The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NAF

  • NAF helicopter crashes into pool in Borno

    NAF helicopter crashes into pool in Borno

    THE Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday confirmed that one of its helicopters operating in the campaigns against the Boko Haram terrorists crashed into a pool in Maiduguri, Borno State.

    Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar has constituted a panel of enquiry to unearth the cause of the incident. However, no life was lost in the incident.

    A statement from the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, in a statement, said members of the Board of Enquiry were already in Maiduguri to carry out their assignment on the crash which occurred in the early hours of yesterday.

    The statement reads: “A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Agusta 109 Light Utility Helicopter has suffered a mishap while undertaking a liaison mission targeted at further enhancing the synergy between the Nigerian Army and the NAF in the ongoing counter-insurgency operation in the Northeast.

    “The incidence, which occurred today, July 6, 2017, was as a result of an airborne technical fault with the helicopter.”

    It added: “The experienced NAF pilots, however, successfully ditched the helicopter into a pool of water to minimise damage and loss of lives.

    “Consequently, there were neither any injuries nor loss of lives to anyone on board or on the ground.

    “The Chief of the Air Staff has immediately directed the constitution of a board of inquiry to determine the exact cause of the incidence while efforts are ongoing to recover the helicopter and members of the board are already in Maiduguri to commence work.

    “The NAF continues to solicit the understanding and support of the populace as it daily strives to ensure the security of Nigeria and Nigerians.”

  • NAF chief celebrates sallah with troops in Yola

    NAF chief celebrates sallah with troops in Yola

    The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on Monday hosted officers and men of the Air Component of Operation Lafiya Dole in Yola, Adamawa, to a lunch to mark the Eid el-Fitr.

    Addressing the troops, Abubakar said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) had recorded several successes in the fight against insurgency.

    He said, “I felt it necessary for me to be here to celebrate with you and to also express the appreciation of NAF and indeed the Commander-in-Chief to all of you for what you have been doing.

    “We are very happy with the efforts you are putting in and we have achieved so much.”

    He said more aircraft would be provided, particularly for training and courier service, to fly personnel between Yola and Maiduguri as well as other NAF stations nationwide.

    “The idea is to make you have some form of contact with your family wherever they are,” the NAF chief added.

    NAN

  • NAF acquires new platforms, reactivates old aircrafts

    NAF acquires new platforms, reactivates old aircrafts

    To combat the nation’s security challenges, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said on Wednesday it has acquired new platforms and was currently reactivating existing ones.

    The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, stated this in Lagos during the inauguration of newly built Air Force Secondary School and Airmen Transit Accommodation at 401 Communications Depot, Shasha.

    Abubakar said the in – country reactivation of NAF’s aircraft was one of the gains of the Force capacity building, adding that six reactivated Alpha Jets engines were already being flown.

    He said: “Just recently, we reactivated six engines of Alpha Jets that would have been taken outside the country. Those six engines have been mounted on the aircrafts and they are flying. That clearly shows our personnel are working hard.

    “In Makurdi, we inducted MI-35 helicopter and helicopter gunships. Through the help of the federal government, we are reactivating airplanes. We are tying as much as possible to attend to the welfare of officers and men and they are now putting in their best.

    “So, we are seeing the benefits in their inputs. Our focus is on capacity building. We trained some of our personnel abroad and they are coming back home to save the country of resources that would have been spent outside.

    “This has contributed immensely towards equipping the service to conduct counter insurgency operations and also contend with other emerging security challenges across the country. Be assured that we will continue to do our best in meeting our statutory responsibilities of defending the territorial integrity of the nation.”

     

     

  • Coup rumours mischievous, baseless – NAF

    Coup rumours mischievous, baseless – NAF

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dismissed the allegation of a coup plot by an online media platform as mischievous and baseless.

    The NAF, in a statement issued on Thursday, said it remains loyal to the present administration and the Nigerian Constitution, insisting that it would do nothing to truncate the nation’s democracy.

    Reacting to an online publication on the matter, the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, said “the attention of the Nigerian Air Force has been drawn to a mischievous allegation by an online media organization of the NAF’s involvement in the planning of a purported coup d’état to take over the reins of government.

    “The NAF considers it most ridiculous that anyone in his/her right senses, especially in the Twenty First Century, could still be fixated on the possibility of effecting a change in government in Nigeria in any way other than through the ballot box.

    “It would be recalled that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar, had on 18 May 2017, while commissioning new residential accommodation for personnel at NAF Base, Bill Clinton Drive Abuja, emphatically pledged the loyalty of the NAF to the President and Commander-in-Chief as well as to the Nigerian Constitution.

    “It is imperative to state that the earlier stance of the NAF on the unfortunate coup rumours has not changed.

    “The NAF is a highly professional and apolitical Service that is focused on ensuring the territorial integrity of Nigeria as well as facilitating a safe and secure environment for Nigerians to prosper while conducting their legal businesses. The strong belief of the NAF in democratic values was also demonstrated during the recent Gambian crisis.

    “The NAF was the first and only air force that ensured the will of Gambians was not subverted by promptly deploying its fighter aircraft, in addition to its transport aircraft to airlift needed troops and logistics, in readiness to preserve the country’s democracy, in line with the Federal Government’s directives.

    “It is therefore inconceivable that the same NAF would be involved in any way in any attempt to dismantle the political structure in Nigeria.

    “It appears some individuals with unknown intentions are bent on further spreading the malicious misinformation and hence, the need for the NAF to react.

    “The Chief of the Air Staff would like to assure Nigerians as a whole of the unalloyed loyalty of all NAF personnel to the President and Commander-in-Chief as well as to the Government of Nigeria as democratically constituted.

    “We therefore appeal to those peddling these false stories to cease, as they are constituting a source of distraction to NAF personnel, who are sacrificing on a daily basis to ensure the security of Nigeria.”

  • Don’t bungle it, please

    When it happened on January 17, there were questions and questions. Nearly five months after, there are still questions and questions.   When a supposed haven for people uprooted by terrorists ironically became another place of death and destruction, there were inevitable questions. What happened? How did it happen? Why did it happen? Was the happening avoidable?

    These questions and other connected ones needed to be answered following the tragic death of no fewer than 76 people after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jet targeting Boko Haram insurgents accidentally bombed an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Rann, Kala/Bage Local Government Area in the northern part of Borno State. The casualty figures were not definitively determined, but the fatalities reportedly included IDPs, humanitarian workers and soldiers.

    What NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya was quoted as saying at the weekend did not supply answers to the questions that are still unanswered.  He asked for more time.

    Adesanya said: “We are aware of the interest the matter generated within and outside the country. A Board of Enquiry was set up to determine what happened, who are those involved, what led to the accident and how do we prevent a recurrence.” He added: “We are pleading with Nigerians to be patient with NAF so that the Board of Enquiry will do its assignment diligently. And don’t forget that some of the people involved, victims or their relatives, may be people who could not speak English. So a thorough job has to be done.”

    How long will it take to do “a thorough job”? Indeed, the authorities have a lot of explaining to do.  At the time the tragedy happened, the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, which was designed to counter Boko Haram insurgency, Major-Gen. Lucky Irabor, told reporters: “We got reports of a gathering of Boko Haram terrorists at Kala/Balge… and a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jet conducted an aerial strike on the gatherings of insurgents. This resulted in killings of several terrorists and civilians, including some staff of MSF and ICRC…There are casualties; there were deaths and injuries… two soldiers were also affected.”

    He also said:”I coordinated and I directed that the air component of the operation should go and address the problem. Unfortunately, the strike was conducted but it turned out that other civilians were somewhere around the area and they were affected.”

    Unfortunately too, the investigation of the incident is taking too long. The probe of this bungled bombing should not be bungled.

  • NAF helicopter hits Boko Haram bases

    NAF helicopter hits Boko Haram bases

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said on Tuesday that its newly acquired helicopter has destroyed Boko Haram operational bases in Borno State.

    A statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations at NAF, Air Commodore, Olatokunbo Adesanya, said the raid was part of the ongoing clearance operation in the Northeast.

    The statement said: “On May 21, 2017, the Nigerian Air Force Component of Operation LAFIYA DOLE conducted an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission in Parisu, Borno State.

    “During the ISR mission, a large structure with solar panels and flags suspected to harbour high value Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) was discovered, alongside other similar BHT structures hidden under trees.

    “Accordingly, on May 22, 2017, two attack helicopters; the Mi-17 and the newly inducted day and night, all weather gunship, Mi-35M Super Hind were scrambled to conduct strikes on the location in succession.

    “Subsequent battle damage assessment revealed that several structures in the target area were engulfed in fire as a result of the strikes and a few BHT survivors were seen scampering from the location.”

     

  • NAF to patronise barracks’ youths’, widows’ products

    NAF to patronise barracks’ youths’, widows’ products

    Plans are underway by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to begin the utilisation of aluminium sheets and shoes produced by beneficiaries of the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) skills acquisition programme.
    Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar stated this atthe graduation of 150 barrack youths and widows who were enrolled into the scheme last December.
    Air Marshal Abubakar, who assessed the items produced by the participants, expressed satisfaction at the quality of the shoes, boots and aluminium.
    He said the NAF would work out modalities to ensure that the flat shoes were supplied to all female officers, Air Women, while the boots would be amended to suit the force’ approved camouflage and supplied to recruits.
    Praising NAFOWA for the free training and starter packs given to the beneficiaries, the Air Chief said the association by its gesture, has contributed greatly in the fight against terrorism.
    At the event were the wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mrs. Bello Abba-Kyari, Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Ibrahim Yahaya, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai, among others.
    Air Marshal Abubakar said: “I want to say that you are contributing to the development of the society and also ensuring we are successful in the fight against terrorism. Though you are not with us in the battle front, carrying riffles or flying helicopters, but I want to tell you that what you are doing in our bases is positively impacting on the operations that we are combating all over the country.
    “You have done so much in terms of supporting the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the contributions you are making monthly and voluntary contributions that personel are making. You are using it to put smiles on the faces of the most unfortunate citizens of the North east that have been trapped in this crisis.
    “I also understand that similar skills acquisition programmes have been done in Makurdi Kaduna, Maiduguri and I understand you are also planning another one in Port Hacourt. These programmes, I must say, are very significant because they key into our idea of providing for the welfare of air men/women and officers of the NAF.
    “So this skill acquisition which targets youths and widows in the barrack is playing an important role because with this kind of program, we get less distractions from officers and men of NAF deployed in the field. They are more committed knowing fully well that their family members have been taken care of and that will translate to effectiveness in our operations.
    “I have gone round and seen so many things the NAF can make use of. One typical example is the shoes which are light and beautiful. I have directed the logistic branch to immediately discuss with the people making the shoes so that we can get it for all female officers and air women in the office.
    “Another thing I saw was the boots and all we need to do is to change the camouflage to the one that is approved for the Air Force and we can buy for our recruits that are training in Kaduna.
    “I have also directed the AOC Logistics Command to discuss with those that are making the aluminum fabrication so that we can use the aluminum fabricated by these people. I urge the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunities availed them to change the society.”
    Mrs. Ambode said the initiative would bring stability in the lives of the beneficiaries and would have multiplier effect.
    According to her, no one should shy away from the fact that the country was still struggling with issues of unemployment and under employment, despite determined efforts by governments at all level.
    She said: “The best thing that can happen to our youths and others in need of jobs, is a programme like this, that brings succour and hope of sustainable engagement for regular income.
    “Gainful employment is not limited to wage-paying jobs alone. Skills acquired that guarantee regular income are also good employment types. In many cases, some skills bring more financial rewards depending on the commitment and enterprise of the individual.”
    A personal business gives you the leverage to dictate your pace of operation, ensuring time and financial freedom for the entrepreneur. In the light of all these, being empowered with a skill is a great opportunity, capable of transforming the life of anyone.

  • NAF fighter jets destroys insurgents artillery in Sambisa

    NAF fighter jets destroys insurgents artillery in Sambisa

    Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets on Friday successfully destroyed an artillery piece being sneaked into Sambisa forest by insurgents.

    Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air force, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

    Adesanya said the artillery piece was concealed under a tree and sighted by a NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft while on daytime patrol in the Sambisa general area.

    He said that about seven insurgents were also observed to be moving out from under the tree.

    “ The crew on board the ISR platform therefore, immediately called for air strikes by NAF combat platforms.

    “Following the alert, one Alpha Jet and one F-7Ni fighter aircraft were scrambled for air interdiction on the artillery piece.

    “The Alpha Jet and F-7Ni strikes were observed to have hit the target. Thereafter, the Alpha Jet strafed the area with rockets and the location of the artillery piece was completely engulfed in an inferno.

    “Subsequently, Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) footage by a NAF ISR aircraft revealed that the strikes were successful as the artillery piece was neutralised,” Adesanya said.

    Adesanya stated that with the successful attacks, attempts by the remnants of the insurgents to reinforce their capability with the artillery piece was thwarted.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that it was a follow-up to other interdiction missions previously carried out in the Sambisa general area and other suspected terrorists’ hideouts. (NAN)

  •  Spectacular show of airpower as NAF begins celebration

     Spectacular show of airpower as NAF begins celebration

     It was a spectacular display of firepower by fighter jets and helicopters of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) at the Kwenev shooting range, Agasha Guma local government area of Benue state venue of the first event marking the 53rd anniversary celebration of the NAF.

    The event which was aptly tagged “Weapons Meet” was witnessed by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Olonishakin, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, former Chief of Defence Staff , Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petirin, retired senior military officers, the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad Dantoro, Kitoro 1V.

    Not a few of the spectators became apprehensive as the ‘Range Rules” were read out which included curious instructions to the pilots and spectators.  It also included an explanation of the marks and objects on the range and the direction where the fighter aircraft will appear included the targets to be shot.

    The purpose of the exercise was not only to display the firepower of the NAF, but to also sharpen the skills of the pilots many of whom were engaged in the war on insurgency in the northeast. According to the CAS, the exercise also served as a means of retraining the men deployed in the fight to end criminality in Nigeria especially in the northeast.

    “Our desire is to keep training and retraining so we can have a very professional air force, that is the essence of what you saw this afternoon, we are working round the clock to sustain the peace we have seen in the Northeast. We want to have professionals that can deliver and that is why we are organizing this exercise,” Abubakar said.

    The NAF lined up some of the most lethal fighting machines in its inventory including the Alpha Jets, F-7Ni jets, Augusta 109-LUH helicopters, L-39ZA jets and ground to air missiles. The jets would carry various weapons like the 23mm Cannon, G-5 Rockets, SNEB rockets, 30mm practice cannons, 90-1 rockets while the Agusta helicopters were loaded with the 12.7,, side door gun.

    A show of air power

    The first Agusta 109-LUH helicopter gunship showed up from the East, it was not a pretty machine to behold and it made an awful lot of noise. It did not fire the targets which had been designated by two large white sheets with a van in the middle standing for the bull’s eye. The helicopter was flown by Wing Commander Akomolafe and assisted by Squadron Leader I. Godwin.

    It flew over the attack line without firing a shot. Then it came back and without warning a bust of gunfire erupted on the ground. It was difficult to know when the attack began or when it ended. The shot was rapid and intense; it went away and returned for another round of gunfight.

    But the fighter jets namely: Alpha, F-7Ni and L39ZA jets ruled the sky. Coming up in the cobra, tiger and individual formations, they made frightening entry, forcing every eye to the sky and barely giving the spectators enough time to view their breathtaking display before they disappeared deep into the sky.

    Then they returned, a booming fire and targets are destroyed. One could see a huge fire where the impact has been made. The range announcer, Group Captain Bassey said this was an apt demonstration of the various interdiction missions the jets have conducted against Boko Haram in the northeast.

    It was the turn of the land-to air-missiles which has been locally produced by the engineers of the NAF, which was carefully positioned to face the bull’s eye. It was a massive deployment of missiles with far reaching range. The process was repeated a second time with applause from the spectators.

    Impressed by air power

    The CDS did not struggle to find the words to praise the NAF after a sterling display of air power, a reenactment of the dominant role its pilots have played in Sambisa forest and other areas of conflict in the northeast.

    “Today, I am proud to declare that the Nigerian Air Force has lived up to expectation. The sequencing, airmanship and accurate delivery of firepower from the various platforms that participated at the Air Weapons Meet are highly commendable. What we have witnessed is a demonstration of what happens during air interdiction, ground attack and close air support missions that our pilots conduct frequently in the on-going counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operation.

    “Presently, we can boast of an Air Force that can deliver appropriate firepower, at the right time and at the place of our own chosen. I want to use this opportunity to commend the Chief-of the Air Staff for his commitment to improving the capability of the Nigerian Air Force including the capacity development of his officers and men,” Olonisakin said.

    The Defence Chief also believed that there has been a tremendous improvement in the capacity of the Armed forces to defend the country. “Overall, we have witnessed a tremendous improvement in the capacity of the Nigerian Armed Forces to carry out our constitutional responsibility of defending the territorial integrity of a united Nigeria by land, sea and air. I want to use this. I want to use this opportunity to once again thank the President Commander-in-Chief Muhammadu Buhari for his pragmatic and exemplary leadership, not only to the Armed Forces, but also to the entire country,” he said.

  • Free medical outreach, air power, as NAF celebrates at 53

    Free medical outreach, air power, as NAF celebrates at 53

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said it will conduct free medical outreach to residents around the NAF bases in Makurdi Benue state as it begins activities to celebrate its 53 years of service to Nigeria. During the NAF day celebration which will be hosted by the Tactical Air Command (TAC) Makurdi, the NAF will also induct into its inventory two additional Mi-35M helicopters which were purchased from Russia.

    The aircraft would be deployed to join other platforms fighting the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast. The chairman, organising committee and Director Of Operations (NAF), Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Dayo Amao told  The Nation that the celebrations scheduled for April 20-22 will also witness air power meet, gala night, ceremonial parade, winging of new pilots and the presentation of colours to the Special Operations Command.

    AVM Amao said the NAF Day celebration with the theme: “Employment of Air Power for Enduring National Security” would afford the NAF the opportunity to take stock in the light of its statutory responsibility as a military Service.

    Amao: “Given the active role played by the NAF in  combating both real and perceived challenges facing our nation, it is no gain saying that the priority of the NAF lies in the consolidation of  the gains of air power employment especially at this crucial stage in the history of our nation.”

    AVM Amao also the induction of the Mi-35 M helicopters would redefine the war on insurgency as the helicopters would bring the needed firepower to bear on the activities of the Air Component of Operation Lafiya Dole.

    “The Mi-35M helicopters are new versions, it can fly in the night and in all weather, it is an attack helicopter and we are proud to have them,” Amao said.