Tag: Nigerian Air Force (NAF)

Airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have killed over 40 terrorists at Musarram in the Tumbuns general area and along the Azir axis of Borno State.

According to a statement on Sunday by the NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the strikes were carried out on Thursday, January 25, and Friday, January 16, following credible intelligence that terrorists were assembling in canoes with plans to launch attacks along the Baga and Fish Dam axis.

Ejodame said that when the surveillance aircraft sighted approximately 10 canoes and over 40 suspected terrorists at the location.

He said, “The terrorists were engaged in three successive passes, forcing them into disarray. Some fleeing elements were trailed to nearby tree cover and subsequently engaged, while additional survivors who regrouped at an assembly area were equally acquired and neutralised using available mission stores.

“Feedback from ground forces and local communities later confirmed that the operation effectively dismantled the terrorist concentration and disrupted their planned attacks.”

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The NAF spokesperson added that airstrikes also conducted strikes on Friday, January 16, killing several terrorists along Azir and Musarram areas.

He said the NAF aircraft operating under the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, responded to a situation involving hostile terrorist actions at Azir.

According to him, acting on a real-time situation report, the aircrew arrived overhead, where friendly forces were observed engaging terrorists withdrawing from the area.

Ejodame said further scans revealed terrorist elements attempting to regroup and take cover under nearby trees.

He said, “The NAF aircraft promptly acquired and engaged the targets in successive, well-coordinated passes, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists.

“A post-engagement assessment confirmed no further threats in the area. Subsequent reports from ground troops, corroborated by local authorities and community sources, confirmed the devastating impact of the air strikes on the terrorists and the restoration of relative calm in the area.”

The NAF’s spokesperson said that the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, while reacting to the troops’ successes, reaffirmed the NAF’s unwavering resolve to provide prompt and effective air support to ground forces.

“These operations highlight the Nigerian Air Force’s readiness to respond decisively whenever our troops are in contact.

“Through effective intelligence utilisation and close coordination with ground forces, we will continue to deny terrorists the ability to regroup, manoeuvre, or carry out attacks,” Ejodame reportedly said. 

The claim that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 aircraft that made an emergency landing at Bobo-Dioulasso Airfield in Burkina Faso was on a clandestine intelligence operation may not be true.

The Nation investigation yesterday revealed this fact.

Some online publications had alleged that the aircraft, which reportedly made an emergency landing on December 8, was forced by Burkinabe authorities to land in the West African country currently under a military government, for alleged clandestine intelligence activities.

The publication also alleged that the clandestine operation was backed by foreign powers, claiming that the experience of the crew onboard did not correlate with maintenance activities, contrary to the NAF’s assertion that the aircraft was en route to Portugal for maintenance purposes.

A credible source at the NAF headquarters i Abuja told The Nation that the claims of a clandestine intelligence operation were entirely “false, misleading, and unsupported by facts”.

According to the source, the flight was covered by all necessary documentation, including provisions for likely diversion, in line with international aviation procedures.

The Nation also learnt that the precautionary landing at Bobo-Dioulasso was initiated strictly on safety grounds and in full compliance with standard aviation protocols.

“At no time was the aircraft intercepted, forced to land, or found operating without authorization. Besides, the claims of airspace violation or hostile intent are fabrications intended to misinform and inflame public sentiment,” the source said.

The Nation gathered that the allegations of espionage, SIGINT operations, foreign sponsorship, or the involvement of other external networks, were “baseless”, insisting that the personnel on board were standard aircrew and mission-support officers “conducting a legitimate military air movement, not intelligence operation, and the aircraft was not equipped with surveillance or data-collection systems of any kind”.

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The source added that the professional interactions between the Burkinabe authorities and the NAF crew since the aircraft’s emergency landing, as well as the fact that the crew had been in contact with their families, indicated that there was nothing clandestine about the aircraft or the crew’s mission.

The source said: “Contrary to online speculation, there was no official statement from the NAF claiming that the crew had been released.

“Matters relating to the aircraft and its personnel are being responsibly managed by the relevant Nigerian government ministries and agencies through established diplomatic channels, in line with international norms and bilateral relations.”

The source cautioned that the continued circulation of the allegation reflected a deliberate disinformation effort aimed at discrediting Nigeria, undermining trust, and straining regional relations.

“The public is, therefore, urged to rely on verified information and to disregard sensational claims designed to distort facts and threaten regional stability,” the source warned.

NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on December 9, explained why the NAF C-130 aircraft made a precautionary landing at Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.

He said the aircraft, en route to Portugal for maintenance, diverted to Bobo-Dioulasso Airfield in Burkina Faso after the crew observed a technical issue few hours after taking off from Lagos on December 8.

Ejodame said the Bobo-Dioulasso Airfield was the nearest for the aircraft to land at that time.

The NAF spokesman stressed that the move was in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.

“Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled. The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the support received during this period and assures the public that NAF remains professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards, ensuring the protection of its personnel while fulfilling its constitutional mandate,” he said.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced the promotion of 57 senior officers to the ranks of Air Vice Marshal and Air Commodore.

A statement by the NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Thursday, stated that 27 officers were promoted to the rank of Air Vice Marshal, while 30 were promoted to the rank of Air Commodore.

Those promoted to Air Vice Marshal are: Air Commodores SA Eyoma, GI Jibia, AA Adebomehin, ES Odekina, CE Akubue, SO Eyekosi, AO Akinbuwa, LI Kamat, AG Akinyimika, AO Bamidele, AK Famuyiwa, PJ Edem, SA Madaki, OT Salami, FO Ankeli, MJ Chidama, JJ Ijudigal, M Umar, IJ Ogbodo, U Ariahu, AL Dakwat, CE Akpa, EC Ukpong, IS Subi, IM Yusha’u, SS Lazarus and F Ekpah.

According to the statement, those promoted to Air Commodore are: Group Captains MA Imam, AA Komolafe, HI Eze, DU Edet, MB Umar, GH Okoh, SP Sekegor, PP Okonkwo, PU Okweugo, AU Yahaya, M Yahaya, IR Ubeh, OK Cole, EA Ifebi, RK Olundu, IO Akpasa, AK Mohammed, HA Meshack, SN Nwachi, ZB Shuwa, EJ Alabila, SA Osoniyi, AO Ogunmola, AJ Arumona, BI Jayeoba, CE Akuh, NN Onuoha-Mba, PA Garba, YM Abdullahi and M Suleiman.

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The statement stated that the promotion cycle reflects a deliberate effort to reinforce high-command leadership, enhance operational expertise, and strengthen the intellectual and strategic backbone of the Service. 

“Each officer was selected following a rigorous evaluation of merit, professional competence, operational experience, loyalty to the Service, and alignment with the strategic objectives of the Nigerian Air Force,” it said.

According to the statement, the elevation was guided by the need to deepen command responsibility, sharpen operational decision-making, and enhance the NAF’s readiness posture across multiple theatres of operation. 

It said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, urged the officers to serve with integrity, humility, and operational sharpness “while strengthening synergy with sister services, enhancing intelligence exploitation, mentoring junior personnel, and upholding the highest standards of discipline in all air operations” 

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Thursday winged nine newly trained Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operators to enhance operations.

The UAV operators were winged at a ceremony held at the 401 Flying Training School (401 FTS), Kaduna.

NAf spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said that the winging of the UAV operators represents a significant step forward in NAF’s pursuit of “smarter, technology-driven, and precision-led warfare” designed to safeguard lives and secure the the country.

According to Ejodame, the Chief of Air Staff, in his address, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the ceremony as “a proud milestone for the Service.”

The NAF boss noted that the UAV operators now bear the responsibility of defending Nigeria’s airspace with professionalism, precision, and honour.

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“The unmanned aerial vehicles you will be operating are not merely technological marvels; they are instruments of protection, surveillance, and, when necessary, precision response.

“Operate with professionalism, execute with precision, and serve with honour. Every mission you undertake must reflect our core values of discipline, service, and patriotism,” Ejodame quoted the CAS to have said.

The NAF boss, who was represented by the Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Yusuf Dari, noted that the milestone comes at a time when Nigeria faces complex and evolving security threats.

He emphasized that UAVs now play a decisive role in modern warfare, providing real-time intelligence, enhancing situational awareness, and supporting precision engagement across multiple theatres of operation.

Air Marshal Aneke commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his steadfast support and investment in building an agile, capable, and technology-driven Air Force.

“The Federal Government’s commitment to modernizing our air capabilities reflects a clear understanding that in today’s battlespace, precision, not brute force, defines success,” he said.

The CAS also lauded the Commander, 401 Flying Training School, Air Commodore Nasiru Mohammed Saidu, for his leadership and dedication to excellence in training, noting that the School continues to uphold NAF’s legacy of innovation and professionalism.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has initiated a probe into the alleged destruction of a local gin distillery during strikes targeting clusters of illegal crude oil refining sites in the creeks of Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State.

NAF’s spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement on Friday that the NAF has initiated necessary steps to verify the situation in line with its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP).

Ejodame reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to international best practices, safeguarding lives and property, and ensuring transparency and accountability in its operations.

He maintained the NAF strikes in Rivers State successfully disrupted clusters of illegal crude oil refining sites deep in the creeks of Etche Local Government Area.

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The NAF’s spokesman noted that the operation, conducted under ongoing counter-oil theft missions, forms part of sustained efforts to curb economic sabotage and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta region.

According to him, during the mission, NAF aircraft identified active illegal refining sites concealed within a densely forested area near Owaza.

“The location, completely isolated and without visible human activity, was confirmed through credible intelligence and aerial surveillance.

“The aircrew engaged the targets with precision, neutralising the sites and halting ongoing illegal operations,” he said.

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says efforts are underway to improve the welfare of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) veterans.

He stated that the enhanced welfare package will include improved access to healthcare, better pension structures, and more comprehensive social reintegration programmes.

The NAF chief said this in a speech delivered by his representatives at the Chief of Air Staff Veterans’ Parley, held across NAF commands and units nationwide.

According to a statement by NAF’s spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the engagement reflects the leadership vision of the Chief of the Air Staff, “who continues to place people, professionalism, and heritage” at the heart of his transformational agenda.

“The parley served not only as a homecoming for hundreds of retired officers and airmen but also as a reaffirmation of the NAF’s deep respect for those who paved the path of progress through decades of sacrifice, discipline, and courage,” the CAS said.

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Air Marshal Abubakar described the event as “a national call to remembrance, reflection, and reconnection.”

He said, “This is not just a symbolic event. It is a reaffirmation that your contributions matter, yesterday, today, and always.

“You are living embodiments of courage and commitment. Your legacy forms the bedrock of the Nigerian Air Force we proudly serve in today.

“We are determined to ensure that you are not only remembered but continuously supported.

“This is your home, and your voice will always count.”

He said the Veterans’ Parley resonated blend of “pride with purpose, memories and renewed bonds.”