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Tag: Sadique Abubakar

  • Air Force gives honest personnel double promotion

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Friday gave a special recognition to Aircraftman Bashir Umar who returned a missing 37,000 Euros to the owner at the Hajj Camp of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, promoted him from aircraftman to Corporal at NAF headquarters of the Air Force in Abuja.

    Umar was flown into Abuja alongside his parents in a NAF aircraft.

    Abubakar said since the establishment of the Air Force, it was the first time a personnel of his rank was flown with a NAF jet.

    He added: “It is my pleasure to welcome you all as we gather to witness a highpoint in the career of ACM Bashir. I am also particularly thrilled to be part of another history being recorded here today by the exemplary conduct of this non-commissioned officer.

    “ACM Bashir’s display of uncommon act of integrity by returning €37,000 he found at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, to its owner on July 7, 2019 while performing his routine duties, portrays the good values we hold in high esteem in NAF.

    “In this vein, a key driver of my vision, which is to ‘Promote and inculcate the core values of integrity, excellence and service delivery’ readily comes to mind.

    “Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to say that we have found in ACM Bashir the rare qualities we stand for in the Nigerian Air Force.

    Read Also: Air Force loses two personnel to bandits’ ambush

    “The special promotion of ACM Bashir to the rank of Corporal today, apart from serving as a reward for good conduct, is also to serve as motivation to other airmen/airwomen to aspire for such elevation. I am, therefore, delighted to see a cross section of the gathering of members and friends of the Air Force family for an event that triggers happiness and self-actualisation.

    “As you must have realised by now, ACM Bashir has earned the rank of Corporal by good conduct and as part of our desire to reward uncommon good deeds and excellence, we have chosen to have him decorated in front of his friends, peers and family.

    “…Let me sincerely thank our invited guests for finding time to come and share in the joy of this occasion. My particular thanks go to the parents of ACM Bashir for the support they have been providing him all these years. He will continue to need this support, perhaps even more now than ever. I commend them for grooming him with the values that have earned him this accolade.”

  • Air Chief celebrates Easter with troops

    Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, celebrated the Easter holiday with troops deployed to the north-west of the country to flush out bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements in the zone.

    According to the spokesman of the Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, the troops were called upon to remain resolute in their commitment to ensure safety of lives and properties in the zone.

    He explained in a statement that the Air Chief also expressed satisfaction with the performance of the troops so far.

    Air Commodore Daramola said: “The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has hosted officers, airmen and airwomen of the Air Task Force (ATF), Operation DIRAN MIKIYA, to a luncheon to mark the 2019 Easter Celebration.

    “The occasion, which held at the ATF Headquarters in Katsina, provided an opportunity for the CAS to interact with the troops who have been working tirelessly to restore peace and stability in the Northwest of Nigeria.

    “Addressing the troops, the Air Officer Commanding, Special Operations Command, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Napoleon Bali, who represented the CAS at the event, expressed satisfaction with the performance of the ATF.

    Read Also: Air Force kills four bandits in Kagara forest

    “He extended the good wishes of the CAS and encouraged the personnel to remain resolute while sustaining their efforts towards eliminating the activities of armed bandits in Zamfara and surrounding States with a view to ensuring peace in the Country.

    “AVM Bali lauded the magnanimity of the CAS in ensuring that the personnel have a few hours to unwind in celebration of the holy season.

    “He said this would no doubt boost their morale and assuage the pains of their inability to celebrate the season with their families.

    “He also commended the Commander 213 Forward Operations Base Katsina, Group Captain Hadi Ahmed, for providing necessary base services support to ensure the smooth operations of the ATF.

    “Also present at the luncheon were the Commander 17 Brigade Nigerian Army, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Colonel Buhari Madaki, as well as officials and staff of civil agencies operating at the Musa Yar’Adua International Airport.”

  • We must finish off Boko Haram now, says Air Chief

    The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar on Tuesday said the death of the five crew members of the Nigerian Air Force Mi-35M helicopter that crashed in combat in Borno should spur all Nigerians to resolve to fight all agents of destabilization and extremism in the country.

    Air Marshal Abubakar also said time has come for the nation to throw all it has into the on-going war in the northeast and ensure the war comes to an end as soon as possible.

    He asserted that the death of the five crew members and others fallen heroes in the on-going war against Boko Haram Terrorists should no be in vain.

    The Air Chief made the remarks at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja, at the burial of Flt. Lt. P Jacob and 4 other crew members of Mi-35M Helicopter that crashed on the 2nd of January at Damasak, Borno state.

    The Air Chief’s comforting voice came as tears rolled down the cheeks of family members, friends colleaques, and relations of the five air force personnel. Some of their relations wept uncontrollable, while some senior officers also fought back tears as they bade the fallen heroes farewell.

    The departed military personnel were buried with full military honours accompanied by the traditional 21 gun salute.

    Read Also: Nigerien troops kill 280 Boko Haram fighters

    Air Marshal Abubakar said: ” With gratitude to Almighty God, I welcome all of you here today to the burial ceremony of our fallen colleagues Flt Lt P Jacob, Late Flt Lt KP Kilyofas, Late Sgt Ibrahim A, Late LCpl Nura A and Late ACM Ishmael M.

    “These 5 heroes met their untimely death on 2 Jan 19 at Damasak in active Service of our fatherland. These gallant heroes lost their lives in the pursuit of the peace which we all enjoy and often take for granted. We salute the courage of these young men, whose lot it became to give their lives for this purpose.

    “The loss of these courageous and professional gentlemen must spur the rest of us not only to rededicate ourselves in the service of our Nation, but also to resolve that we expose and fight all agents of destabilization and extremism in our society.

    “We must throw in everything we have to this fight to ensure that our departed colleagues did not die in vain. We must do everything possible to bring the ongoing insurgency in the North East to a speedy end that is favourable to our nation.

    “I am indeed deeply touched and saddened by the price which our patriots had to pay in this needless fight against insurgency. Our departed heroes fought that we live in a safe and secure Nigeria where the freedom of worship and association of one and all are guaranteed under one indivisible nation.

    “Therefore, as we resolve to re-dedicate ourselves to the cause of defending the nation, let me at this juncture restate our profound commitment and unalloyed loyalty to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR in his efforts at tackling the challenges bedeviling our national security.

    “This is not a speech making occasion, but a time for sober reflections as we pray for the eternal repose of the gentle souls of our departed heroes, all of whom will be greatly missed but are fondly remembered for their invaluable services to the nation and humanity.

    “Jacob, Kilyofas, Ibrahim, Nura and Ishmael, today, as you go to your final resting place, may the Lord be with you forever and be assured that the Nigerian Air Force and indeed the Nation will remain ever grateful to you for your service and sacrifice.

    “To the families of the deceased, I know Nigerians everywhere join me in praying for you as you shoulder this heavy burden of grief. May time ease the soaring pain of today and please note that the entire nation shares this grief with you.

    “There can be no better consolation than the knowledge that the nation grieves with you on the loss of these amiable and patriotic Nigerians, who paid the supreme price in the course of their duty to the fatherland.

    “As we conclude the interment of Jacob, Kilyofas, Ibrahim, Nura and Ishmael, we fervently pray for all our departed colleagues who have paid the supreme price in the course of ensuring the integrity of our dear nation. As Nigerians, we will persevere, taking strength from the legacy of service of these 5 gentlemen and those before them.”

  • Helicopter crash: Buhari condoles with Nigerian Air Force

    President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed heartfelt condolences to the Nigerian Air Force, and relations of five people who lost their lives in a military helicopter crash January 2 in Damasak, Borno State.

    The President mourned Flight Lieutenant Perowei Jacob (Pilot in Command), Flight Lieutenant Kaltho Paul Kilyofas (Co-Pilot), Sergeant Auwal Ibrahim (Flight Technician), Lance Corporal Adamu Nura (Gunner), and Aircraftman Meshack Ishmael (Gunner), who died in the mishap.

    Read Also: I won’t disappoint, Buhari assures

    Commiserating with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, President Buhari, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, said it was sad that the fine officers and men lost their lives in the bid to guarantee the safety and protection of their countrymen.

    He said rather than dampen the morale of troops fighting insurgency in the North-East, the unfortunate development would rather bolster their resolve to completely eliminate all evildoers within the shortest possible time.

    To the families and relations of the dead, President Buhari condoled with them, noting that the dead officers and men were heroes, who paid the supreme price for peace to reign in the country.

     

  • ‘FG procures 30 aircraft, six helicopter gun-shoots to fight Boko Haram’

    The Chief of Air Staff, Air Mashal Sadique Abubakar, on Saturday in Kano said the Federal Government has procured 18 more aircraft, in addition to expected 12 brand new aircraft and six helicopter gun-shoots to intensify war against insurgency in the country.

    Air Mashal Abubakar who relocated to the North-West and North-East in furtherance with President Buhari’s directive spoke during the commissioning of a multi-billion Naira Modular Theatre  at the 465 Nigeria Air Force hospital, Kano.

    He said the United States of America and Italy have been supporting Nigeria with the supply of platforms to fight Boko Haram and other insurgency in Nigeria.

    According to him, “the President Buhari administration has done much in re-positioning the Nigeria Air Force. In the last three and half years, the Federal Government has procured and released 18 brand new aircraft to the Nigeria Air Force.

    “We are also hoping to get 12 brand new aircraft from the United States of America. In addition, we are also hoping to get six brand new helicopter gun-shoots from Italy. So, I think from what we have seen in terms of support, every officer, air-man and air-woman in the Nigeria Air Force has every reason to put in his or her best in order to ensure that Nigeria is secured.”

    He further stated that, “I assure Nigerians that the Air Force will continue to work. I am in Kano for two reasons, not only to commission this theatre, but in compliance with the directive that we should relocate to North-West and to the North-East of the country in order to supervise or see what is going on in terms of dealing with some of the security threats facing Nigeria.”

    Read Also: Troops kill Boko Haram terrorists in Borno

    While commissioning the Modular Theatre, he said, “this hospital is for the benefit of the officers and the benefit of their family members. I also want to urge the Commander of the hospital to make this facility available to the civilian population around here.

    “Furthermore, in line with the Nigeria Air Force tradition of giving back to her host community as earlier indicated, I want to direct that the Commander should open the facility to all civilians. This gesture will, no doubt, go a long way in improving the quality of healthcare delivery in these communities.

    “I also want to reaffirm our commitment to periodically reach out to the surrounding rural communities, to provide them with the much needed preventive healthcare services, including health education and ensure their wellbeing.

    “On behalf of the officers, air-men and air-women of the Nigeria Air Force, I wish to express our gratitude to the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), for his continued support for the Service.

    “On our part, the Nigeria Air Force shall continue to strive for excellence in everything we do, and operating within the constitutional provisions, in collaboration with other sister Services to provide the necessary security for Nigeria and Nigerians.

    “I was conducted round our hanger where we saw some technicians that are working to bring back three of our aircrafts that are being reactivated. And the second part of it is commissioning of the Modula Theartre.

    “Our desire is to have a professional Air Force, an Air Force that has the right structure, and an Air Force that has equipment such as the platforms that have been acquired for us; and then, an Air Force that takes care of the welfare of the personnel and that is where this Modula Theatre comes in.

    “Professionalism is about getting all these things sorted out and I am very happy that we have tried in the last two and half years to ensure that we address all the fundamental issues that are likely to make the Air Force a professional service so that Nigeria will be secured and Nigerians will also be secured.”

    While speaking during the event, NAF Chief of Medical Services, Air Commodore M.E. Sha’aibu said with the commissioning of the new theatre, “injured personnel from the theatre of operation in the North-East can be evacuated to this hospital, stabilized and treated.

    Sha’aibu added that the new theater with state-of-the-art equipment comprises of a reception, lecture hall, common and recovery rooms, offices, two operating suites.

    “It is equipped with modern anesthetic machines, operating tables, theatre lamps, C-arm machines and operating microscopes,” adding that, “The Chief of Air Staff has also provided funds for the maintenance of the equipment in the radio diagnostic department of the hospital in addition to employing seasonal consultants.”

  • NAF wings 91st combat pilot

    The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has winged another combat pilot, Flying Officer Salihu Usman, in Abuja.

    This brings to 91 the number of winged pilots in three years.

    Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said that Usman recently completed his Basic Fighter Introduction Course (BFIC) in the U.S.

    He added that: “The Chief of the Air Staff’s quest to re-professionalise the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) through capacity building initiatives have received a further boost with the winging of another young NAF combat pilot, Flying Officer Salihu Usman.

    “This is besides the 67 NAF officers who are currently undergoing flying training in various flying institutions both within and outside the country.

    “It is, therefore, expected that by this time next year, the total number of new pilots would reach an unprecedented 158 in just 4 years.

    “More remarkably, among the 67 student pilots, is the first female NAF student fighter pilot, who is currently undergoing Specialised Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) in the USA.

    ”Another female student pilot is undergoing helicopter training in South Africa to become the first female helicopter pilot in the NAF,” Daramola said.

    He said that the newly winged pilot was admitted into the NDA in August 2010 as a member of 62nd Regular Combatant Course, where he obtained a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

    “As the best Air Force Cadet in his course, he was nominated for IOT Course, at the Royal Air Force College, Cranwell UK after which he was commissioned into the NAF as a Pilot Officer.

    “Thereafter, Flying Officer Usman was nominated for the SUPT where he earned the U.S. Air Force Silver Wing.

    “Upon successful completion of the SUPT Course with outstanding performance, the USAF found him worthy of recommendation for the Basic Fighter Introduction Course (BFIC).

    Read Also: Police arrest man over killing of kinsman

    “He has a total of 265 flying hours on the Cessna 172, T-6A and T-38C aircraft types,” Daramola said.

    He said that Abubakar had expressed delight to receive the pilot back from the U.S. and congratulated him for his outstanding performances during the SUPT and BFIC.

    The CAS noted that “the young pilot was returning to the country at a time when the NAF, with the kind support of the Federal Government was about to receive additional combat platforms in the shape of the A-29 Super Tucano and JF-17 Thunder Multi-Role Fighter.”

    He said the CAS noted that “these new platforms would improve NAF’s ability to more effectively respond to national security imperatives.”

  • 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.”

  • Boko Haram: NSA inaugurates Helipad in Borno

    Boko Haram: NSA inaugurates Helipad in Borno

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno, on Wednesday inaugurated a helipad set up by the Nigerian Air Force in Monguno, Borno to enhance its operation against the Boko Haram insurgents in the Lake Chad region.

    Monguno also commissioned an office complex and residential accommodation built for officers and airmen at the newly- established 171 NAF Detachment in the area.

    The NAF 171 detachment was set up in the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Monguno in Monguno Local Government Area, Borno.

    Monguno said the new Air Force unit would add value to the counter-insurgency operation, restoration of peace and stabilisation process in the troubled region.

    He described the projects as significant milestone in NAF’s drive to enhance air power in all the nooks and crannies of the country.

    The NSA added that the project was designed to provide additional military options in conducting aerial surveillance on the border with Cameroun, Chad and Niger Republics to check terrorists’ activities and cross border crimes.

    The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique  Abubakar, explained that the service detachment was designed to enhance the endurance limitations of air power in the counter-insurgency operations in the North-East and the Lake Chad region.

    “The establishment of the unit will expand and increase the reach of the service platforms in operations around border areas,” Abubakar added

    The projects include: a block of 11-rooms for airmen and a block of flats for officers and a helipad.

    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 ready to partner innovative institutions for capacity development

    NAF ready to partner innovative institutions for capacity development

    The Nigerian Air Force ( NAF ) says it is ready to partner with innovative institutions for capacity development to combat insecurity and insurgency in the country.

    AVM Paul Jemitola, Principal Director, Air Research and Development Center, NAF, Kaduna, said this on Wednesday in Benin at the ongoing 15th meeting of the National Council of Science and Technology.

    Jemitola said that this was in line with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar’s vision for the Air Force.

    According to him, the Air Chief is keen on research and development and encourages all kinds of development projects by the Air Force.

    He said the Air Force was at the meeting to network and collaborate with other agencies and ministries that had capacity that would be of benefit to the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    Jemitola said that the latest technology developed in addition to the many innovations by the Air Force were the Gulma Unmanned Area Vehicle ( UAV ) and the Unmanned Ground Vehicle ( UGV ).

    Read also: NAF acquires, reactivates five additional air craft to fight insurgency

    He said that the UAV had a maximum Altitude capacity of 10,000 feet; cruise speed of 86.4kts; endurance limit of 5.8h hours and with a range of 923 kilometres and an engine capacity of 17hp.

    Other components of the UAV, otherwise known as drone is that it is fully composite and a micro pilot avionics.

    He said that the raw materials used in developing both the UAV and UGV were sourced within the country.

    According to him, both equipment were designed and manufactured by the Air Development and Research Centre.

    He said that the key thing in all was the intellectual capacity that brought the innovation together to a functioning unit that could be used for military purposes.

    NAN