The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NAF

  • NAF rules ok!

    Hardball sure has a few things in common with Africa music legend Fela Anikulapko-Kuti. Hear, hear, you probably sneer, my dear reader but don’t we all love to associate with greatness? But if you knew Fela in his hay days and if you are a regular reader of this small strip, you would no doubt have noticed the glaring similarities in constitution, character and temperament of Fela and Hardball.

    Let’s try a shortlist: Fela was audacious in a rather rambunctious manner. He was supremely confident and self-assured in the pursuit of his convictions. It did not matter to him whether you were a military of civilian president; it did not matter the shade of colour of your uniform and indeed it bothered him not whether you were bearing a machine gun or a horse-whip.

    He loathed injustice and would not only spot it miles away but would pursue it with the single-mindedness of a train-robber just to win succor for victims. It was his life passion. So also was pulling down all the high, shiny, façade of hubris and of course roiling inept governments too. Remember it was Fela at his brilliant best who described uniform as mere cloth made by mere tailor. He also sang about “Army Arrangement”, “Unknown Soldier,” and the inimitable “Zombie,” among numerous other timeless masterpieces.

    Hardball has done some too in his own little way and on this small piece of space. He has taken on presidents both sitting and expired. He has poked his grubby nose into the affairs of all manner of compatriots, especially such affairs that are ribald and injurious to our collective well-being.

    One such is the matter at hand today which concerns men of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF). Last Sunday, a detachment of NAF at the airport in Lagos behaved in a manner we know too well. They forgot that as the great Fela said long ago, uniform na cloth made by tailors; and Hardball can add that guns are toys just any man can carry.

    Why are we saying this? A group of NAF men (described as officers, but Hardball doubt that officers would be in such a duty post) had pounced on one Muhammed Shuaibu, said to be a protocol officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and beat him to a pulp. If the NAF authority had remained mute and unknowing, Hardball would have forgiven them for honestly being mute and unknowing. But in an official response to the victim’s cry for justice, NAF spokesman, described as Command Public Relations Officer, Logistics Command, NAF, named Joel Abioye told us that Shuaib was beaten (not to a coma though as he pretends) by his men for “breaking the rule” and seeking to use his position to outsmart his men.

    Dear reader, be informed that this bloody turf war happened right in front of the departure area of our international airport. A dozen and one questions beg for answer. One, what are armed Air Force officers doing around the airport directing traffic? Two, why is our idea of security always about persons in uniform bearing arms? Three, is this how other countries secure their airports? Four, are NAF officers trained to brutalize fellow citizens who break their “rule”?

    Let’s just say NAF rule ok at the airport!

  • We have lived up to expectations in counter insurgency – NAF chief

    We have lived up to expectations in counter insurgency – NAF chief

    The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, has said the Nigerian Air Force has lived up to the expectations in the counter insurgency campaign.

    Speaking on Thursday at a briefing to mark the 51st anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force, Amosu said recent new acquisitions assisted in the ongoing rescue operations in the terror ravaged Northeastern Nigeria.

    He said,”We have been able to receive the twin air 350, which is essentially for tactical transportation to support the ongoing counter terrorism operations.

    “We got the MI24 which we duly upgraded to MI35, for the operations in the Northeast, just as we got the UAV, and our UAV’s are weaponized. We conduct strike activities with the UAVs now.

    “We also have the diamond aircraft for training and surveillance. We are able to secure the Haris Radio, of course communication is very important for any operation and we have secured the Harris 7850 radio.”

    The NAF Chief, however, said more is required to put the service in good stead in order to tackle the situation effectively, stressing that more funds are required to ensure combat readiness.

    He stated that a good number of the aircraft needed for surveillance and attack have been put in shape, adding that more efforts were require to reactivate grounded ones for optimal performance by officers and men.

    “The reactivation effort as a strategy will ensure that a minimum of three C130s are available at any given time, the rest of them we carry out conservation to ensure that when its time and the funds are available we can quickly wake them up.

    “The super puma before now they were not flying, two of them are flying now. The Dornier 228 and we had to send the engines out, so that we can have minimum of three deniers at any given time,” he added.

     

     

  • NAF gets personnel boost with 498 new recruits

    NAF gets personnel boost with 498 new recruits

    The battle against terrorism by the Nigerian Air Force received a boost yesterday with the enlistment of 498 personnel into the force.

    The Chief Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu said that some of the newly-recruited airmen and women would be drafted into the ongoing war against terrorism in the country.

    The Air Chief, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, NAF headquarters, Air Vice Marshal James Gbum, told the 498 recruits that they were coming into the force at a time some disgruntled elements were taking arms against the nation.

    He charged them that they must be ready to key into the NAF’s efforts to rid the nation of insurgency.

    According to him, “The training you have just received is the basic military training. This is to prepare you for further training in the Air Force, because the Air Force is a highly technical service. Therefore, after this training, you will go further to the different specialties to acquire specialist’s training.

    “You have to continue to be disciplined, loyal, dedicated, and above all, avoid politics and submit to the civil authority, because our democracy must be protected,” he advised.

    Highlight of the event was a colourful parade to the admiration of the senior officers, family members of the recruits and other guests.

  • Jonathan unveils Nigeria’s first unmanned aerial vehicle

    Jonathan unveils Nigeria’s first unmanned aerial vehicle

    President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday unveiled the first indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, code named Gulma UAV.

    It was designed and produced by the Nigeria Air Force (NAF).

    Speaking at the event, which took place at the NAF Base in Kaduna, President Jonathan said indigenous initiatives remain indispensable in achieving notable greatness by any nation, adding that the government will encourage the private sector to collaborate with NAF to produce the unmanned aerial vehicle in mass for commercial use.

    He said: “As I said in my Independence Day address, our nation is made great by the big and small efforts of regular citizens. Indeed, indigenous initiatives remain indispensable in achieving notable greatness.

    “Our importance on the global stage suggests that we must continue to produce leaders in science, technology and engineering and invest more in creating new ideas. We must not forget the lesson of this encouraging moment in our nation’s history and that as Nigerians, we are capable of great deeds.

    “In the same manner, we must not forget that ahead of us lie challenges that we must surmount. We must remain focused on our common national purpose.

    “The unveiling of our country’s first indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle is a landmark moment in our nation’s history. Beside its diverse military applications, the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle provides mankind with a range of benefits in disaster management, power line surveillance, law enforcement, telecommunication, whether monitoring and aerial image mapping, which is also rapidly becoming an important tool in news coverage, environmental monitoring and oil and gas exploration.

    “Considering the potential impact of fixed benefits and versatility, I cannot, but say how proud I am of the men and women of our armed forces. Apart from their commitment to the protection of our sovereignty, they are helping to keep our nation ahead in military science and technology and keep their civilian counterparts on their toes

    “In the years past, we have launched the first indigenous vessel developed by our Navy and various armoured and operational vehicles developed by the Nigerian Army. To all of you, I say thank you. Your collective efforts have opened a new vista, innovation and opportunity for our nation.

    “Today, as we stand in appreciation of the gallant men and women of our Air Force, we are reminded that hard work and diligence can break many barriers. I specially commend the Chief of Air Staff and all the officers and men of the NAF for this pioneering achievement, which will strengthen our nation and enhance our role in peace keeping and conflict prevention.

    “With only a few weeks to our centenary celebration as a nation, this achievement is a shining ornament and the icing on our 100th anniversary cake. I congratulate all Nigerians, who are surely and steadily beginning to manifest the new awareness of self-reliance and global competition.

    “When we apply the objectives of the transformation agenda, it was in the firm belief that Nigeria possesses to place it at the forefront of global prominence in technology and in the economy.

    “I am proud to see that the Nigeria Air Force has keyed into this vision and has today underlined its commitment to record greater achievements. It is our fervent hope that this stride by NAF will mark a turning point for indigenous technology in every sector of our national life, thereby rapidly facilitating our match towards a prosperous Nigeria.”

    The Supervising Minister of Defence, Labaran Maku, said the development of surveillance aircraft by NAF at this crucial moment in the nation’s history is a bold statement of the government’s resolve to provide security for the people.

    He said the Gulma UAV potentially affords the Armed Forces immense opportunities in intelligence gathering and combating crime, especially in the light of the nation’s security challenges.

    Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Alex Badeh said the decision to acquire the UAV technology was motivated by its growing versatility as a prime tool for enhancing success in virtually all military and security operations.

    He said: “To truly harness the full potentials of the Gulma UAV, there is need to consolidate on the achievements already made. The Air Force requires the assistance of the Federal Government in infrastructure and human capacity development.

  • APC seeks new strategy to curtail Boko Haram

    APC seeks new strategy to curtail Boko Haram

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned Monday’s deadly attack on military and other facilities in Maiduguri, saying it is shocked and saddened by its enormity and the deaths of innocent civilians.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the attacks on Nigerian Air Force planes and helicopters at the NAF base in the city was particularly disturbing, considering the hitherto effective use of aerial attacks against Boko Haram, which is widely believed to have carried out the attacks.

    It said nothing in the world could justify such deadly attacks on the military and the collateral deaths and damages inflicted on civilians.

    The APC called for a renewed strategy to combat the sect, which seems to retain the capacity to carry out such a massive attack in a major city, despite the successes which the military said it had recorded against it since the declaration of a state of emergency in three states – Adamawa, Borno and Yobe – last May.

    The party said such a strategy must emphasise the intelligence gathering through which such attacks can be nipped in the bud, adding that failure of intelligence, more than anything else, made Monday’s attack possible.

    It called for a probe into how hundreds of attackers could so easily infiltrate military facilities, which are believed to be highly secured.

    ‘’The probe must unravel why the security personnel in the city in general and the military installations in particular were apparently caught unawares by the attackers, who were reported by some newspapers to number as many as 500, riding in trucks and motorcycles.

    ‘’If military installations in a major city can be so easily overrun by a band of marauders, then no one and no facilities are safe. That is why the government and the military must work hand in hand to unravel why such a massive attack on military installations was possible in the first instance,’’ APC said.

  • NAF promotes 107 senior officers

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday announced the promotion of 107 senior officers, comprising 15 Air Vice Marshals, 39 Air Commodores, 31 Group Captains and 22 Wing Commanders.

    Those promoted to Air Vice Marshal are: Elam Nzokala, Christopher Gudi, Suleiman Dambo, Victor Udoh, Chukwuma Mojekwu and Emmanuel Akogu.

    Others are: Eche Agwungwu, Muhammadu Muhammed, Uko Ebong, Ibrahim Umaru, Benjamin Nweze, Sani Ahmed, Rufus Ojuawo, Lawal Alao and Stephen Onuh.

    Those elevated to Air Commodore are: Oluwole Akinsanya, Isiaka Amao, Ayuba Lassa, Christopher Umolu, Abdulganiyu Olabisi and Danladi Bausa.

    Also included are: Ibukun Ojeyemi, Remigius Ekeh, Christopher Dola, Lazarus Mshelia, Aliyu Pani, Dahiru Sanda, Mahmud Madi and Usman Suleiman.

    Others are: Charles Ohwo, Mohammed Yakubu, Emmanuel Wonah, Idi Lubo, Akugbe Iyamu, Morgan Idonibo, Dauda Prayero, John Ochomma, Sonny Ohemu, Paul Jemitola, Sambo Usman, Emenike Umeoka, Chinwedu Onyike, Taofiki Oladega, Musa Tanko, Hyacinth Eze, Ayodele Dudusola, Nelson Camday, Christopher Egwoba, Abdullahi Kassimu, lliyasu Yahaya, Olatokunbo Adesanya, Dele Alonge, Ado Inuwa and Emmanuel Akinbayo.

    Those who made Group Captain are: Anthony Ekpe, Ikechukwu Ogbodo, Gideon Bako, Okey Ezeanyagu, Anthony Martins, Esen Efanga, Michael Ekwueme, Ndubuisi Okoro, Chidiebere Obiabaka and Simon Peter.

    Others are: Mohammed Yusuf, Ayo Famuyiwa, Henry Yurkusi, Ademuyiwa Adedoyin, John Laoye, Jibril Usman, Abdullahi Bello, Abdulrasheed Kotun, Felix Uwakara, Abubakar Sule, Olufemi Odeyinde, Gbolahan Oremosu, Olasunkanmi Abu, Loveday Wariboko, Mohammed Ibrahim, Luther Kamat, Sylvanus Ojo, Razaq Olarenwaju, John Opara, Wapkerem Maigida and Zayyan Usman.

    A statement by Air Commodore D. J. Alonge on behalf of the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Air Force said the promotions take immediate effect.

  • Air Force, community disagree in Makurdi over land

    There is tension at Akpen, a Makurdi suburb that is the host community of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Tactical Air Command (TAC).

    A few days ago,  personnel marked over 150,000 houses in the community for demolition and threatened to eject the occupants.

    They are claiming that the land belongs to them, but the residents told The Nation that they had been occupying the land since 1970 and that the NAF base was built in 1973.

    When our reporter visited the community, which is located on the Makurdi-Gboko Road, youths, women and men gathered in groups, preparing for a showdown with “anyone who would ask us to vacate our land”.

    A businessman, who built a filling station at Akpen, Dr. Paul Ubwa, told The Nation that he was given the land by a chief in the area, and there was a demarcation between NAF’s land and the host community’s.

    He alleged that Air Force men, a few days ago, stormed the community with guns and harassed women and children.

    Ubwa urged the Benue State Government to instruct the commander of the Base Service Group to restrain his men from further harassing innocent people who they are supposed to protect.

    The community leader, Chief Clement Chia, alleged that three of the youths had been whisked away to the NAF Base.

    He recalled that the youths were cleaning St. Francis Church, Akpen premises when Air Force men stormed the place, bundled them into their van, took them to their base where they tortured them by inflicting injuries on their bodies.

    The chairman of the Church Council, Gabriel Ator, said St. Francis Parish covers 2.6 hectares and the worshippers have been under intimidation and harassment by Air Force men, who had mounted a roadblock opposite the church.

    NAF Tactical Air Command spokesman, Squadron Leader Obi Obasi, told our reporter that he was not aware of the incident and declined to comment on the matter.

  • NAF deploys 2 fighter jets to Mali

    The Nigerian Air Force on Friday, in Abuja, deployed two of its fighter jets to Mali to assist the country to reclaim its north from Islamic militants.

    Speaking at a ceremony at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas, the Director of Air Force Information and Public Relations, said the deployment was in line with President Goodluck Jonathan’s directive.

    He said: “this afternoon, we are deploying the Alpha Jets to Mali to begin operations.’’

    Anas identified the jets as NAF 452 and NAF 455, adding that the operation would be led by AVM. Tayo Oguntoyibo.

    The director said that 56 Air Force Regiment personnel had already been deployed from Port-Harcourt to Mali.

    The degenerating crisis in Mali had compelled ECOWAS Heads of Government to intervene with the deployment of military forces.

    The UN Security Council Resolution 2085 of December 2012 approved the deployment of ECOWAS Security Force, following the request of the Mali Government.