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Tag: NAF

  • NAF C-130 aircraft lands in Gambia en route Portugal for maintenance

    NAF C-130 aircraft lands in Gambia en route Portugal for maintenance

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says its C-130 aircraft on maintenance programme to Portugal has made a stopover in Banjul, The Gambia, on Tuesday.

    NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, revealed this in a statement.

    The statement read, “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirms that its C-130 aircraft, which earlier made a precautionary landing during a ferry flight, has successfully continued its journey and landed safely in Banjul, The Gambia, today.

    “This is after transiting Accra in line with an updated flight plan, routing through Casablanca to Portugal for scheduled depot maintenance. Ferry flights for aircraft programmed for maintenance are required to operate through designated airfields, with movements appropriately spaced in accordance with established aviation safety procedures. All personnel are safe, and the aircraft remains serviceable.

    “The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the host authorities in Ghana, The Gambia, and other countries overflown for the kind support extended to the crew, and also acknowledges the concern and goodwill expressed by Nigerians. The Service reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to the highest standards of safety and professionalism in all operations.”

    The aircraft had earlier made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso Airfield in Burkina Faso on December 8, after the crew detected a technical issue a few hours after departing Lagos on December 8.

    Ejodame had explained that the Bobo-Dioulasso Airfield was the nearest available airfield at the time, noting that the diversion was in line with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.

    The aircraft is routing through Casablanca to Portugal for scheduled depot maintenance.

  • NAF compensates victims of Sokoto airstrike

    NAF compensates victims of Sokoto airstrike

    •Reaffirms commitment to civillians protection

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has paid the victims and families affected by the accidental airstrike of last December 25, in Gidan Bisa and Rumtuwa villages, Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

    Speaking on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said the exercise followed an investigation into the incident under the Operation Fasan Yamma.

    He said intelligence at the time indicated the movement of suspected terrorists through the area, but a petition received in April 2025 led to further review. The investigation confirmed that 13 civilians were killed, while eight others were injured.

    Gabkwet said the compensation was meant to acknowledge the harm caused, promote accountability and help bring closure to the affected communities. He added that civilian harm mitigation remains a priority under the NAF leadership.

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    The CAS also said the Air Force has developed a Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan to strengthen planning, investigations and response when civilian harm occurs.

    The NAF urged residents to avoid associating with terrorists and bandits, warning that such proximity increases the risk of harm during military operations.

    It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians while continuing operations against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

    Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, thanked the NAF for the compensation and its role in supporting security in the state.

  • NAF graduates 1,296 recruits to strengthen operations

    NAF graduates 1,296 recruits to strengthen operations

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has graduated 1,296 recruits at the Passing Out Parade of Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 45/2025, marking their formal transition into trained airmen and airwomen.

    Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Kaduna on Saturday, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, who was the reviewing officer, described the ceremony as “a defining milestone for both the graduates and the Service.”

    The CAS said the graduation reflects the NAF’s deliberate and pragmatic efforts to build capable manpower in fulfilment of its constitutional mandate, particularly in support of ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations nationwide.

    Air Marshal Aneke underscored the strategic importance of the Military Training Centre, describing it as the cradle of military excellence in the Nigerian Air Force, in shaping disciplined, professional, and mission-ready personnel.

    He noted that the operational effectiveness of the NAF is fundamentally anchored on the quality, discipline, and professionalism of its personnel.

    According to him, the discipline enforced during training directly translates into professionalism and operational effectiveness in the field. 

    The CAS told the recruits that the demanding nature of the training—physically, mentally and collectively—was intentional and necessary to prepare them for the realities of military service, noting that their transformation from civilians into members of the Armed Forces was achieved through a structured and rigorous programme.

    The Air Chief charged the new airmen and airwomen to consistently uphold discipline, teamwork, and duty throughout their careers.

    The CAS also commended the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Shinkafi, for his oversight of the institution.

    He also expressed appreciation to families and loved ones of the new recruits for the support that contributed to their success.

  • NAF Chief: Ending insecurity requires communities’ support

    NAF Chief: Ending insecurity requires communities’ support

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has emphasised that the support of communities and state governments is essential to ending insecurity in the country. 

    He noted that such support is crucial to sustaining operational effectiveness and achieving lasting security outcomes across the country.

    Air Marshal Aneke said this when he received the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, in his office on Tuesday.

    He said the NAF has continued to promote peace and stability in Plateau State and the North Central region through intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, air mobility support, and close coordination with other security agencies.

    The CAS thanked the state government for providing a conducive environment for NAF personnel and operations.

    “The support and cooperation of host communities and state governments are vital to sustaining operational effectiveness and achieving lasting security outcomes,” he said.

    Air Marshal Aneke assured that the NAF was committed to deploying professional, intelligence-driven operations in support of national security objectives.

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    The Governor acknowledged the complex nature of the security environment, saying “We are dealing with asymmetric warfare, and it is challenging.”

    He emphasized the need for sustained cooperation between the state government and the military, particularly during festive and farming seasons when threats to peace and stability are often heightened.

    Mutfwang commended the NAF for its sustained efforts in maintaining peace and responding to security threats in the state, While 

    The Governor reaffirmed the government’s readiness to continue supporting NAF operations, stressing that effective security requires close coordination between federal and state authorities. 

    “Strengthened collaboration with the Air Force remains critical to protecting lives, securing livelihoods, and creating a stable environment for socio-economic activities across the state,” he said. 

  • Over 20,000 applicants participate in NAF recruitment exercise nationwide 

    No fewer than 20,000 applicants are participating in the ongoing zonal general aptitude test for the Nigerian Air Force’s 2025 Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 46 recruitment exercise.

    The exercise is being conducted at 15 designated zonal centres in Sokoto, Minna, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, Maiduguri, Yola, Makurdi, Jos, Ilorin, Ipetu-Ijesa, Enugu, Benin, Port Harcourt, and Ikeja.

    Spokesperson of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement on Sunday that the extensive national spread reflects the NAF’s commitment to inclusiveness, equal opportunity, and a transparent, merit-driven recruitment process that enables qualified Nigerians from all parts of the country to compete fairly.

    He said: “The impressive turnout further underscores the sustained confidence of Nigerian youths in the Nigerian Air Force as a disciplined, professional, and patriotic institution. 

    “It also highlights the NAF’s resolve to attract capable, motivated, and resilient young Nigerians at a time when the nation’s security environment demands enhanced manpower strength to effectively support ongoing internal security operations and national defence efforts.”

    According to Ejodame, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, had reaffirmed that the recruitment process be guided by fairness, integrity, and strict adherence to established standards.

    He said the Air Chief noted the aptitude test was a critical step in building a motivated and mission-ready force, while assuring Nigerians of the NAF’s continued dedication to supporting internal security operations and protecting the lives and property of citizens in line with its constitutional responsibilities.

    “The Nigerian Air Force remains firmly committed to recruiting the best candidates by merit, as the quality of our personnel is fundamental to operational effectiveness and the successful execution of our constitutional mandate,” he said.

  • Why our aircraft made a precautionary landing in Burkina Faso – NAF

    Why our aircraft made a precautionary landing in Burkina Faso – NAF

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has explained why its C-130 aircraft landed at Bobo-Dioulassoin airfield in Burkina Faso.

    NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, made the clarification in a statement, on Tuesday.

    According to the statement, the NAF C-130 aircraft, on a ferry mission to Portugal on December 8, developed a technical problem a few minutes after take-off from Lagos, Nigeria, and had to make a precautionary landing at Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield.

    This is contrary to reports in some sections of the media that Burkina Faso’s military authorities seized the aircraft and 11 Nigerian military officers, due to violation of its airspace.

    The statement stated that the landing at the Bobo-Dioulasso airfield was in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.

    The statement read, “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) wishes to clarify reports regarding the diversion of a NAF C-130 aircraft during its ferry mission to Portugal on 8 December 2025. 

    “Following takeoff from Lagos, the crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield, in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.”

    The statement affirms that the NAF crew are safe and that they received cordial treatment from the host authorities.

    “Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled,” it said.

    The NAF expressed appreciation for the support it received during the period, and assured the public that NAF remains “professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards, ensuring the protection of its personnel while fulfilling its constitutional mandate.” 

  • Jet crash: NAF chief visits injured pilots, commands personnel coordination 

    Jet crash: NAF chief visits injured pilots, commands personnel coordination 

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS) has visited the two Nigerian Air Force pilots that survived yesterday’s crash.

    The Alpha Jet pilots safely ejected following an in-flight emergency during a post-inspection functional check flight at Nigerian Air Force Base in Kainji, Niger State.

    The aircraft was said to have developed an emergency shortly after take-off, prompting the pilots to act swiftly, and with remarkable composure expertly manoeuvred the jet away from populated areas before ejecting, a decision that prevented civilian casualties.

    The NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement on Sunday that the NAF boss had visited the pilots at the hospital, as well the site of the incident. 

    He the CAS praised the pilots for their courage, discipline and sound judgement, which he said prevented loss of life.

    According to Ejodame, the NAF boss acknowledged the prompt, coordinated and highly professional response of NAF personnel, including Search and Rescue teams, Fire and Crash Response units, and medical practitioners, whom he said swiftly secured the area and ensured the safety and wellbeing of the aircrew. 

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    “Their dedication, teamwork and sacrifice reflect the unwavering commitment to service that the NAF is known for,” he said.

    Air Marshal Aneke have also directed the immediate constitution of a Board of Inquiry to investigate the incident. 

    According to NAF’s spokesperson, the incident underscores the inherent risks associated with aviation operations, particularly in military environments where airpower projection demands increased flying activities, complex missions and sustained readiness. 

    “It serves as a reminder of the courage and devotion to duty exhibited daily by NAF personnel who willingly operate in high-risk conditions to secure the nation. 

    “These men and women, through their relentless sacrifice and professionalism, deserve the utmost honour and respect,” he said. 

  • NAF pilots escape death as fighter jet crashes in Niger

    NAF pilots escape death as fighter jet crashes in Niger

    Two Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet pilots escaped death yesterday after safely ejecting from their aircraft following an in-flight emergency during a post-inspection functional check flight at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Kainji, Niger State.

    The pilots were said to have “expertly” manoeuvred the aircraft away from populated areas before executing a safe ejection, thereby avoiding civilian causality.

    NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, announced this in a statement yesterday.

    According to Ejodame, the aircraft developed an emergency shortly after take-off, prompting the pilots to “act swiftly and with remarkable composure.”

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    “They expertly manoeuvred the aircraft away from populated areas before executing a safe ejection,” he said.

    Ejodame revealed that the crew is currently undergoing routine medical evaluation at a NAF health facility.

    He said the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, praised the pilots for their courage, discipline and sound judgement, which prevented loss of life.

    “He has also directed the immediate constitution of a Board of Inquiry to investigate the incident,” he said.

    Ejodame reassures the public of NAF’s unwavering commitment to stringent safety standards and operational excellence.

    “The NAF remains dedicated to safeguarding its personnel while protecting the lives and property of citizens in line with its constitutional mandate,” he said.

  • NAF pilots escaped death as fighter jet crash in Niger

    NAF pilots escaped death as fighter jet crash in Niger

    Two Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet pilots narrowly escaped death on Saturday after safely ejecting from their aircraft following an in-flight emergency during a post-inspection functional check flight at the NAF Base in Kainji, Niger State.

    The pilots were said to have expertly manoeuvred the jet away from populated areas before ejecting, a decision that prevented civilian casualties.

    NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday, said the aircraft developed an emergency shortly after take-off, prompting the pilots to act swiftly and with remarkable composure.

    “They expertly manoeuvred the aircraft away from populated areas before executing a safe ejection,” he said.

    Ejodame revealed that the crew is currently undergoing routine medical evaluation at a NAF health facility. 

    He said the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, praised the pilots for their courage, discipline and sound judgement, which prevented loss of life. 

    “He has also directed the immediate constitution of a Board of Inquiry to investigate the incident,” he said. 

    Ejodame reassures the public of NAF’s unwavering commitment to stringent safety standards and operational excellence. 

    “The NAF remains dedicated to safeguarding its personnel while protecting the lives and property of citizens in line with its constitutional mandate,” he said.

  • Terrorism: NAF, UBEC partner to boost security in schools

    Terrorism: NAF, UBEC partner to boost security in schools

    As part of the federal government’s efforts to prevent terrorists from infiltrating schools, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) have formed a partnership to prevent insurgent invasions of schools.

    The partnership was reached during a courtesy visit to UBEC by the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, on Monday.

    According to a statement by the NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Air Marshal Aneke emphasised strengthening national education security through a strategic partnership with educational institutions, like UBEC.

    Air Marshal Aneke noted that collaboration between security agencies and education stakeholders has become critical due to evolving threats targeting learning environments.

    The Nation reports that recently, 303 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were abducted by bandits from a Catholic boarding school in Niger State, and 24 girls from the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga, Kebbi State.

    The NAF Chief welcomed deeper cooperation under UBEC’s Safe School Programme to bolster monitoring, accountability, and protection of basic education institutions nationwide, particularly those in conflict-prone areas.

    He also highlighted NAF’s role in promoting secure, inclusive, and technology-driven schooling across its 33 educational institutions nationwide, 20 primary and 13 secondary, serving both military and civilian populations.

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    “Our responsibility extends beyond protecting communities to nurturing the future of the Nigerian child,” he said.

    Air Marshal Aneke said the NAF was already implementing measures to enhance teacher development, digital literacy, and facility upgrades across its schools.

    He outlined other priority areas for partnership to include intervention for upgrading NAF schools to accommodate more students, collaborative teacher training programmes, integration into UBEC’s digital education platforms, and joint quality assurance mechanisms.

    The CAS emphasized that stronger collaboration with UBEC would expand the reach and impact of these efforts, particularly in deploying modern safe-school technologies and learning systems.

    The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr Aisha Garba, expressed the Commission’s readiness to strengthen strategic collaboration with the NAF and commended it for its contributions to national development beyond its defence mandate.

    She said, “No education system can thrive without safety, and no security framework is complete without education.”

    She welcomed the proposed areas of cooperation and affirmed UBEC’s commitment to sustained technical engagement that enhances school safety, improves learning delivery, and builds resilience across Nigeria’s basic education sector.