The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria Air Force (NAF

  • ‘Air Force didn’t drop weapons for herdsmen’

    The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has debunked reports that its helicopters dropped weapons for herdsmen in the forest area of Akwuke Community in Enugu South Local Government Area.

    A statement by Flight Lt. Faith Aigbeoghain, the Acting Public Relations and Information Officer of the Headquarters Ground Training Command, described the report as “false, “deliberately misleading and obviously concocted by the writer to cause disaffection and incite negative, divisive emotions”.

    The report, accompanied with a picture, had gone viral, claiming that Air Force personnel were dropping weapons for the herdsmen ahead of a planned attack in Enugu State.

    The statement reads: “The attention of Headquarters Ground Training Command (HQ GTC) Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Enugu has been drawn to a story by some mischievous, misguided elements, purporting that NAF helicopters were being used to “drop” weapons for herdsmen in the forest area of Akwuke Community in Enugu South. The report alleged that helicopters were seen, on many occasions, flying at low level and landing in the forest area to “discharge their packages”.

    Read Also: Air Force’s helicopter crashes in Katsina

    “HQ GTC states that the report is deliberately misleading and obviously concocted by the writer to cause disaffection and incite negative, divisive emotions. It must be noted that the NAF has two helicopter training institutions under its purview, which have been operating in Enugu for several years. These are the International Helicopter Flying School (IHFS) and 405 Helicopter Combat Training Group (405 HCTG), whose training curricula include low level flying around the forest areas near Akukwe, which is one of their designated training areas.

    “In particular, the 405 HCTG begun tactical training on the newly acquired 109 Power helicopters on May 24, which includes low level flying as well as other manoeuvres requiring them to land and take off within the training area. However, at no time was any NAF helicopter used to ‘drop’ any materials, let alone deliver weapons to any individual or group. The public, especially residents of Enugu State, are advised to discountenance the report and go about their normal activities without fear.

    “The NAF, as a professional fighting force, remains resolute in performing its constitutional role of defending the territorial integrity of a united Nigeria. Accordingly, we shall continue to work assiduously, in synergy with sister services and other security agencies, to rid the country of all criminal elements to enable Nigerians pursue their legitimate aspirations.”

  • Ex-air chief ‘received’ N6b from NAF funds, says EFCC investigator

    The Federal High Court in Lagos Thursday heard how former Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Chief of Accounts and Budgeting, Air Vice Marshal Jacob Adigun admitted to have received N6billion from NAF for his personal benefit.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned him along with former Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Adesola Amosu and a former Director of Finance and Budget, Air Commodore Olugbenga Gbadebo.

    EFCC said the three, on or about March 5, 2014 in Lagos, conspired to convert N21,467,634,707.43, property of NAF, which sum they reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful activities to wit: criminal breach of trust.

    An EFCC investigator, Tosin Owobo, led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, told the court that Adigun made a statement at EFCC, which was tendered in court.

    He said the second defendant disclosed in his statement that he incorporated Delfina Oil and Gas, Hebron Housing Limited, Mcallam Oil and Gas, Trapezites BDC Limited.

    Owobo added: “He said he is the sole signatory to the accounts of the companies.

    “He said the names of the directors are all pseudonyms and not names of any member of his family.

    “In his statement, he wrote that out of about N16.9billion inflow from the Nigeria Air Force related accounts into his companies, he only benefited about N6billion

    “He said the chief of Air Staff and others would account for theirs.

    “He also stated that the whole money was not shared, as some jobs were executed.

    “He further wrote in his statement that he would be willing to let go of properties worth the sums of money he benefited.”

    Read Also: NAF recruitment now March 16 to 30

    When asked to state how he came about Trapezites Bureau de Change Limited and his findings, the witness said upon analysis of Trapezites’ statement of accounts, it was discovered that about N3.6billion was received from various NAF accounts.

    They are NAF Jet A1 Training account, NAF Air Men Subsidy account, NAF Special Emergency Operations account, HQ NAF Camp Operations account, UCA NAF 37 Operations account and 106 NAF Camp Training account.

    The defendants were alleged to have made several transfers amounting to N21billion to different companies charged with them.

    The companies are Delfina Oil and Gas Ltd, Mcallan Oil And Gas Ltd, Lebol Oil and Gas Ltd, Trapezites Bureau De Change, Hebron Housing and Properties Company Ltd, Deegee Oil and Gas Ltd and Timsegg Investment Ltd.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty to the alleged offence which EFCC said contravened Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15(3).

    Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke adjourned until April 15 and 16 for continuation of trial.

  • Air Force Jets destroys Boko Haram meeting venue

    …Kill scores of insurgents

     

    The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) said on Monday that Boko Haram meeting place at Jabullam in Borno state has been destroyed with air strikes.

    The Spokesman of the NAF, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement that the strikes were conducted through the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole after an intelligence report had established the presence of the terrorists in the buildings.

    Air Commodore Daramola also said some terrorists were killed during the air strikes.

    The statement reads: “The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has destroyed a Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) meeting venue at Jabullam in Northern Borno State.

    “The attack was carried out on September 28, 2018 following credible human intelligence reports indicating that some buildings within the settlement were being used for meetings attended by BHT leaders.

    “Accordingly, following confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions which identified the target building and surrounding structures, the ATF detailed a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet aircraft, which attacked the location and recorded direct hits on the target leading to the obliteration of the building and neutralization of the BHT occupants.”

    “The NAF, working in concert with surface forces, will sustain the momentum of operations with a view to destroying remnants of the terrorists in the fringes of Lake Chad and other areas in Northern Borno.”

  • Buhari inaugurates locally made drone, restates commitment to security

    Buhari inaugurates locally made drone, restates commitment to security

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Kaduna inaugurated a new drone developed by the Nigeria Air Force ( NAF ) for intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance.

    The Unmarked Areal Vehicle, named Tsaigumi, was to boost the capacity of the military.

    “From the military perspective, the added capacity for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance provided by the TSAIGUMI will boost ongoing and future security operations.

    “As this project moves into the next stage, which is mass production, it would create employment and possibly generate revenue as Nigeria’s first military export product,’’ the President said.

    According to him, the technological feat is an indication that there is potential to apply the same innovative mindset to addressing other areas of indigenous technological needs.

    “While I commend the Nigerian Air Force for this accomplishment, I enjoin you not to rest on this achievement but to strive harder in your research and development efforts for greater innovation.

    “Be assured of this administration’s support towards the attainment of greater technological milestones for our nation.’’

    Buhari reiterated the commitment and firm resolve of his administration to take Nigeria to the next level of growth and development.

    “We remain determined to overcome all challenges to our security and development as a nation. I enjoin all well-meaning Nigerians to join hands with us to make our collective dreams of greatness a reality.’’

    He added: “Government remains determined, despite numerous challenges to bring about the much-needed CHANGE that will lift our beloved nation to its rightful place as a major economic and political force on the world stage.

    “Part of our drive to achieve this goal is to enable enterprise and the improvement of the quality of life through massive improvement of national infrastructure.

    “Accordingly, as I outlined in my New Year Day broadcast to the nation, this Administration has designed series of key projects to dramatically overhaul national infrastructure and overcome the deficit in that vital area.

    “The role of the military as an enabler of national development cannot be overemphasized, as efforts would be futile if national security is not first guaranteed.

    “In this regard, let me once more commend the gallant men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies, for their tireless efforts towards defeating Boko Haram and all other threats to our nation’s security, thus ensuring that the government can proceed with its developmental activity without hindrance.

    “Let me again commend the Nigerian Air Force leadership for the unprecedented feat it has attained on Research and Development.

    “I am aware that the Air Force was the overall best in the recently concluded 2017 National Technology and Innovation Exposition under Research Institute category.

    “Accordingly, its drive, determination and unwavering support brought about numerous significant innovations, not least of which is the TSAIGUMI which I am inducting today.

    “It is indeed most gratifying that the Nigerian Air Force has gone a step further than simply acquiring them, to developing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle capabilities with indigenous technology.

    “This outstanding accomplishment, which we are gathered today, holds promise of both military and economic benefit to the nation.’’

    Earlier, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, said the unmanned vehicle has a “mission range of 100 km, a service ceiling at 15,000 feet and operational endurance of about 10 hours.’’

    He pledged NAF support “to harness, promote, commercialise and diffuse locally developed technologies for the production of globally competitive goods and services that intensively utilise Nigeria’s raw materials for national development.

    “ This is necessary because it is through R&D that nations technologically advance and enhance their productivity, spur economic growth and address societal concerns such as health, energy, environment, defence and security.

    “Besides, to be effective and efficient in dealing with contemporary security challenges posed by non-state actors, there is the need to build capacity to develop smarter and highly sophisticated indigenous platforms as well as compact and mobile forces that use information technology to get real time intelligence necessary for military operations.”

    Sadiq added that the NAF Research and Development Centre established in 2015, “has so far successfully repaired the CH-3A Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) that had been grounded for over four months due to the lack of spares.

    “Since its reactivation on 2nd January 2018, the UCAV has conducted several missions which have positively impacted on our Operations in the North East. As I speak, the UCAV is engaged in combat missions in the North East.

    “Only last week it acquired and destroyed Boko Haram Terrorists and their equipment in the Sambisa general area.

    “We have also tasked the centre to address gaps in specific areas of operational needs of the Service.

    “One such area of need has been that of enhancing NAF’s Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to meet national security imperatives.

    “In this regard, AFRDC has been charged to build capacity to maintain all ISR platforms that are currently in the Service.

    “Similarly, the AFRDC was tasked to operationalise the Gulma UAV prototype taking into cognisance the peculiar challenges associated with our operating environment.

    “It is gratifying to state that the efforts in this direction have, yielded positive results which include among others, the production of the TSEGUMI UAV.’’

    NAN

  • CDS to NAF cadets: No compromise on loyalty, patriotism

    CDS to NAF cadets: No compromise on loyalty, patriotism

    Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, on Thursday challenged officers and men of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) to remain loyal, disciplined, dedicated and patriotic in their assignments.

    Olanisakin gave the challenge during the graduation of 106 direct short service cadets held at the Military Training Centre, NAF Base, Kaduna.

    He particularly told the cadets that the service would not compromise on discipline and patriotism, adding that they must gear up to be part of the efforts to restore peace in parts of the country.

    “You must at all times, subordinate yourself to constituted civil authority and protect democracy.

    “Indeed, you must remain absolutely loyal to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Force of the Federal of Nigeria,” he said.

    According to him, the security situation in the country was largely caused by criminal vices which directly or indirectly provide impetus to the existential threat posed by insurgency and terrorism.

    Olonisakin however stressed that a lot have been achieved in degrading the capacity and capability of insurgents and terrorists.

    “Much more need to be done to achieve the level of peace and security we desire for Nigerian people,’’ he stressed.

    The Chief of Defence Staff told the cadets that their “ commissioning into the service should therefore be regarded as part of government’s efforts to restore normalcy.”

    He said, “It is imperative to state that your decision to choose military profession must be one borne from the desire to make sacrifices because of your love to our country.

    “You are passing out at a time when our nation is facing numerous security challenges in the face of dwindling financial resources.’’

    The general noted that the NAF and the Armed Forces was at the forefront in ridding the country of criminal elements and restore normalcy.

    He pledged that the Federal Government would continue to provide the resources required for the NAF to perform its statutory responsibilities.

    The Chief Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadiq Abubakar, said NAF would continue to build on the capacity of its personal, to produce a very proficient and mobile attack force.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that awards were given to four best cadets, who displayed exemplary conduct during the training.

  • NAF: African Partnership Flight opens in Lagos

    NAF: African Partnership Flight opens in Lagos

    The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) on Monday hosted three African countries for the African Partnership Flight (APF) in Lagos to further enhance regional cooperation, increase interoperability and build capacity.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Chad, Niger and Benin Republic participated in the US-backed APF – a multi-lateral military-to-military engagement designed to boost African cooperation in aviation.

    Speaking at the opening, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, said it was important for contiguous nations to pull their resources together to ensure a synergy in their operations.

    “Globally, the concept of regional forces has gained recognition as the best approach towards solving common security issues.

    “This is because the most prevalent form of warfare in contemporary times is asymmetric in nature and often transcends international borders,’’ he said.

    Abubakar said that the regional synergy was for the common goal of stamping out the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East of Nigeria.

    “The NAF, which is one of the instruments of national power, is not unmindful of the occasional need for services to participating in both joint and combined operations.

    “The service is also mindful of the effect and aftermath of insurgency with particular reference to the plight of innocent civilians including women and children, who often are the unintended victims.

    “We are all aware of the current Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria which has resulted in over two million Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) who are in dire need of one basic need or the other,’’ he said.

    Abubakar said it was for this reason that NAF embarked on several humanitarian programmes aimed at alleviating the plight of the IDPs.

    He commended the U.S. Air Force Command in Europe for bringing together countries of the region to stimulate a combined security and humanitarian environment.

    The Lagos State Gov., Akinwunmi Ambode, in his keynote address, said armed forces all over the world have the traditional role to defending their nations from external aggression and maintaining territorial integrity.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr Oluseye Oladejo, Ambode said the armed forces had been busy doing a good job of confronting our nation’s multifaceted internal security challenges.

    “With the changing trends in modern warfare, armed forces have been further saddled with the tremendous responsibility of providing regional security through multinational joint forces.

    “However, the major problems confronting such multinational forces are usually differences in doctrines, training, weapon, language and cultures, thus, underscoring the need for constant joint training to enhance interoperability.

    “You will all recall that in a bid to re-position the armed forces to better cope with those challenges, the present administration under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari has made modernisation, re-equipping and continuous training a top priority,’’ he said.

    He said it was particularly noteworthy that the U.S. had been supportive in the efforts at building the capacity of NAF personnel.

    “On the choice of theme, I expect that this event would contribute to further building the capacity of the NAF personnel in their untiring efforts at reaching IDPs and other non-combatants,’’ he said.

    Highlights of the 2017 APF, themed – Aero medical Evacuation and Medical Deployment – included training of officials from participating countries and static display showcasing the arrangement of stretchers in the NAF C-130H aircraft.

    Present at the exercise were senior military officers and their counterparts from the U.S and other African countries.

  • No sentiment in NAF recruitment, says Reps

    The House of Representatives Sub-Committee on Nigeria Air Force Recruitment, on Monday cleared the organisation of allegations of sentiments in its recruitment.

    The committee which was on oversight visit to the Nigeria Air Force [NAF] base in Kaduna, said its investigations revealed that the recruitment exercise followed strict procedures.

    The chairman of the committee, Mr Golu Simon, said claims of sentiments in the recruitment exercise were misplaced.

    “We are satisfied with what we have seen at the recruitment exercise, because we have seen the rigours the officers of the NAF go through to bring out the best brains that will serve the country.

    “Sometimes when applicants are disqualified, they feel it is for one reason or the other, people begin to ascribe sentiments to it.

    “But we are here as representatives of the people, many of our candidates could not make it here and we are happy with the procedure because they were disqualified not for any bad reason, but because they did not meet the requirements.”

    Simon advised applicants who were disqualified not to attach sentiments but take it in good faith.
    The chairman assured that the National Assembly would provide the Nigeria Air Force with the necessary support to succeed.

    “Such support is not only to NAF, but any government institution, because we want agencies of government that have sensitive mandate and responsibility to take a cue from what NAF is doing.

    “This is a sensitive organization that has to do with protecting the territorial integrity of the nation and I am confidently telling you that no candidate can beat anybody here by bringing in fake certificates,” he said.

    Earlier, the Director of Recruitment, Resettlement and Reserve, AVM Gali Abdul-Wahab, said 2,000 applicants would be recruited into the service out of the 6,000 shortlisted.

    “We have candidate who know they are not qualified but still apply to come into the service and they block the chance for qualified candidates from their local governments.

    “Many candidates brings credentials they cannot defend, you will see a candidate with chains of credit, yet basic arithmetic is a problem; some you may be surprised to know, cannot read a newspaper,” the director said.

    Abdul-Wahab assured that the Nigeria Air Force would not compromise its recruitment criteria for anybody.

  • Air Force personnel stabs NDLEA official at Lagos Airport 

    Air Force personnel stabs NDLEA official at Lagos Airport 

    An official of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) was on Thursday stabbed by Nigeria Air Force (NAF) officer over attempt by the latter to force the former  to close before the 7pm deadline agreed by stakeholders at the Hajj and Cargo Terminal international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos.

    The Nation gathered that trouble started when the NAF officer was trying to enforce the 7:00pm close time agreed by stakeholders .

    The NAF officers did not wait for 7:00pm, but decided to chase out workers, including agents and NDLEA officials out of the area, a situation which the NDLEA official resisted.

    It was gathered that the NDLEA asked the NAF officer to wait till the agreed time before asking him out of the area.

    The narcotic officer reminded the NAF officer that as a government security agency personnel, he should not harass him the way clearing agents are harassed.

    A source told The Nation that the resistance, further infuriated the NAF officer, who questioned the audacity of the NDLEA officer to challenge him.

    The source added that it was at that point, the NAF officer slapped the NDLEA officer.

    In no time, NDLEA officer, in turn retaliated occasioning exchange of punches, where the narcotic officer had the upper hand.

    Another eyewitness noted that as these government personnel were exchanging punches, another NAF officer joined in the fray to stab the narcotic officer.

    The NDLEA officer, the source said fell , bleeding profusely while  others engaged in a free for all.

    The source explained that as bystanders started shouting that  the NDLEA officer might  die if not given medical attention, he was consequently taken to hospital.

    Contacted, the spokesman for NDLEA, Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju confirmed the incident, but added that it was a minor disagreement.

    He also added that the issue has been resolved.