Tag: NAF

Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets have neutralised scores of terrorists in strikes targeting their logistics base near the Mandara Mountains in Borno State.

According to NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the strikes were conducted on Sunday, July 6, following confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

Ejodame stated that the location had long been known as “fortified enclaves” for the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), a faction of Boko Haram.

He said, “The locations, known for their rugged, mountain-covered terrain along Nigeria’s border with Cameroon, had recently witnessed increased terrorist activity, including reports of a logistics build-up and the presence of senior JAS Commanders.

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“The strikes followed confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions revealing clusters of structures fitted with solar panels, black flags, and fortified compounds, clear signs of insurgent resurgence and preparations for coordinated attacks.

“In response, NAF strike aircraft executed a series of well-coordinated air interdictions, targeting and destroying high-value terrorist infrastructure, including logistics warehouses, command centres, and defensive shelters.

“Several terrorists were neutralised in the operation, effectively disrupting their supply chain and diminishing their capability to sustain further offensives.” 

Airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets have neutralised several terrorists.

The strikes came two days after terrorists killed 17 soldiers during a gun battle in the Bangi community, Mariga Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement on Friday, NAF’s spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the air component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 1, a military operation against bandits/terrorists in the northwest, targeted the terrorists behind the attacks.

Ejodame said NAF fighter jets carried out a series of precision air strikes from June 24 to 26 in support of ground troops.

He said, “On 26 June, following credible intelligence, with inter-service and inter-agency cooperation, the NAF identified terrorist activities involving attacks and cattle rustling in Kakihun and Kumbashi communities.

“Swiftly deploying air assets, the Air Component executed multiple waves of precision strikes that neutralised scores of terrorists, destroyed their logistics, and disrupted regrouping efforts.”

Also, in his efforts to restore peace following the recent attacks and killings of civilians by bandits in Benue, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has again visited the state to ensure peace.

No fewer than 147 persons were killed in Yelwata, an agrarian community in the Guma Local Government Area of the state, two weeks ago.

Following the development, President Tinubu convened a high-level stakeholder meeting at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi, where he directed the heads of security agencies and the Chief of Defence Staff to halt the killings and bring the perpetrators to justice.

A statement by the Director of Defence of Information, Brig-Gen. Tukur Gusau, stated that the CDS went back to the state yesterday, June 26, to engage more with prominent traditional rulers and elders in the state.

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He said, “During the engagement, the CDS gave a firm assurance of the Armed Forces’ commitment to restoring peace and stability in the state.

“The meeting, which involved extensive interaction, brought together the Tor Tiv, Ochidoma, first- and second-class chiefs, and elders from various zones of the state.”

According to the Defence spokeman, the forum provided an avenue for open dialogue on the root causes of the recurring attacks by suspected herdsmen, as well as the identification of actionable solutions.

He said, “The CDS explained that the meeting was in line with the directive of the President and Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to engage with the Benue Council of Elders in order to uncover both the immediate and underlying causes of the crisis and propose effective measures to address them.

“The CDS emphasised the gravity of the security challenges in the state and the need for collaborative solutions, noting that a recent high-level security meeting in Abuja, involving the Service Chiefs, Inspector General of Police, and the National Security Adviser, was part of efforts to address the situation comprehensively.”

Gusau said that the Tor Tiv, who is the Chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council, identified the activities of suspected herdsmen and bandits—especially the grazing of cattle on farmlands—as a major driver of insecurity, forcing locals to abandon ancestral homes for internally displaced people’s (IDP) camps.

“He also lamented the marginalisation of traditional rulers in governance and decision-making processes, despite their strategic role in peacebuilding,” Gusau said.

He said the advisory team established by Defence Headquarters, local chiefs, and military commanders also made valuable contributions and proposed practical solutions, including the adoption of cattle ranching as a sustainable alternative to the nomadic system, which they believe fuels conflict.

“The chiefs called on the government to act with fairness and impartiality in addressing the crisis,” Gusau said.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has increased personnel ration cash allowance by 100 percent. 

It has also made substantial increments in the insurance payouts under a newly introduced Group Personal Accident Insurance Policy. 

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, announced this during the commissioning new accommodation at Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Lagos, on Monday.

He said the increments were captured in the 2025 budget.

“In the meantime, a 100 percent increment in the Ration Cash Allowance for 2025 has already been established as a proactive measure to support personnel amid rising living costs”, he said.

The NAF chief said the service has engaged Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to review the Armed Forces Manual of Financial Administration with a view to enhancing the overall welfare package of personnel.

He said NAF has made large-scale distribution of new uniforms and accoutrements to troops, and made upward review of the monthly electricity subsidy for Sam Ethnan Air Force Base.  

“The large-scale distribution of new uniforms and accoutrements will achieve 100 percent coverage within the next two weeks,” he said. 

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While reaffirming his commitment to personnel welfare as a key driver of his command philosophy, he disclosed that 23 beneficiaries, including 9 recent ones, have received substantial payouts under the Group Personal Accident Insurance Policy. 

This policy, according to him, covers compensation for bodily injury, permanent or temporary disability, death, medical expenses, and salary reimbursement during hospitalization.

He said, “Beyond financial and material welfare, the NAF has increased infrastructural projects to over 470 nationwide, covering residential buildings, operational facilities, sporting complexes, medical centres, and places of worship. 

‘Of these, 295 projects, representing 63 percent, have been completed, while 175 are ongoing. 

“To date, over ₦61 billion has been invested in these efforts, which also include upgrades to roads, water supply systems, and electricity infrastructure at various NAF bases.” 

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has unveiled civilian harm mitigation and response action to reduce collateral damage during air operations.

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, unveiled the document during the NAF 61st Anniversary Day Seminar in Abuja, on Tuesday.

The seminar was themed: “Optimizing Civil-Military Relations in a Joint Operational Environment for Enhanced Air Operations.”

According to the NAF boss, the service had conducted more than 80,000 sorties in the past decade with only few verified incidences of collateral damage.

He said: “Since 2015, the Nigerian Air Force has flown over 8,000 sorties annually amounting to more than 80,000 sorties over the past decade. Yet, within this extensive operational record, only a few verified incidents of collateral damage have been recorded. This represents an occurrence rate of less than 0.005 per cent —an exceptional record by global standards, particularly within the complexities of asymmetric warfare,.

“It is a powerful reflection of our professionalism, precision, and steadfast commitment to protecting civilian lives in even the most challenging operational environments.

“While we take pride in this impressive record, we are by no means complacent. We are very much aware that insurgents often deliberately embed themselves within civilian populations to evade detection, thereby creating unfortunate situations where collateral damage could occur despite our best efforts at precision and restraint.”

Air Marshal Abubakar noted that in the few instances where civilian casualties were reported, the “NAF promptly conducted investigations, accepted responsibility with deep regret, and taken necessary corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.”

According to him, the service has proactively invested in advanced technologies and robust protocols aimed at preventing civilian casualties. 

He emphasised that these efforts include the deployment of enhanced real-time surveillance platforms, the enforcement of stringent mission-abort procedures upon detection of civilian presence, and the continuous training of personnel in International Humanitarian Law and the Law of Armed Conflict as well as Rules of Engagement. 

He said the service had instituted robust accountability mechanisms and recently upgraded our Directorate of Civil-Military Relations to Branch status.

Read Also: NAF offers free medicare in Lagos community

 “This institutional reform provides greater capacity and strategic focus on non-kinetic operations, ensuring that our engagements are anchored in transparency, compassion, and national interest,” the CAS said.

“I am also glad to announce that in the course of today’s event, we will be unveiling a landmark policy document titled, the Nigerian Air Force Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan. The document is the first of its kind in the Armed Forces of Nigeria and is designed to guide our efforts in reducing the scale and impact of harm to civilians during air operations.”

Air Marshal Abubakar said national security is a shared responsibility of all patriotic citizens and institutions, hence, the synergy between military and civilian stakeholders remains central to achieving our collective aspirations for a secure and prosperous Nigeria. 

“The NAF has remained firmly apolitical and deeply committed to upholding democratic ideals, including the rule of law, accountability, and respect for fundamental human rights,” he said. 

“This unwavering allegiance to constitutional governance reflects our enduring dedication to protecting the sovereignty and unity of our nation in accordance with our constitutional mandate.”