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Tag: Olatokunbo Adesanya

  • Air Force arrests 16 armed bandits in Gusau

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said on Thursday that its 207 Quick Response Group in Gusau, Zamfara state, has arrested 16 armed bandits through the on-going Operation Sharan Daji being coordinated by the Defence Headquarters.

    The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, who disclosed this in a statement also added that the Air Force has deployed more air assets to Zamfara to support the on-going operation.

    According to AVM Adesanya, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar announced the deployment of more air assets to Gusau after being briefed on his visit to the unit by the out-going Commander of the unit, Group Captain Caleb Olayera.

    The statement reads: “The 207 Quick Response Group (QRG) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Gusau disclosed yesterday, 25 July 2018, that it had arrested 16 suspected armed bandits while participating in the ongoing Operation SHARAN DAJI, which is under the auspices of Defence Headquarters (DHQ).

    “The outgoing Commander of the Unit, Group Captain Caleb Olayera, made the disclosure while receiving the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who was on an operational tour of the NAF unit in Gusau.

    “The visit by the CAS, who also announced the deployment of more air assets to support the Operation, was part of measures being taken to add value to the current security architecture in Zamfara State in terms of air operations and NAF Special Forces Operations.

    Read Also: Air Force bombs Boko Haram terrorists in Borno

    “According to Group Captain Olayera, aside from its ground operations, 207 QRG had been conducting air operations such as Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, armed reconnaissance and Close Air Support, as part of its contributions to the DHQ-led Operation SHARAN DAJI.

    “He further revealed that in the course of its operations, 207 QRG had also arrested a major hard drugs dealer, who was promptly handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for prosecution. In addition, the Unit had recovered 3 guns, 7 cartridges and a magazine loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition from suspected armed bandits.

    “Furthermore, the NAF Unit had rescued 3 injured villagers at Boko Village as well as 5 policemen held hostage, in addition to liberating 3 kidnapped victims. The outgoing Commander thereafter briefed the CAS on challenges, which if resolved, would further add impetus to the ongoing operations.

    “In his address, Air Marshal Abubakar commended the personnel of 207 QRG for their efforts so far in seeking to restore peace to Zamfara State. He equally saluted their constant bravery in the face of danger while reminding them that, as trained soldiers, they had a responsibility to protect the lives and properties of innocent Nigerians.

    “He assured the personnel that the Nation appreciates their daily sacrifices and that President Muhammadu Buhari, in particular, was very mindful of them. The CAS then announced some new steps being taken by the Federal Government to enhance their welfare.

    “He also immediately gave directives to the senior NAF officers concerned towards immediately addressing all the challenges presented by the Commander as well as those identified by him in the course of the visit.

    “In a subsequent interview with the Press, Air Marshal Abubakar said that the NAF needs intelligence from the populace to help in dealing with the security challenges in the State. He therefore urged the people to support the Armed Forces by providing credible intelligence on the locations of the armed bandits.

    “The Air Chief acknowledged that the projection of air power had natural limitations, such as weather amongst others, but that notwithstanding, the NAF would continue to do its best, within the ambit of safety”.

  • NAF deploys Combat Helicopter to Gusau

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has deployed a combat helicopter to its 207 Quick Response Group (QRG) in Gusau.

    According to a statement by AVM Olatokunbo Adesanya, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information,the deployment of the artillery EC-135 helicopter is part of efforts aimed at intensifying the fight against armed banditry in Zamfara and environs.

    “The helicopter will operate from the recently constructed helipads at 207 QRG Gusau thereby, enhancing overall operational effectiveness,” Adesanya said.

    Accordingly, NAF will be better positioned to provide the needed air support to the additional surface forces just deployed by the Defence Headquarters to tackle the security challenges in the State.

    Read Also: Air Force deploys two helicopters to Zamfara

    “Other NAF air assets, however, remain available on nearby alternate airfields to add impetus to air operations in the State as might be necessary,” he said.

    He said that AVM Ismaila Kaita, the Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command of the NAF, also undertook an operational visit to the Unit to obtain firsthand information on the situation and address any possible challenges.

    He said that visit by Kaita revealed that the morale of the deployed NAF Special Forces was high and they are in a state of high alert.

  • NAF neutralises scores of Boko Haram terrorists in Koleram, Borno

    The Nigerian Air Force ( NAF ), said it neutralised scores of Boko Haram terrorists in Koleram town in Borno. AVM Olatokunbo Adesanya, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, who confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said the operation was conducted on Monday.

    “The successful air strike by the NAF Alpha Jet aircraft followed calls from the General Officer Commanding ( GOC ), 8 Division of the Nigerian Army that troops conducting clearance operations at Koleram had come in contact with the insurgents.’’

    According to him, the NAF also provided Close Air Support ( CAS ) to ground troops.

    Adesanya said the GOC, therefore, requested for support from the NAF, adding that the Alpha Jet aircraft was immediately deployed to provide CAS.

    Read Also: ‘Boko Haram no longer holds our territory’ – Nigeria tells UN

    “On arrival over the location, there were exchanges of fire between the terrorists and our ground forces.

    “The crew of a NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance ( ISR ) aircraft established contact with the ground troops and guided the Alpha Jet aircraft crew to the major source of fire from the Boko Haram terrorists, which was seen coming from a particular settlement.

    “Consequently, the NAF Alpha Jet aircraft engaged the target with rockets and cannons, thus neutralizing the insurgents and destroying their weapons,’’ he said.

    The NAF spokesman said the Air Task Force would continue to conduct missions on request in support of the efforts of “our troops in the counterinsurgency operations in the North East.’’

    NAN

  • NAF destroys Boko Haram Terrorists logistics base at Tumbum Gini

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said its Air Task Force ( ATF ) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has successfully destroyed a Boko Haram Terrorists ( BHT ) logistics base at Tumbum Gini in the northern axis of Borno.

    AVM Olatokunbo Adesanya, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, who confirmed this in a statement issued on Saturday, in Abuja, said the operation was carried out on April 27.

    “‘A Nigerien Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance ( ISR ) aircraft conducted the Battle Damage Assessment ( BDA ) for the mission.

    Read Also: Boko Haram suspect arrested over Benue attacks

    ” The BDA revealed that the first wave of a Nigerian Air Force ( NAF ) Alpha Jet aircraft strike on the location totally destroyed the vehicles and other logistics items at the place thereby further degrading the terrorists’ capabilities.

    ” Furthermore, at the end of the attack, the entire BHT location was engulfed in fire and all the terrorists in the location were neutralised,” he said.

    NAN

  • Student Pilot force lands aircraft in Kaduna – Air Force

    The Nigerian Air Force on Monday said a student Pilot force-landed a Diamond 40 Trainer Aircraft on the outskirts of Kaduna metropolis while “on a solo mission as part of flying training at the 401 Flying Training School, Kaduna.”

    Its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya said in a statement issued in Abuja that the student pilot however sustained minor injuries and have been taken to a military facility for treatment.

    AVM Adesanya said: ” A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) student pilot has force landed a Diamond 40 Trainer Aircraft on the outskirts of Kaduna while on a solo mission, as part of flying training at the 401 Flying Training School, Kaduna.

    “The incident, which took place today, 19 March 2018, was as a result of an airborne emergency that could not enable the pilot fly the aircraft back to the Base. He therefore force landed the aircraft but with minimal damage to it.

    ” However, the student pilot, who was the only one on board, suffered minor injuries and is already receiving treatment at the 461 Nigerian Air Force Hospital, Kaduna.

    ” The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has immediately directed the constitution of a board of inquiry to determine the exact cause of the incident while efforts are ongoing to recover the aircraft.”

  • Air Force deploys troops against bandits in Niger state

    Air Force deploys troops against bandits in Niger state

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said on Tuesday that a substantial number of troops has been deployed by the service in support of the on-going Operation Karamin Goro, targetted at bandits, cattle rustlers and kidnappers in Niger state.

    Its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, said in a statement that the one month joint operation with the army is at the behest of the Niger state government.

    AVM Adesanya said : “As part of efforts to curb the menace of kidnapping, armed banditry, cattle rustling and other forms of criminalities in Niger State, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has contributed a substantial number of troops to the ongoing Joint Operation codenamed, OPERATION KARAMIN GORO.

    “The NAF personnel are participating in the one month Joint Operation, which is at the behest of the Niger State Government, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police and Department of State Services.

    Read Also:  Air Force offers free medical care in Enugu

    “The operation commenced on 18 January 2018 and is part of the efforts by the Niger State Government to enhance security of lives and properties in the State.

    “The NAF, as part of its statutory responsibilities of defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria, has been involved in various Internal Security operations across the country. These include the fight against insurgency in the North East, cattle rustling, kidnapping and armed banditry in the North West, militancy in the South-South and pipeline vandalism in the South West.

    “Only recently, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar announced the establishment of additional Forward Operational Bases (FOBs) in Taraba as well as the Benue-Nassarawa States Axis, as part of plans to further tackle the incessant herdsmen-farmers clash in the country.

    “It is also recalled that the NAF has been training personnel of its Regiment Specialty in Special Warfare, a major part of which is aimed at enhancing their ability to protect the lives and properties of civilians during Internal Security situations.

    “This is in recognition, by the NAF leadership, of the mostly asymmetric nature of the security challenges confronting the nation in recent times. OPERATION KARAMIN GORO could come to an end by 21 February 2018 unless situation demands otherwise”.

  • UNN seeks partnership with Nigerian Air Force on training

    UNN seeks partnership with Nigerian Air Force on training

    University of Nigeria, Nsukka ( UNN ) is seeking partnership with Nigerian Air Force ( NAF ) on training, Research and Development (R & D) to support the service in the discharge of its responsibilities.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Benjamin Ozumba, made the plan known when he paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, at NAF Headquarters, Abuja.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, AVM Olatokunbo Adesanya, made the fact known in a statement  in Abuja on Thursday.

    During the visit, Ozumba said the university decided to partner NAF because of its giant strides in R & D and the consistent display of professionalism in the discharge of its responsibility, Adesanya said.

    He commended NAF for its efforts toward attaining self-reliance, adding that NAF was one of the government agencies that were in tune with the changes in the 21st Century.

    According to him, the world has gone beyond the era of commodity driven economy to knowledge-based economy.

    Ozumba commended the efforts of the current NAF leadership toward improving the knowledge base of its personnel through sustained R & D activities.

    Read Also: UNN  set to establish $7m Science Park in Africa

    “Therefore, I reiterated the readiness and capability of the institution to collaborate with NAF in all aspects of R & D to ensure that the service continued to successfully accomplish its constitutional tasks.

    “UNN has been consistently ranked Number one in the Google Scholarly Search in West Africa, for the past three years, a testimony of the university’s commitment to academic endeavours,” he said.

    Ozumba said arrangement had been concluded by the university to establish a science park toward advancing technological knowledge.

    He used the opportunity to invite NAF to be part of the institution’s Innovation Conference scheduled for February.

    In his remarks, Abubakar  said that NAF would also partner UNN in the area of aircraft maintenance, building technology and other relevant fields.

    The CAS added that the service had identified the need to partner with academic institutions in Nigeria more than five years ago.

    He said NAF had already signed a Memoranda of Understanding with 15 other Nigerian universities, adding that the partnerships had started yielding benefits, especially in the enhancement of NAF’s aircraft maintenance capacity.

    Abubakar expressed the readiness of NAF to participate in the establishment of the science park at UNN and promised that NAF would be  represented at the Innovation Conference.

    Abubakar  directed that a team of relevant NAF personnel from NAF Research and Development Centre and NAF Institute of Technology, Kaduna,   be composed to visit UNN.

    He explained that the visit would help identify  specific areas of potential partnership between both organisations.

    NAN

  • Air Force Helicopter crashes

    Air Force Helicopter crashes

    The Nigerian Air Force has announced the crash of one of its helicopters while on a mission in the ongoing counter insurgency operations in the Northeast.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya however said no live was lost in the mishap.

    AVM Adesanya said in a statement: “​A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Mi-17 Helicopter has suffered a mishap while undertaking a mission in the ongoing counterinsurgency operation in the North East.

    “The incident, which occurred today, 8 January 2018, resulted in significant damage to the helicopter. There was, however, no loss of lives as a result of the incident.

    “The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has immediately directed the constitution of a board of inquiry to determine the exact cause of the incident, in line with global best practices.

    “The NAF continues to solicit the understanding and support of the general populace as it daily strives to ensure the security of Nigeria and Nigerians”.

    Meanwhile a new Acting Director Defence Information Brig. General John Agim has resumed work at the Defence Headquareters. He replaced Major General John Enenche who is now Commandant Army War College, Nigeria.

    According to a statement signed by Wing Commander Ademosu on behalf of the Director of Defence Information, Brig General Agim until his appointment was Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Public Relations.

  • NAF destroys oil barges of stolen oil products in Niger Delta

    NAF destroys oil barges of stolen oil products in Niger Delta

    The Nigerian Air Force ( NAF ) says it has successfully destroyed some oil barges containing stolen oil products at Adokiakiri community in the Niger Delta.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    According to Adesanya, the illegal oil barges and storage facilities were spotted by NAF EC-135 Helicopter during an armed reconnaissance mission on Nov.5.

    He said that the illegal barges were all destroyed.

    The director added that NAF remained resolute in making oil theft and illegal bunkering unprofitable for those concerned.

    Read Also:  NAF procures five Super Mushshak Aircraft to fight Boko Haram

  • ‘NAF medical outreach in IDPs camps, Borno, successful’

    ‘NAF medical outreach in IDPs camps, Borno, successful’

    The medical outreach of the Nigerian Air Force ( NAF ) in Borno is yielding result with the successful general and eye surgeries performed on 69 Internally Displaced people ( IDPs ) from various camps.

    The NAF’s spokesman, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja, said that the programme would be extended to over 4,000 IDPs in Monguno.

    Adesanya quoted the NAF’s Chief of Medical Services Branch, AVM Saleh Shinkafi, as saying that the programme was designed to get the support of the locals in the conflict areas.

    According to him, during the programme, free medical treatment will be provided to IDPs.

    “There number could increase as a result of the intensive day and night aerial bombardments by NAF.

    “The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, had also directed that surgeries be conducted, at no cost to the IDPs, for those requiring surgical interventions.

    “A team of additional medical specialists has been deployed to NAF 105 Composite Group Medical Centre to augment the existing medical manpower for the programme.

    “Upon deployment, the medical team immediately started attending to critical surgical cases in IDP camps around Maiduguri.

    “So far, NAF medical outreach team has successfully performed 21 general surgeries and 48 eye surgeries on IDPs from the various camps at no cost to them,” Shinkafi was quoted as saying.

    Adesanya said the director said further that another set of 250 will benefit from free surgical interventions within the 2-day period.

    “This is the fifth cycle of free surgical interventions lined up by NAF for the IDPs in the past two years, during which an average of 200 surgeries were carried out per cycle,” he said.

    The NAF commenced Operation “RUWAN WUTA II”, a few days ago, to further degrade the capability of the insurgents.

    NAN