zulu Cobra from United States (U.S.) and six T129 Helicopters are from Turkeye. Two of the T129 will arrive next month.

    Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Hassan Abubakar made this public yesterday during his tour of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) units and formations in Rivers State.

    SuperCobra is a twin-engine attack helicopter developed on behalf of and primarily operated by, the US Marine Corps.

    T129   is also  a twin-engine, NATO-interoperable helicopter optimised for attack, armed reconnaissance, precision strike and deep strike missions, 

    Nigeria in October 2021  took delivery of the final batch of the 12 A-29 Super Tucano fighter jets from the U.S.

    Super Tucano aircraft is used for light attack, combat and reconnaissance. 

    Air Marshal Abubakar also visited  Governor Siminalaye  Fubara and the families of two of the four air force personnel, who died in the August 14 NAF chopper that crashed near Zungeru in Niger State.

    The chopper had gone on a rescue mission to a scene where 32 soldiers died in an ambush laid by terrorists near Shiroro Local Government Area  but it  crashed shortly after takeoff.

      The names of the deceased  NAF personnel  were given as  Flt.-Lt. Adamu Ibrahim, Flt.-Lt. Anthony  Duryumus, Lance Cpl Alaribe Daniel and Lance Cpl Briggs Stephen Peter.

    Air Marshal Abubakar said that the tour of the formations and units under  NAF 115 Special Operations Group (SOG) in Port Harcourt, that the crash and the death of security agents was a  major setback for the Air Force.

    Read Also: Probe NAF helicopter crash

    He charged the personnel not to be deterred as the arrival of the 18  fighter jets would help in repositioning the Force.

    His said: “We are not deterred by recent developments as the Federal Government has approved the acquisition of 12 AH1 Zulu Cobra and six T129 Helicopters from the United States and Turkeye respectively.

    “The first two T129 helicopters are scheduled to come into operation by September, to enhance our operational capabilities.

    “Yes, we are saddened by the recent loss of our aeroplane (MI 171 helicopter) but then, we have a lot more (aircraft) coming in and our capabilities are increasing,”  

    Air Marshal Abubakar said he visited the state to commiserate with families of the NAF pilots and crew that died in the  August 14  helicopter crash.

    “We came here to express our deepest condolences to the immediate family members of the crew that we lost.

    “The 115 special operations group is the home base for the aeroplane and all the crew that were onboard the unfortunate crash of our MI-171 helicopter.

    “Aside from this, we are also here to interact with the officers and men of the unit to encourage and assure them of our support in Operation Delta Safe,”  

    He assured that the Air Force is currently putting measures in place to put an end to crashes of military aircraft in the country.

    According to him, the measures included the setting up of an air crash investigation board to detect the probable causes of the August 14 crash to avert reoccurrence.

    While sympathising with the bereaved families   Air Marshal Abubakar promised that the Air Force authorities would not abandon them.

    He said: “I am here this morning (yesterday) with a team from the headquarters, Nigerian Air Force(NAF) to first of all express our deepest condolences to the immediate family members of the crew that we lost and also to interact with the officers and men of the unit to encourage them and to make sure that we assure them of our support so that they will continue to do the good job that they have been doing especially as regards the operations of operation Delta Safe which Nigeria Air Component has been playing a very prominent role”

    At the Government House in Port, Governor  Fubara sought the support of the  Air Force in the fight against the damage of pipelines.  

    He said in a   statement  by his Special Assistant on Media, Boniface Onyedi,   that there was a need for effective synergy and collaboration among all the security agencies.

    The statement reads: “I want to tell you, the entire Air Force, that we are having a difficult time in this country, so try as much as you can to see what you can do.

     ”We are ready to work with you to reduce economic sabotage. Illegal bunkering is a big issue and it is something not to leave in the hands of the Navy or the Army, but everybody needs to work together.

    “ When we work together, I believe nothing is impossible to conquer. I appeal to you to order the commander in charge of this base to work with us because we intend to start a new fighting arrangement against illegal bunkering activities.”

  • NAF destroys terrorists’ training camp in Borno

    •Show no mercy to Boko Haram, collaborators

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said it destroyed terrorists’ training camp and logistics base in Kusuma, Borno State.

    Its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore, Daramola Ibikunle, announced this in a statement in Abuja.

    The statement said the Air Task Force (ATF) detailed by NAF destroyed a major logistics base and training camp of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).

    It reads: “Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation Lafiya Dole has recorded another major success in its sustained air offensive against terrorists’ targets in the Northeast. The feat was achieved on September 25, 2019, when NAF aircraft, detailed by the ATF, destroyed a major ISWAP logistics base and training camp at Kusuma on the fringes of Lake Chad in Borno State.

    “The air strike was executed after credible intelligence reports had established that a section of the settlement was serving as a training camp for the terrorists, while some buildings within the camp were being used to store their fuel, arms and ammunition as well as other logistics supplies.

    “The pre-attack surveillance showed scores of fighters attempting to flee the location upon hearing the sound of the attack aircraft. They were engaged by the attack aircraft in successive passes, neutralising many of them. The terrorists’ logistics supply store, which was also hit, was seen engulfed in flames due to the raid.

    “The NAF, operating in concert with surface forces, will sustain its efforts to completely destroy all remnants of the terrorists in the Northeast.”

    Also, the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi, has urged troops of the theatre to show no mercy to Boko Haram terrorists or their collaborators.

    Adeniyi also told the troops to move swiftly and engage the insurgents in their hiding places and finish them without delay.

    The theatre commander was on operational visit to Sector II of the theatre in Damaturu, Yobe State.

    He advised the troops to deal ruthlessly with Boko Haram and anybody seeing to be supporting insurgency.

    According to him, the soldiers are capable of doing the job, and should not be deterred by any obstacle that will stand on their way to finish the job.

     

     

     

  • Banditry: NAF inaugurates 271 detachment

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday inaugurated a 271 detachment in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State, as part of efforts to tackle security challenges in the country.

    The detachment was established as a blocking force for troops involved in Operation DIRAN MIKIYA and SHARAN DAJI.

    Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State said the establishment of 271 NAF detachments in Birnin Gwari and instituting the necessary infrastructure was to ensure that Nigeria could meet and conquer many security challenges it was currently facing.

    “I have no doubt that your efforts will continue to keep our country safe and our economy growing,” El-Rufai said.

    According to him, the prevalence of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping has increased in recent times.

    “And we are grateful that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, particularly the NAF, is boosting security operations and developing even more effective strategies to end this menace.

    “The establishment of the 271 NAF Detachment in Birnin Gwari is therefore timely, as it will further boost the ongoing Operation DIRAN MIKIYA, Operation SHARAN DAJI and play a very crucial role in restoring and maintaining the peace in all affected areas.

    The Governor expressed appreciation of the Kaduna State Government for the support NAF extended to the state to acquire UAV-Drones.

    “The Chief of Air Staff may recall that it was the NAF that applied for the end user certificate that made it possible for the state government to acquire the drones.

    “The drones were inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari, on the Feb. 27, but they are not fully operational due to the necessary clearance that is required by the security agencies, of which the Air Force is central.

    “We are hereby requesting the Chief of Air Staff to intervene in this matter,” he said.

    “While we recognise the efforts of the NAF we also want to appeal to the Chief of Air Staff to approve the deployment of NAF Special Forces for the Abuja-Kaduna road to participate in the new Joint security operations aimed at confronting the prevalence of banditry and kidnapping that have bedevilled the road for the last two years now.

    “To all our brave Air Force officers, I assure you that the nation sees your selfless sacrifice and appreciates your many efforts of providing peace and security in our communities.

    “Your efforts and sacrifice will not be in vain,’’ El-Rufai said.

    The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar, said NAF for some time now had been involved in various internal security operations in the country, either singularly or in conjunction with sister  security agencies.

    Abubakar said one of such operations was Operation DIRAN MIKIYA, which was intended to neutralise and flush out bandits and kidnappers as well as cattle rustlers operating in the North-West.

    “Accordingly, the 271 NAF Detachments was established as a blocking force for troops involved in Operation DIRAN MIKIYA and SHARAN DAJI.

    “The Air Chief NAF is committed to seeing that the territorial integrity of our dear country is preserved as this is the only country we can call our own.

    “It is our desire, therefore, to ensure that the menace of terrorism, kidnapping, cattle rustling and armed banditry are curtailed, if not completely eradicated.

    “Today, in a short while we shall witness the inauguration of 271 NAF Detachment Birnin Gwari as a testimony of the NAF commitment to the fight against insurgency and banditry in Nigeria,’’ he said.

    He added that the establishment of 271 NAF Detachment Birnin Gwari would not have been possible without the full support of the President.

    “May I also recognise the immense contribution of the National Assembly, especially its committees on Defence and Air Force in both the Senate and House of Representatives respectively,” he said.

    Abubakar reassured Nigerians of the firm dedication of the NAF to the fight terrorism and all forms of criminality in the nation.

    The Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command, AVM Napoleon Bali, said “ today’s event is a clear demonstration of the Air Chief’s priority and vision to adequately motivate personnel through training and provision of an enabling environment to facilitate effective and optimum professional performance,” Bali said.

    He assured the Air Chief of their dedication to align with his vision and commitment toward ensuring that insurgency and banditry were totally defeated in the state and the country.

  • Security Challenges: Our Military doing a good Job, says Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Saturday said the Nigerian Military has the capability and wherewithal to overcome the current security challenges across the country, asserting that they have in recent times been very busy doing a good job of confronting the security challenges.

    He also said the Present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari decided to reposition the armed forces to cope with the challenges of security threats by modernising, re-equipping and retraining military personnel.

    The Vice President made the remarks at the Eagle Square, Abuja, on the occasion of the Nigerian Air Force Research and Development Competition and Exhibition which was part of activities outlined to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force, NAF.

    Vice President Osinbajo lauded the NAF for partnering with other reputable institutions across the country to make huge investments in Research and Development, noting that with time the Air Force would establish its footprints on global stage.

    The Vice President who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha said: “The Nigerian Armed forces have in recent times been very busy doing a good job of confronting our Nation’s current multifaceted internal security challenges. In a bid to reposition the Armed Forces to better cope with those challenges, our administration has made the modernization, re-equipping and continuous training of the Nigerian Armed Forces a top priority.

    “There is no doubt that the resources required to realize the full potentials of the Armed Forces are limited in view of the competing demands from other sectors. Nevertheless, the Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to do its best to sustain the current tempo of development.

    “It has become more important than ever before that we really look inwards and gradually wean ourselves of overdependence on foreign technology and become more innovative in the use of local resources.

    Read Also: Osinbajo expresses confidence in NDIC new board

    “It is in view of the foregoing that I want to specially commend the Nigerian Air Force for the efforts being made at harnessing the available research and development potentials, especially in the military aviation sector”.

    The Vice President therefore called on all stakeholders to embark on fruitful collaborations and joint partnerships to fund more research and development activities in the country.

    In his address, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar said the NAF priortised Research and Development activities with home grown technology as the basis to actualise his vision for effective and truly professional Air Force.

    He said: “Globally, it is acknowledged that Research and Development has proven to be the catalyst for technological and industrial advancement. There is also a consensus among scholars that national development can best be enhanced through indigenous research and development efforts.

    “Recognising these facts and realising that the effectiveness and sustainability of the Nigerian Air Force, in the long term, would be largely influenced by the growth of home-based technology, the Service has placed emphasis on Research and Development as a means of building indigenous technological capacity.

    “It is gratifying to note that our strategy fits into the focus of the Federal Government which places emphasis in promoting local content, home-grown technology and innovation as principal means of improving the Nation’s foreign exchange earnings”.

  • NAF to deploy 2 more helicopter gunships to North-West

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, said yesterday that the force would soon deploy two additional helicopter gunships to support the ongoing operations against the bandits in the North-West.

    Abubakar told reporters  on the sideline of the inauguration of newly constructed accommodation for technicians’ crew and airmen at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Composite Command, Maiduguri that the two additional helicopter gunships would be inducted this month by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Abubakar said: “We are looking forward to acquiring additional platforms. The President is going to induct two additional helicopter gunships this month.

    “It will be deployed to the North-West to support our operations, to enable farmers have freedom to cultivate their farmland and feel safe.

    “We will continue to work hard to ensure that every Nigerians go about his or her normal business without fear or hindrance.”

    On alleged bombing of villagers in Zamfara, Abubakar dismissed the report as misleading, adding that available data indicated that the Air Force only destroyed bandits’ hideouts.

    Read also: NAF strikes bandits in Zamfara, destroys 8 camps, kills scores

    Abubakar explained that the service employed sound surveillance and monitoring modalities to identify its targets and avoid civilian casualties.

    Commenting on counter insurgency campaign, Abubakar said that the service was providing support to troops of Operation Lafiya Dole and the Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in the ongoing clearance operation against remnants of Boko Haram insurgents in North-East and Lake Chad region.

    The air chief noted that his visit to Maiduguri was also to appraise progress recorded in the ongoing operation in the North-East theater of operation.

    Abubakar revealed that the service had executed viable projects aimed at improving the well being of personnel and enhance its operations.

    According to him, the service has constructed a block of 30-room for airmen and a technician crew room in Maiduguri command, to provide decent accommodation for its personnel.

    “It is not only about fighting the war but ensuring that the welfare of personnel fighting the war is well taken care of,” he said.

  • Insurgency: NAF to take delivery of aircraft

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) plans to strengthen its arsenal for the fight against insurgency in the Northwest with the delivery of “Augusta 109’’ power helicopter from Italy.

    Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar spoke  at the “2019 First Quarter Chief of Air Staff Conference yesterday in Abuja.

    Air Marshal Abubakar said that acquisition of the military helicopter was part of renewed efforts of the Federal Government to ensure security in the Northwest.

    He said the focus was particularly in Zamfara, Sokoto and Kaduna states, where a new detachment had been approved by the Air Force Council.

    “We have already provided landing facilities there for helicopters and we have also provided fuelling facilities for the aircraft,” the CAS said.

    Abubakar disclosed that NAF was currently reactivating five of its aircrafts, adding that “3L 39 Live Extension Programme’’ was on in Kano and “MI 35 Live Extension Programme’’ in Port Harcourt.

    “I believe these methods substantially add to our capacity to boost these assets and make Nigeria secure. Similarly, on reactivation, three helicopters in Kanji are being overhauled.

    “We have paid substantially for it and very soon, I believe by September this year, we will have those three helicopters flying. So, I think in terms of acquisition and reactivation of aircraft, the service has equally been successful.”

    CAS Abubakar also said that the Force had trained no fewer than 1,000 Special Force elements that were contributing significantly in dealing with insecurity in Zamfara, where it had 300 Special Force operatives.

    He said: “We also have another 300 special force elements in Benue under `Operation Whirl Stroke’ that is run by the Defence Headquarters.

    Read also: Presidency spanks PDP for threatening to stop Buhari

    “We also have units in Taraba where we have the Quick Response Wing as well as in Agatu, Benue, where we also have the Quick Response Wing.”

    On Joint Force Operation, Abubakar said that the service was working closely with the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) under Operation YANCI TAFKI.

    He also said that during recent general elections, the Force lifted over 820, 000 kilogrammes of polling materials, using eight aircrafts, to 31 locations across the country.

    “We were able to conclude this in spite of the fact that we were brought in late to ensure that the Presidential, National Assembly elections, and Governorship and House of Assembly elections were conducted,” he said.

    The air chief added that the service had on Tuesday conveyed election materials to Jalingo, Yola and Bauchi for Saturday’s supplementary elections slated by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

  • NAF conducts surveillance in Kaduna/Abuja highway

    The Nigerian Air Force ( NAF ) on Wednesday said it has intensified its aerial surveillance and patrol on flashpoints within Kaduna and Abuja highway to frustrate the activities of kidnappers and armed robbers.

    Its spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement that the patrol was a follow up to the exercise “Show of Force” conducted by the NAF in February to send warnings to the criminals that the military is ready for them.

    Air Commodore Daramola said :”In continuation of efforts to enhance security in Kaduna State and its environs, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), working with other security agencies, has intensified aerial surveillance over identified hotspots and flashpoints in the State while sustaining its air patrol along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway.

    “Some of the areas covered in the surveillance missions include Gonin Gora, Kajuru, Kujama, Kasuwar Maganin and surrounding settlements.

    “The air patrols, on the other hand, are focused on portions of Abuja-Kaduna Highway, which had hitherto been susceptible to the activities of armed robbers and kidnappers.

    “It may be recalled that the NAF conducted a “Show of Force” Exercise in Katari village, one of the identified criminal hotspots along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway, on 9 February 2019.

    ” The exercise, which combined aerial and ground operations by NAF Special Forces (SF) and Regiment personnel, sent a stern warning signal to criminal elements, that the NAF and other security agencies are ready to engage them both from the air and on ground to frustrate their nefarious activities.

    “The NAF will sustain its aerial surveillance, coupled with armed vehicular patrols, along the Highway, Rail Line and other areas in the State to ensure security of citizens as well as safe travels for law-abiding commuters.”