The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NAF

  • NAF strike kills notorious bandit kingpins, 20 others in Zamfara

    NAF strike kills notorious bandit kingpins, 20 others in Zamfara

    Airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft have killed two bandits kingpins, Gero (Alhaji) and Alhaji Riga, including 20 of their fighters in Zamfara State.

    The bandits were killed in their hideouts at Unguwar Goga hillforest in Faskari Local Government Area of the state.

    A statement by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, said the “precision airstrikes were executed in early hours of March 13, after careful and actionable intelligence.”

    The statement reads: “ The strike advancing purposeful lethality, destroyed the fortified camps of notorious bandit kingpins, Gero (Alhaji) and Alhaji Riga, neutralising over 20 criminals, with additional casualties reported in the surrounding rocky hills. 

    “The airstrike had a decisive impact on the criminals, assessment of the full extent of the damage is ongoing.”

    Read Also: NAFDAC shuts three warehouses in Ekiti

    Riga and Gero, according to the statement, were key enablers of banditry, sheltering terrorist elements responsible for relentless ambushes along the Funtua-Gusau Road, particularly between Yankara and Sheme villages. 

    “Their elimination marks a major breakthrough in the ongoing military campaign to restore peace in the North-West,” the statement said. 

  • NAF personnel’s attack on Ikeja Electric

    NAF personnel’s attack on Ikeja Electric

    Nothing under the sun can justify the assault on workers at the headquarters of Ikeja Electric (IE) in Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, by some personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). Absolutely nothing.

    The Sam Ethnan Air Force Base in Ikeja was said to have been disconnected by IE on account of about N4 billion accumulated debt. So, the base has been without light for over 10 days.

    The NAF personnel not only went on the rampage at the company’s premises, destroying vital equipment, beating up some members of the staff and forcing

    some of them to lie down, etc., they also reportedly left with some personal belongings of their victims.

    These are despicable conducts, particularly coming from NAF personnel, an arm of the military that is reputed for its discipline and finesse.

    Of course some Nigerians have said it served IE right. That the experience was the comeuppance for some of the company’s disregard for its customers. I don’t think so. If only for the simple fact that anyone, just anyone, including Ikeja Electric visitors and customers could have been victims because the NAF personnel did not differentiate between the workers and others.

    Incidentally, I was at the Egbeda office of the company when I heard of the incident on Thursday. Meaning if that was where the incident took place, I could also have been a victim.

    I cannot remember when last I visited that place. As a matter of fact, I dread going to such places. But, it was one of the things I also dread most that took me there on Thursday: estimated billing. I had been at peace with IE ever since I got prepaid meter some years back, but the meter was retrieved in October, last year, when it became faulty and in just four months, I am already having issues over estimated billing.

    But my experience at the Egbeda office is an admixture of both the good and the ugly. As a matter of fact, I had to tell two of the workers that attended to me that their faces were not customer-friendly. Yet, I was impressed by the conduct of two other workers in the place. Fair enough. That is what obtains in several establishments.

    Read Also: NAFDAC raises alarm, says over 14.3million Nigerians affected by drug abuse

    If the NAF personnel had complained over estimated billing and taken to the appropriate channels for redress, I might have been sympathetic to their cause. But to owe a debt of about N4 billion (I have not seen anywhere this has been contested by the Air Force), and still expect to have light beats one’s imagination. I guess some of us having issues with estimated billings are the ones defraying some of the debts owed by institutions like NAF, otherwise IE would have closed shop.

    The Federal Government must quickly wade into not just this matter but other military installations in the country and work out a sustainable arrangement on how the institutions would be paying for their essential services.

    But the soldiers need to be educated that power sector is now privately owned, therefore they need to pay for services rendered. As government ‘pikin’, they could afford not to pay for services rendered by their ‘father’s’ agencies before privatisation. Not anymore.

    Meanwhile, who picks the bills of those injured during the attack? Who pays for the damaged equipment? NAF must ensure those involved in the attack are identified and punished.

    The optics of Thursday’s incident at Ikeja Electric headquarters is bad for foreign investment; it is equally bad for democracy.

    We should be done with the era of  ‘Unknown Soldier’ for good.

  • NAF, Ikeja DisCo in talks over power outage at Military Base

    NAF, Ikeja DisCo in talks over power outage at Military Base

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IE) have opened talks over the prolonged  power outage at the Sam Ethnam Base, Ikeja.

    The blacout has raised security concerns at the Base,  home  to NAF Logistics Command.

    The Base, which  also houses NAF’s critical military hardwares and logistics supply,  has been without power for about two weeks, it was gathered yesterday.

    It was also  learnt that the NAF’s cooling systems used to maintain bombs, rockets and other military grade firepower have been without supply , leading to an increase in the temperature of these weapons.

    Already, residents, including personnel, are apprehensive, and said to have become apprehensive  and they want the authorities to address the situation.

    Read Also: NAFDAC DG reads riot act to fake drug dealers

    It was gathered that the personnel residing close to areas housing these facilities were being relocated as a precautionary measure.

    “There are indications that some officers have taken leave while others have sought redeployment. The uncertainty is worrisome, and we cannot afford to take risks when dealing with high-explosive materials,” said a source who pleaded anonymity.

    He said the power supply with Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) has been a source of concern  for sometime.

    “We have been having issues with Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) for over two years. The company has continuously provided epileptic power supply despite our commitment to paying our electricity bills.

    “This base is not just a residential area; it houses critical military equipment that requires constant cooling to prevent overheating and potential explosions.”

    A senior officer who also lamented about the situation, said the NAF pays an average of N60m monthly as electricity bill to enjoy stable supply but receives barely 10 to 12 hours of electricity.

    “In November 2024, our electricity bill was N48.4 million, yet we paid an excess amount of N60 million. Despite this, power supply has remained erratic. It is unacceptable that a military installation is subjected to such neglect.

    “Ikeja Electricity is a service organisation with an expected high level of responsibility to the public. Unfortunately, their conduct falls short of what is expected from a company responsible for national security-sensitive installations,” the source added.”

    Apart from the operational warehouse that stores ammunition, other essential services such as medical facilities and water supply for personnel and surrounding communities have also been significantly disrupted due to the blackout.

    A retired military engineer, Group Captain John Adewale (rtd.), emphasized the potential dangers of prolonged power outages at ammunition depots.

    “Ammunition storage facilities must be kept at controlled temperatures. Without proper cooling, there is an increased risk of unplanned detonation due to heat buildup. This is a serious national security concern,” he said.

    Also, a security analyst, Dr. Charles Onah, criticised the failure to prioritize military installations in power supply distribution.

    “Military bases should never experience blackouts. The government and power distribution companies must recognize the security implications of their actions. The Ikeja explosion of 2002 was a national tragedy. We cannot afford another disaster of that magnitude,” he said.

    The Head, Corporate Communications, Ikeja Electric, Kingsley Okotie,  explained that the utility has had a lot of conversation with the NAF Base on the incident.

    According to him, the NAF Base has enjoyed tremendous electricity supply  until the unfortunate development.

    He said the facility had been enjoying about 70 per cent of energy supply to the feeder serving the area.

    Okotie added that the Base is currently out due to a fault that needs to be addressed. He, however, regretted that as much as the IKEDC is ready and willing to address the fault, the NAF Base personnel have refused to grant its officials  access to their premises.

    “The NAF is our customer and we owe them a duty to provide them quality service, which we have been doing. We are all in this together and we feel their pains. However, we need to have access to rectify the fault. We have written reminders to the Base; we have had a lot of agreements, but if we are not given access into their facility, how then do we rectify the fault? So, they should give us access,” Okotie pleaded.

    However, there are indications that the issue may also not be unconnected with that of bill payment, which has remained contentious between both parties.

    Okotie, who declined to comment on this, merely said: “It is purely a customer and service provider affair; every matter will be resolved amicably as we are eager to resolve the matter and ensure we restore quality service to our esteemed customer.”

  • NAF fine-tunes strategies to respond to global, local security landscapes

    NAF fine-tunes strategies to respond to global, local security landscapes

    The high command of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday met to review global and local security factors that may affect its operations this year.

    The year’s first quarter meeting, which was held at the NAF headquarters in Abuja and chaired by the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, was attended by Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs), and the Commandants.

    Air Marshal Abubakar told the NAF officers that Nigeria’s security situation cannot be isolated from happenings around the world due to the highly interconnected nature of today’s global environment.

    The CAS said the international security landscape remained fluid, characterised by uncertainties, heightened geopolitical tensions, and evolving security threats.

    He said: “As we all know, the United States plays a pivotal role in global peace and security. Consequently, the recent change in its administration and the evolving foreign policy signals have introduced uncertainties for many nations as they assess the potential impact on their strategic interests.

    “We are not exempt from these dynamics. Our experience has shown that defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States is often influenced by political considerations. Hence, we must proactively plan to mitigate any likely impact on the ongoing AH1-Z helicopter procurement and other training courses that might be conducted in the U.S.

    Read Also: NAF deploys counter measures against terrorists drones 

    “In Europe, the ongoing war in Ukraine continues to influence global defence strategies, with nations prioritising missile technologies, air defence systems, drone warfare, and cyber capabilities over more traditional warfare methods. This is a phenomenon we must study carefully as an Air Force and adapt quickly through innovation as we enhance our operational capabilities, going forward.

    “Similarly, the Middle East remains highly unstable as a result of uncertainties in Syria and the aftermath of the conflict between Israel and Hamas as well as its neighbours. A key lesson from these conflicts is the rise in the use of the electromagnetic spectrum, artificial intelligence, drone warfare, and the manipulation of social media in shaping war narratives.

    “We must critically examine these trends and quickly come up with specific strategies, including refining doctrines and utilising advanced technological capabilities to enhance our overall effectiveness in tackling contemporary and future security challenges, particularly conventional and unconventional forces in asymmetric warfare.”

    Examining the security situation in the West African sub-region, Air Marshal Abubakar noted that the Sahel region continued to be a hotspot for terrorism with extremist groups exploiting weak governance structures to expand their influence.

    The CAS said the situation was the same in the Gulf of Guinea, which he said remained vulnerable to maritime crimes.

    “Addressing these challenges requires a unified approach, emphasising coordinated air operations, intelligence sharing, and strategic partnerships,” he said.

    Air Marshal Abubakar said the military recorded significant strides in counterinsurgency operations in the Northeast and the Northwest in the first and third quarters of last year due to increased synergy between the NAF and ground forces, which led to killing of high profile terrorist leaders and commanders.

    He added: “Despite our heightened efforts, the highly volatile, uncertain and complex security situation in the Sahel region continues to feed insecurity in Nigeria, as we have seen in the emergence of the Lakurawa group in the Northwest.

    “We sustain this momentum, as jointly planned and executed operations have consistently delivered positive results.”

  • NAF air strike kills ‘23 bandits’ in Zamfara

    NAF air strike kills ‘23 bandits’ in Zamfara

    At least 23 bandits were killed by missiles from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Tsafe Local Government of Zamfara State over the weekend.

    According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the operation was based on coordinated intelligence.  The report noted that many bandits, suspected to be relatives of notorious kingpin Ado Aleiro, had left Tsafe LG to rustle cattle from nearby communities. It added that troops tracked the rustlers to a mountainous area until they were in a vulnerable position before surrounding them.

    “The bandits succeeded in stealing livestock and were attempting to escape when they encountered resistance from local security forces,” the report reads.

    “The troops tracked the rustlers and waited until they reached a mountainous area before surrounding them.

    “Once their location was confirmed, the Nigerian Air Force deployed air assets to engage the fleeing bandits.

    “Eyewitnesses confirmed that several bandits were eliminated in the operation, though the exact number is yet to be determined.”

    Another source quoted in the report stated: “At least 23 bandits were killed as well as several others injured.”

    Read Also: War against fake drugs: Protect innocent traders, Reps tell NAFDAC

    Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma also reportedly recovered a large number of rustled cattle during the operation.

    “This is part of the military’s ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist strongholds and curb cattle rustling, which remains a key source of funding for bandit groups operating in Zamfara and neighbouring states,” the report added.

    NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Olusola Akinboyewa, has not responded to requests for comments on the operation.

  • NAF probes alleged civilian casualty in Katsina airstrike

    NAF probes alleged civilian casualty in Katsina airstrike

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has instituted a probe into alleged civilian casualty over the February 15 airstrike in Katsina State.

    NAF’s spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, announced this in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

    The statement said the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, had ordered “a thorough investigation to verify the alleged civilian casualty to ensure appropriate action is taken based on the findings”.

    A military airstrike in Katsina was said to have resulted in the deaths of six civilians at Yauni community in Safana Local Government Area of the state.

    According to the accounts by the residents, the airstrike occurred after a gun duel between security personnel and bandits who attempted to attack voters in Zakka village during the local government election on Saturday.

    Security agents intervened, leading to an exchange of gunfire and, subsequently, a military fighter jet dropped a bomb on Yauni community.

    But the statement said the NAF took the allegation with utmost seriousness and “remains fully committed to uncovering the truth”.

    It added: “The reports alleging civilian casualties following the airstrikes are deeply troubling… While these claims are distressing, it is important to emphasise that they remain allegations until a comprehensive investigation is concluded.

    “As a professional force dedicated to the protection of Nigeria and its people, the NAF operates under strict rules of engagement and adheres to internationally accepted standards in all its operations.

    The NAF Ethos guarantees that our operations are always geared towards ensuring the well-being of our nation and citizens.”

    The statement explained that the strike was conducted in response to intelligence indicating a terrorist attack on a Police Mobile Force location in the community, where bandits had killed two Police Mobile Force personnel and four vigilantes.

    Read Also: NAF probes alleged civilian casualty in Katsina airstrike

    “The bandits were confirmed to be taking refuge on the nearby Yauni Hill. In a swift and decisive response, NAF air assets were deployed for an air interdiction mission. Upon arrival, the targets were identified and engaged,” the statement added.

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has instituted a probe into alleged civilian casualty over the February 15 airstrike in Katsina State.

    NAF’s spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, announced this in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

    The statement said the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, had ordered “a thorough investigation to verify the alleged civilian casualty to ensure appropriate action is taken based on the findings”.

    A military airstrike in Katsina was said to have resulted in the deaths of six civilians at Yauni community in Safana Local Government Area of the state.

    According to the accounts by the residents, the airstrike occurred after a gun duel between security personnel and bandits who attempted to attack voters in Zakka village during the local government election on Saturday.

    Security agents intervened, leading to an exchange of gunfire and, subsequently, a military fighter jet dropped a bomb on Yauni community.

    But the statement said the NAF took the allegation with utmost seriousness and “remains fully committed to uncovering the truth”.

    It added: “The reports alleging civilian casualties following the airstrikes are deeply troubling… While these claims are distressing, it is important to emphasise that they remain allegations until a comprehensive investigation is concluded.

    “As a professional force dedicated to the protection of Nigeria and its people, the NAF operates under strict rules of engagement and adheres to internationally accepted standards in all its operations.

    The NAF Ethos guarantees that our operations are always geared towards ensuring the well-being of our nation and citizens.”

    The statement explained that the strike was conducted in response to intelligence indicating a terrorist attack on a Police Mobile Force location in the community, where bandits had killed two Police Mobile Force personnel and four vigilantes.

    “The bandits were confirmed to be taking refuge on the nearby Yauni Hill. In a swift and decisive response, NAF air assets were deployed for an air interdiction mission. Upon arrival, the targets were identified and engaged,” the statement added.

  • NAF airstrikes kill terrorists in Niger forest

    NAF airstrikes kill terrorists in Niger forest

    • Raid hideouts, flush out bandits, Ganduje urges military

    Aerial bombardments from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have neutralised suspected terrorists hibernating at Alawa Forest in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, the service has said.

    It said the airstrikes were executed by the air component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, a special offensive launched to flush terrorists out of the Northwest and north central regions of the country.

    In a statement, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Olusola Akinboyewa, said the operation conducted on Januray 21 also dismantled the terrorists’ base.

    He said the criminals were linked to violence, including two Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks last December 19 in Bassa, Shiroro LGA, which claimed lives. 

    As a result, the Air Force launched a three-day operation, code-named  KONAN DAJI, on the terrorists and rendered the forest uninhabitable for them.

    Meanwhile, the National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has urged the military to raid forests and flush out criminals hiding in them.

    Ganduje made the suggestion when he led the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party on a visit to the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, over last week’s tanker explosion in Dikko, Gurara Local Government Area.

    Read Also: NELFUND’s loans hit N116.184bn

    Advocating an offensive security strategy, Ganduje praised the efforts of Bago in maintaining peace, despite its vast landmass and forests.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Edwin Olofu, Ganduje expressed concern about the reactive approach often adopted in addressing the attacks in various states.

    Recalling how he was able to tame the bandits in Falgore forest in Kano State as governor, Ganduje urged the military to turn the forests into military battle grounds.

    “We are here to pray to our friend, our brother and the good people of Niger State. We sincerely condole with the government and the good people of Niger, the families of the deceased and the injured ones.

    “We appreciate how you keep Niger State safe because it has the largest land mass and with the highest numbers of forest in the country , which is a herculean task to keep the peace within its environs.

    “Your Excellency, the solution to this menace is to conquer the forest. The bandits are in the forest, why have we been on the defensive instead of being on the offensive?’’

  • NAF probes alleged accidental bombing of civilians in Zamfara

    NAF probes alleged accidental bombing of civilians in Zamfara

    • AVM Gabwet leads fact-finding team

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has launched an investigation into the alleged bombing of vigilantes while targeting bandits at Tungar Kara in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    The investigation is meant to ascertain the veracity of the allegation, “the outcome of which will be duly communicated to inform and reassure the public”.

    NAF spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, who announced this in a statement yesterday in Abuja, explained that a fact-finding team, led by the Director of Coordination and Cooperation (DCC) in the Civil-Military Relations Branch at the NAF headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Edward K. Gabkwet, had been deployed to the state.

    Read Also: Recapitalisation: Bank mergers, acquisitions loom

    He said the team would liaise and interface with state and local government officials, as well as other stakeholders “for a holistic assessment of the situation with a view to driving the appropriate response”.

    The Nation reports that airstrikes by the NAF jets on Saturday hit members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG), local vigilantes and residents, leaving at least 16 people dead.

    The statement said: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in the recent airstrikes at Tungar Kara in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, dealt a decisive blow to bandits terrorising villages in the area.

    “However, while the operation successfully eliminated several bandits and led to the recovery of some kidnap victims, the NAF views with grave concern reports of the loss of civilian lives in the course of the operation.”

  • NAF probes alleged accidental bombing of civilians in Zamfara

    NAF probes alleged accidental bombing of civilians in Zamfara

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has begun investigation into the alleged bombing of vigilantes while targeting bandits at Tungar Kara in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    It said the investigation was to ascertain the veracity of the allegation, “ the outcome of which will be duly communicated to inform and re-assure the public.”

    NAF spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, said this in a statement on Sunday night.

    The Nation reports that airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force NAF (NAF) jets on Saturday hit members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG), local vigilantes and residents, leaving at least 16 people dead.

    The statement reads: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in the recent airstrikes at Tungar Kara in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, dealt a decisive blow to bandits terrorising villages in the area. 

    “However, while the operation successfully eliminated several bandits and led to the recovery of some kidnap victims, the NAF views with grave concern reports of the loss of civilian lives in the course of the operation. 

    Read Also: NAF conducted over 8,665 missions in 18 months, says CAS

    “As a responsible and professional custodian of airpower for the security of the nation, the NAF believes in the absolute value of the life of every Nigerian. 

    Accordingly, a comprehensive investigation is in progress, to ascertain the veracity of the reports, the outcome of which will be duly communicated to inform and re-assure the public.”

    The statement said that NAF’s mission in the NorthWest was to combat banditry and restore peace, the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, hence work closely with all relevant authorities to unravel the facts and take appropriate steps, “as part of our unwavering commitment to prevent, minimise and mitigate any harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure in the course of our operations.” 

  • NAF conducted over 8,665 missions in 18 months, says CAS

    NAF conducted over 8,665 missions in 18 months, says CAS

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) conducted over 8,665 missions and 9,928 sorties within 15,915 flying hours using all aircraft types between June 2023 and December 2024, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has said.

    Abubakar announced this while hosting the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, yesterday in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Aduda was on familiarisation tour of the Defence and Services Headquarters.

    Abubakar said the feat underscored the magnitude of the relentless air efforts in all theatres of operations, including Operations Hadin Kai, Fansan Yamma, Delta Safe, Safe Haven, AWA TSE, UDO KA and Whirl Stroke.

    “So far, our personnel have demonstrated professionalism, resilience and unwavering dedication in the face of evolving security challenges.

    “However, these efforts greatly depend on the continuous and solid support from the Ministry of Defence,” he said.

    Read Also: NAF to use social activities to foster unity, boost personnel morale

    The CAS hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described the appointment of Aduda as an excellent choice.

    He said the appointment was apt, given his outstanding pedigree as a five-time Permanent Secretary in various ministries, including Foreign Affairs, Women Affairs, and Petroleum Resources.

    Abubakar expressed confidence that Aduda’s leadership and expertise would help in addressing the security challenges in the country.

    He said the ministry’s steadfast support had enabled NAF to fulfill its mandate as a critical component of Nigeria’s defence architecture.

    The CAS said NAF had witnessed a remarkable transformation, as evident in the revitalisation of its fleet and enhanced operational readiness.

    Abubakar also announced that NAF had taken delivery of 14 brand-new advanced aircraft out of the 64 aircraft that were to be delivered within three years.

    Aduda said his visit to the service was informed by the recognition that the NAF, among others, gave the ministry its effective performance and maximise efficiency strategically, operationally and tactically.

    The permanent secretary assured the CAS that the ministry would give him the maximum cooperation and collaborate with him to enable him realise his dreams and aspirations for the service.

    “Today, we have come out as a ministry with the entire strength of my management to assure you of our commitment to the cause that you have chosen.

    “We will also give you every support in the best interest of Nigeria as a sovereign entity.

    “My team and I want to assure you that we’re looking forward to taking this further,” Aduda said.