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Tag: Nigerian Air Force

  • NAF: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), not helicopter, crashed in Kaduna

    NAF: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), not helicopter, crashed in Kaduna

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that one of its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and not helicopter crashed in Kaduna.

     The UAV crashed early yesterday morning after take-off for a mission at a location near Rumji village and about 15 Km from Base, according to NAF’s spokesperson Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, in a statement yesterday.

      Edward said since it is an unmanned vehicle, there were no casualties on board or on ground. He said preliminary investigation had since commenced to ascertain the cause of the crash.

      Gabkwet said: “Contrary to reports on social media as well as on a handful of traditional media outlets that a NAF helicopter had crashed in Kaduna.

     “Nigerians can be rest assured that this minor setback will not, in any way, impinge on ongoing operations.

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    “It should also be pointed out that the propensity to always rush to press in the name of ‘breaking news’ without a hold of the complete facts should be discouraged in its entirety.

    “While the news of the crash filtered in, some outlets had misinformed Nigerians that a helicopter had crashed without the decency to clarify from the NAF.

    “This attitude should be discouraged as it negates the principle of developmental journalism, balanced reporting and fairness.

    “Members of the media are again advised to always seek clarification from authorised military outlets before rushing to ‘break’ the news.”

  • Air Force kills scores of Boko Haram terrorists in Sambisa

    THE Nigerian Air Force said at the weekend that scores of Boko Haram terrorists have been neutralised as air strikes targetted at their command structures were conducted at the fringes of Sambisa Forest.

    Its spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said in a statement that the strikes were conducted after intelligence report indicated the presence of the terrorists in the area.

    Daramola added that the strikes followed the launch of “Operation Green Sweep 3” by the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole.

    The statement reads: “In a renewed offensive aimed at further eliminating remnants of Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province Terrorists (BHT/ISWAP) in the Northeast of Nigeria, the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has launched Operation GREEN SWEEP 3, which targets some identified terrorists’ positions in Borno State.

    “In furtherance of the operation, the ATF on 9 August successfully destroyed a BHT Command and Control Centre at Dusula on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest.

    “The operation was executed after series of Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions led to the identification of the Command Centre with its solar panels, communications equipment and other facilities.

    Read Also: Real Boko Haram defeated, says Presidency

    “The 3 Alpha Jets dispatched by the ATF engaged the location in multiple passes, recording accurate hits on the target area.”

    The statement added: “The structures housing the Command Centre were completely destroyed by the strikes while several of the terrorists were neutralised.

    “The few surviving terrorists, who were seen attempting to flee the area, were taken.

    “The NAF, operating in concert with surface forces, will sustain its operations against the terrorists in the Northeast.

  • Air Force neutralises 20 bandits in Zamfara

    No fewer than 20 bandits have been neutralised in Zamfara State, it was learnt on Wednesday.

    It spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, in a statement, said the air strikes were conducted after intelligence reports established the presence of the bandits in the area.

    Air Commodore Daramola said: “The Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji has neutralised no fewer than 20 armed bandits at a location near Munhaye in Zamfara State in air strikes conducted on July 2, 2019.

    “The operation was executed sequel to credible intelligence reports indicating that scores of armed bandits had assembled at the location for a meeting, supposedly with the intention of attacking innocent civilians in the surrounding communities.

    Read Also: I did my best to address security challenges in Zamfara, says Yari

    “The Air Component, therefore, scrambled a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet to attack the location, which is about 15 kilometres from the border with Katsina State.

    “Upon arrival overhead the area, the Alpha Jet observed over 30 armed bandits attempting to flee the location whilst firing at the approaching attack aircraft. The Alpha Jet engaged the bandits with effective fire, neutralising 20 of them.

    “The NAF, working in consonance with other security agencies, will sustain its operations to flush the bandits out of the Northwest.”

  • Air Force strikes bandits in Zamfara, neutralise scores of them

    The Nigerian Air Force on Sunday said scores of bandits terrorizing villagers around Doumbourou forest in Zamfara state have been neutralized through air strikes.

    According to the spokesman of the Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, the air component of operation Hadarin Daji launched the strikes following intelligence reports of the presence of the bandits in the forest.

    He said in a statement that structures belonging to the bandits were also destroyed during the bombardment.

    Air Commodore Daramola said:” The Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI has destroyed an armed bandits’ camp and neutralized dozens of bandits in air strikes conducted at Doumbourou Forest in Zamfara State.

    Read Also: Air Force strikes Boko Haram in Sambisa forest

    ” The operation was executed yesterday, 25 May 2019, pursuant to human intelligence (HUMINT) reports indicating that some locations within the Forest were being used by the armed bandits as hideouts, including a group of huts belonging to a notorious kingpin named “Dangote”.

    “Accordingly, following confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), an Alpha Jet aircraft was detailed to attack the armed bandits’ camp leading to the destruction of their structures and neutralization of close to two dozen bandits.

    ” The NAF, working in consonance with other security agencies, will sustain its operations to flush the bandits out of the Northwest of the Country. “

  • Air Force strikes kill 20 bandits in Zamfara

    The Nigerian Air force said on Tuesday that no fewer than 20 bandits have been killed through air strikes in Zamfara state.

    According to the spokesman of the Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, the strikes also destroyed the camp of a major kingpin of the bandits known as Alhaji Lawal.

    A statement supported with a declassified video clip said the attacks on the bandits were carried out after intelligence reports have established their presence in the area.

    Daramola said: “The Air Task Force (ATF) for Operation DIRAN MIKIYA has recorded a major success against armed bandits in Zamfara State by destroying the camp of a major kingpin, Alhaji Lawal, and neutralizing up to 20 of his fighters near Rugu Forest in Zamfara State.

    “This was accomplished in a dawn attack executed on 26 April 2019 after credible intelligence indicated that the notorious kingpin was camped, along with dozens of his fighters, at a settlement about 4 Km West of Rugu Forest, where he keeps his logistics supplies, coordinates operations and launches attacks against security forces as well as innocent civilians.

    Read Also: Banditry: 44,000 orphans roam Zamfara, says Marafa

    “Consequently, following detailed confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, the ATF dispatched one Alpha Jet and an attack helicopter to strike the camp.

    “The Alpha Jet strikes recorded direct hits on the camp destroying the armed bandits’ structures, fuel storage containers, arms, explosives and other logistics supplies, which were seen engulfed in flames.

    “The attack helicopter carried out mop-up attacks on the target. No fewer than 20 armed bandits were neutralized in the air strikes.

    “The NAF, working in consonance with surface forces and other security agencies, will sustain its operations to flush the bandits out of the Northwest of the Country.”

     

  • Our stand on Makwa bandits attack, by Air Force

    The Nigerian Air Force has clarified its stand on the bandits attack in Makwa village, Bungudu local government of Zamfara state.

    It maintained that It did not ignore distress call on the attack as alleged by the Emir of Bungudu.

    A statement signed by the Air Force spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola also said it was unfair that the newspaper that published the report did not seek clarification from the NAF.

    Daramola said: “The attention of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been drawn to a publication on the front page of the Punch Newspaper of 1 May 2019, attributed to the Emir of Bungudu, alleging that the NAF ignored a distress call when armed bandits attacked Makwa Village in Kura Mota District of Bungudu Local Government Area (LGA) in Zamfara State on Saturday, 27 April 2019.

    “According to the report, the Emir also claimed that the LGA Chairman, while supposedly alerting the NAF Commander, was allegedly told, by the Commander, that he was not supposed to have picked the Chairman’s call, “since you people have decided to disgrace us”.

    “In addition, the report claimed that a Punch Correspondent had contacted the NAF for a response on that specific issue after the incident.

    “The NAF wishes to state categorically that the said report and the alleged remarks by the Emir of Bungudu are fraught with errors and inconsistencies, deliberately concocted to disparage the good name and reputation of the Service.

    Read Also: Air Force strikes bandits in Zamfara

    “The report is also unprofessional and disingenuous. For the avoidance of doubts, the public is to please note that the NAF first received information about the attack on Makwa Village from the Headquarters Operation Sharan Daji (HQ OPSD) at about 1934hrs on Saturday, 27 April 2019, even before the LGA Chairman called the NAF Commander.

    “A Team of NAF Special Forces (SF) personnel was therefore immediately dispatched to Makwa, which is about 12Km off the road into the forest, with barely motorable tracks. As at the time the Bungudu LGA Chairman called, the Commander informed him, without any acrimony or recriminations, that the NAF Team was already on its way to the village.

    “However, by the time the SF Team arrived and surgically stormed the village, to avoid attacking innocent civilians, the bandits had already fled.

    “It must also be highlighted that the Newspaper displayed gross unprofessionalism in the fact that it did not make any attempt whatsoever to contact the NAF on the issues relating to the incident at Makwa Village before publishing its story.

    “Rather, it chose to rely on a previous interview granted a few days before the incident in Makwa Village. By relying on the earlier interview, which was on a related subject but not particularly addressing the incident of 27 April 2019, Punch Newspapers succeeded in misrepresenting facts.

    “The NAF finds it rather mischievous that anyone would spread such deliberate misinformation whilst the Service is doing its best to effectively respond to the challenges facing the good people of Zamfara State and its environs.

    “The NAF, as a professional Service, remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians. Accordingly, we shall continue to work assiduously, in synergy with sister Services and other security agencies, to rid the Northwest of all criminal elements.

    “The general public can therefore rest assured that the NAF will not be deterred but will sustain its operations to facilitate a return to normalcy that would enable Nigerians in the area pursue their legitimate aspirations.”

  • Security Challenges: Our Military doing a good Job, says Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Saturday said the Nigerian Military has the capability and wherewithal to overcome the current security challenges across the country, asserting that they have in recent times been very busy doing a good job of confronting the security challenges.

    He also said the Present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari decided to reposition the armed forces to cope with the challenges of security threats by modernising, re-equipping and retraining military personnel.

    The Vice President made the remarks at the Eagle Square, Abuja, on the occasion of the Nigerian Air Force Research and Development Competition and Exhibition which was part of activities outlined to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force, NAF.

    Vice President Osinbajo lauded the NAF for partnering with other reputable institutions across the country to make huge investments in Research and Development, noting that with time the Air Force would establish its footprints on global stage.

    The Vice President who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha said: “The Nigerian Armed forces have in recent times been very busy doing a good job of confronting our Nation’s current multifaceted internal security challenges. In a bid to reposition the Armed Forces to better cope with those challenges, our administration has made the modernization, re-equipping and continuous training of the Nigerian Armed Forces a top priority.

    “There is no doubt that the resources required to realize the full potentials of the Armed Forces are limited in view of the competing demands from other sectors. Nevertheless, the Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to do its best to sustain the current tempo of development.

    “It has become more important than ever before that we really look inwards and gradually wean ourselves of overdependence on foreign technology and become more innovative in the use of local resources.

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    “It is in view of the foregoing that I want to specially commend the Nigerian Air Force for the efforts being made at harnessing the available research and development potentials, especially in the military aviation sector”.

    The Vice President therefore called on all stakeholders to embark on fruitful collaborations and joint partnerships to fund more research and development activities in the country.

    In his address, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar said the NAF priortised Research and Development activities with home grown technology as the basis to actualise his vision for effective and truly professional Air Force.

    He said: “Globally, it is acknowledged that Research and Development has proven to be the catalyst for technological and industrial advancement. There is also a consensus among scholars that national development can best be enhanced through indigenous research and development efforts.

    “Recognising these facts and realising that the effectiveness and sustainability of the Nigerian Air Force, in the long term, would be largely influenced by the growth of home-based technology, the Service has placed emphasis on Research and Development as a means of building indigenous technological capacity.

    “It is gratifying to note that our strategy fits into the focus of the Federal Government which places emphasis in promoting local content, home-grown technology and innovation as principal means of improving the Nation’s foreign exchange earnings”.

  • Air Force strikes Boko Haram in Sambisa forest

    The Nigerian Air Force on Thursday said that scores of Boko Haram terrorists have been neutralized in Sambisa forest as it conducted air strikes on the terrorists’ workshop.

    Its spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement that two vehicles and some equipment belonging to the terrorists were destroyed in the attack.

    Daramola said: “The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has destroyed some vehicles and neutralized some Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) at a suspected vehicle workshop in Sambisa Forest, Borno State.

    “The operation was conducted on Wednesday, 24 April 2019, after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform on a routine mission observed significant activities as well as some serviceable vehicles hidden under some trees at a previously abandoned BHT vehicle workshop.

    Read Also: Air Force strikes bandits in Zamfara

    “Accordingly, the ATF scrambled an Alpha Jet to attack the location.

    “Overhead the target area, some of the BHT fighters were seen attempting to flee the location but were taken out by the Alpha Jet’s successful strikes, which also caused the destruction of 2 vehicles and other equipment at the workshop.

    “The NAF, operating in concert with surface forces, will sustain its operations to completely degrade the terrorists in the Northeast.  “

  • Air Force strikes bandits in Zamfara

    The Nigerian Air Force Tuesday said more than 10 armed bandits have been killed in Sububu forest in Zamfara state.

    It said the bandits who have been terrorizing the various communities within the area were killed during air operations.

    The spokesman of the NAF, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola explained in a statement that the Air Task Force of operation Diran Mikiya working together with ground troops carried out the operations.

    Daramola said:” The Air Task Force (ATF) for Operation DIRAN MIKIYA has neutralized no fewer than 10 armed bandits at Sububu Forest area in Zamfara State.

    “This was achieved Tuesday, 22 April 2019, while the ATF was responding to a request for close air support by ground troops of Sector 7 Area of Responsibility of Operation SHARAN DAJI, who had come into contact with armed bandits in Shinkafi Local Government Area (LGA).

    Read Also: Air Force kills four bandits in Kagara forest

    “Accordingly, the ATF dispatched 2 Alpha Jets and an attack helicopter to provide the needed support and also conduct armed reconnaissance over identified locations in Shinkafi LGA as well as Sububu and Dumburum Forests and environs.

    “At Sububu Forest, one of the Alpha Jets spotted a group of armed bandits, who fired at the aircraft with their rifles, whilst running for cover. The Alpha Jet engaged the bandits, neutralizing no fewer than 10 of them while others escaped with injuries.

    “The NAF, working in consonance with surface forces and other security agencies, will sustain its operations to flush the bandits out of the Northwest of the Country”.

  • Air Force Special Forces neutralise bandits in Zamfara

    The Nigerian Air Force on Wednesday said its Special Forces team in Zamfara state has neutralized two bandits in Rafi and Doka villages in Gusau local government area.

    Air Force spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement that the team responded to reports of the gathering of high profile bandits in the communities.

    Air Commodore Daramola said “In response to reports that high profile armed bandits were gathering around Rafi and Doka villages of Mada District in Gusau Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State, which is under the Area of Responsibility (AOR) of the 207 Quick Response Group (207 QRG), a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Special Forces (SF) Team was dispatched to the area on Wednesday, 16 April 2019, to secure the 2 settlements and thwart the bandits’ plans.

    Read Also: No room for negotiation with bandits – Zamfara CP

    “Upon arrival at the location, the NAF SF Team encountered resistance in the form of heavy gunfire from the bandits.

    “However, the brave SF personnel employed superior tactics to outlast the bandits, who were soon low on ammunition, before engaging and overpowering them.

    “Two bandits were neutralized in the process while others fled with gunshot wounds.

    “Since then, the SF Team has been conducting aggressive patrols in the area, especially the fringes of the forest, to forestall any reprisal attack.

    “The NAF, along with sister Services and other security agencies, will sustain the operations to flush the bandits out of the Northwest of the Country.”