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Tag: Air Force

  • NAF graduates 30 helicopter pilots

    NAF graduates 30 helicopter pilots

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has charged 30 newly graduated helicopter pilots to rise to the demands of modern warfare by embracing continuous learning, teamwork, and professionalism.

    Abubakar gave the charge on Wednesday, during the Combined Graduation Ceremony of the Integrated Helicopter Pilot Course 9/2024 and Airline Transport Pilot Licence Course 2/2025, at the International Helicopter Flying School (IHFS), Enugu.

    This is contained in a statement by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigeria Air Force (NAF), on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Abubakar congratulated the pilots for their achievement, reminding them that they have commenced a special journey.

    “You are stepping into a dynamic and complex operational environment.

    “The threats to our national security are multifaceted and constantly evolving.

    “Your success will depend not only on the flying skills you have acquired but, on your ability, to adapt, collaborate, and operate as part of a coordinated joint force,” he said.

    The CAS called on the new pilots to wear their wings with humility and a deep sense of responsibility, stressing that they carry the hopes of a nation and the trust of a service that remains a pillar of peace and stability.

    He emphasised that the hangar was one of several ongoing projects, including a new school headquarters and 36 units of student accommodation, which demonstrate the NAF’s commitment to transforming IHFS into a global standard for helicopter training.

    “NAF is not only training pilots, we are building a self-reliant, mission-oriented, and resilient force capable of meeting the airpower demands of today’s battle space,” he added.

    Abubakar reaffirmed that IHFS remains a cornerstone of his command philosophy, which prioritises deliberate training, human capacity development, and infrastructure-driven operational excellence.

    He further acknowledged the efforts of the Rector and instructional team at IHFS, applauding their professionalism and dedication to producing world-class pilots.

    The ceremony also featured the graduation of IHFS flight instructors who completed their Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) training, along with promotions for several instructors, reflecting the school’s growing instructional capacity and adherence to global best practices.

    The Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Limited, along with the School’s Board of Directors, also received praise for their oversight and strategic support.

    The combined ceremony marked not just the celebration of pilot proficiency but the unveiling of a broader strategic vision for rotary-wing aviation in Nigeria’s evolving security architecture.

  • Fed Govt set to acquire 12 Viper jets to boost NAF’s capability

    Fed Govt set to acquire 12 Viper jets to boost NAF’s capability

    The Federal Government has begun negotiations with the United States for the procurement of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters to boost the capability of the Nigerian Air Force(NAF).

    NAF Spokesman Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame revealed this in a statement yesterday.

    Designed and produced by America’s aerospace manufacturer, Bell Helicopter, AH-1Z Viper is the only attack helicopter in the world with fully-integrated air-to-air missile capability.

    AH-1Z Viper strikes are more lethal and missions are more survivable due to high-tech sensors that enable pilots to identify, track and assign targets—even at maximum weapon range.

    The new jets are part of the 61 Nigeria expects to be delivered in 2025.

    Commodore Ejodame said in a statement that Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, led a high-level team to the U.S for a programme management review meeting regarding the purchase of the helicopters.

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    The four-day meeting ended on Friday in San Diego, California. It had top U.S government officials and representatives of Messrs Bell Textron, manufacturers of the AH-1Z helicopters.

    Commodore Ejodame said: “At the meeting, the Chief of Air Staff conveyed sincere appreciation to the US Government for its enduring partnership,

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    “The acquisition of the AH-1Z Viper helicopters will significantly enhance the Nigerian Air Force’s combat effectiveness, operational efficiency, and mission readiness.

    “We are fully committed to ensuring these platforms are delivered in the shortest possible time. Every necessary step will be taken to facilitate a seamless procurement and integration process.”

    He added that the Chief of Air Staff later inspected Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 (HMLA-367) and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 39 (MALS-39), both under the Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 39 at Camp Pendleton, California

    The NAF spokesman said: “ These squadrons are actively engaged in the operation and maintenance of the AH-1Z helicopter.

    “During the visit, the Chief of Air Staff had the opportunity to inspect the helicopters first-hand and engage with senior officers of the United States Marine Corps on best practices for the operation, sustainment, and logistics support of the AH-1Z platform.

    “The Chief of Air Staff said the visit has provided a unique opportunity to understand best practices for the operation, sustainment, and logistical support of the AH-1Z platform from the U.S Marine Corps.”

    According to him, the Air Chief also reaffirmed that the NAF remains fully committed to the effective and responsible deployment of all acquired air assets in the ongoing fight against terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements threatening the peace and stability of the nation.

    “Our goal is to create enduring peace while protecting innocent lives and property in line with internationally accepted rules of engagement,” the Chief of Air Staff said.

  • Excitement as NAF engineers revive aircraft grounded for 23 years

    Excitement as NAF engineers revive aircraft grounded for 23 years

    Nigeria Air Force (NAF) says its aircraft engineers and technicians have, in a phenomenal display of ingenuity, reactivated a Dornier DO-228 aircraft which had been grounded for 23 years.

    The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, AVM Olusola Akinboyewa, in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, described the development as a remarkable feat.

    Akinboyewa said that the achievement underscored NAF’s growing capacity for indigenous maintenance to bolster its operational readiness, whilst contributing to Nigeria’s inherent aviation capabilities.

    He said that the aircraft, originally designated “5N-MPS” and operated by the now defunct Ministry of Mines, Power and Steel, had been grounded at the DANA facility in Kaduna since 2001.

    “However, sequel to a presidential directive for ministries, departments and agencies to transfer such grounded platforms to the NAF for evaluation and possible reactivation, the NAF initiated this project.

    “The NAF took on the challenge of reactivating this aircraft, a Dash 201 Series with only 1,081 flight hours since new, considering the task a unique opportunity to restore a valuable national asset.

    “The reactivation process, for the grounded aircraft – re-designated “NAF-039” – was conducted between June and September 2024, involving meticulous planning and painstaking execution by a crack team of five engineering officers and 40 technicians from the NAF 431 Engineering Group (Engr Gp), Kaduna,” he said.

    According to him, the accomplishment, which requires the application of advanced engineering techniques and adherence to stringent aviation standards, attests to NAF’s growing technical expertise and resolute determination.

    Akinboyewa said that the success of the project carried significant strategic implications, bearing in mind that beyond enhancing the NAF’s fleet, it symbolises the service’s resolve to achieve self-reliance in aviation maintenance for operational effectiveness.

    According to him, it also serves as a morale booster for the NAF engineers and technicians, showcasing their ability to undertake complex projects which otherwise would have been outsourced to foreign entities.

    The Chief of the Air Staff, (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, lauded the 431 Engr Group for their dedication, emphasizing the broader import of the achievement.

    Abubakar said that the project was a reflection of NAF’s resolve to optimise resources, strengthen its fleet and uphold national security through operational excellence.

    He said that the successful reactivation of NAF 039 was not just an operational gain, but a statement of NAF’s capabilities and commitment to self-reliance.

    The CAS said that the accomplishment built upon NAF’s earlier successes, such as the conduct of the first in-country 4,800-hour inspection on another DO-228 aircraft in January 2024.

    He said that the milestones highlighted NAF’s growing capacity for advanced in-house aircraft maintenance and served as a foundation for future projects aimed at achieving technical autonomy.

    “The reactivation of NAF-039 after 23 years is more than an engineering achievement; it showcases the NAF’s ingenuity, resilience and commitment to operational excellence.

    “It also reaffirms the Air Force’s vital role in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, while highlighting its dedication to resource optimisation and self-reliance.

    “The newly-reactivated aircraft will bolster the NAF’s tactical airlift capabilities by joining the fleet of DO 228 aircraft, a platform still actively used worldwide.

    “This achievement solidifies the NAF’s position as a formidable player in Africa’s aviation sector, with the potential to lead in indigenous maintenance and technical innovation,” he said.

  • JUST IN: 2 pilots killed as military jets crash

    JUST IN: 2 pilots killed as military jets crash

    Two French pilots died when their military jets collided mid-flight in eastern France, the nation’s Air Force said in a post on X.

    The two Rafale fighter jets were returning from a mission in Germany when they collided near Colombey-les-Belles, close to the city of Nancy, Wednesday’s post said.

    A third pilot ejected safely and was quickly found, unharmed, the post said.

    French President, Emmanuel Macron, expressed the country’s condolences to the families of the two pilots.

    The aircraft were stationed in Saint-Dizier, in eastern France. No details were initially provided regarding the cause of the accident.

  • How Air Force general foiled ‘one chance’ robbery, rescues victims in Abuja

    How Air Force general foiled ‘one chance’ robbery, rescues victims in Abuja

    A serving officer of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore John Ijudigal, has foiled a ‘one-chance’ robbery and kidnap attempt in Wuse, Abuja.

    The officer ensured the arrest of the three suspected robbers and the rescue of the two female victims.

    A statement by the NAF Spokesman, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Saturday in Abuja, said that the incident occurred on Feb. 14 along Accra Road, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, at about 7.28 pm.

    “As the senior officer was commuting home in his staff car after work, he suddenly came across a distressing scene.

    “Air Commodore Ijudigal saw an Abuja-painted taxi, a Mazda 323, with registration BWR 232 XB, reversing on high speed, with terrified passengers inside screaming for help.

    “In pursuit of the taxi was a black Toyota Land Cruiser.

    “Instinctively, Ijudigal immediately joined in the pursuit by using his official vehicle to block the escape route of the criminals.

    “The driver of the ‘one-chance’ vehicle, in a state of panic, then collided with Air Commodore Idjudigal’s official vehicle, resulting in significant damage to both cars.

    “The impact caused the ‘one-chance’ vehicle to skid into a nearby garden.

    “Following the collision, Air Commodore Ijudigal promptly exited his vehicle and chased after one of the occupants of the ‘one-chance’ taxi, who had fled into a nearby bush.

    “With the assistance of onlookers gathered at the accident scene, the driver of the ‘one-chance’ vehicle, along with two other suspects, a male and a female, were apprehended while two female victims were rescued,” he said.

    Gabkwet said the senior officer subsequently contacted the police and personally ensured that the three criminals were handed over to the FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr Benneth Igweh, at his office.

    According to Gabkwet, the commissioner of police commended the officer for his courage.

    He said the intervention did not only foiled a robbery and kidnapping attempt, but also helped to apprehend the suspected criminals.

    Similarly, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan AbAbubakar, hailed Ijudigal for his bravery and selfless service.

    Air Commodore Ijudigal is the Deputy Director of Logistics at the Defence Headquarters.

  • Court quashes N21.5bn charge against ex-Chief of Air Staff, Amosu

    Court quashes N21.5bn charge against ex-Chief of Air Staff, Amosu

    Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of a Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday, quashed a criminal charge preferred against a former Chief of Air Staff, Adesola Amosu, and two others over N21.5 billion money laundering.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had re-arraigned the defendants, on an amended 13-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N21.5billion.

    Justice Aneke on Tuesday, upheld a preliminary objection by defence counsel, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the case on the grounds that the defendants were serving officers of the military at the time

    Defence counsel had argued that the defendants were therefore, only subject to trial by a court martial, since they were still officers during the period.

  • Air Force flies out ex-CAS, Amao from service

    Air Force flies out ex-CAS, Amao from service

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Saturday, flew out of service, the immediate past Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao.

    Amao was replaced as Chief of Air Staff by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, a development that led to his immediate retirement from service.

    The president named AVM Hassan Abubakar, as Amao’s replacement.

    The Fly Out is a ceremony usually organised by the Nigerian Air Force for exiting Chiefs after a successful service to the Nation.

    The ceremony also involves march past by troops, and flying out the retired officer.

    In his valedictory speech, Amao expressed gratitude to God as well as the officers and men of the air force for a successful service to the nation.

    He said the event marked a significant milestone in his career, which was fulfilling and full of accomplishments, culminating to his appointment as the 21st Chief of Air Staff.

    He commented the “capable and dedicated officers and men for the roles they played in ensuring the safety and security of the nation.

    “Your professionalism, skills and unwavering commitments have truly made a difference in the defence of our skies.

    “During my tenure, we faced numerous challenges both at home and abroad.

    “From complex joint operations to humanitarian missions, the Nigerian Air Force has demonstrated unmatched capabilities and tenacity in addressing the contemporary challenges.

    “We have maintained a state of readiness adapting to the ever evolving threats and ensuring the protection of our airspace as well as safety and security of our dear country.

    “It has been a great honour as well as a very challenging and yet fulfilling endeavor,” he said.

    Amao also commended the efforts of his predecessors for laying the foundation upon which he built on to achieve the successes recorded during his tenure as the CAS.

    He also thanked the immediate past service chiefs for the enhanced synergy that helped them achieve results, urging his successor to tow the same path for the greater good of the nation.

    The event was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Kana, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa and other service chiefs.

    Also in attendance were ex-service chiefs, commanders from tri-service institutions, and principal staff officers from defence and services headquarters, among others.

  • Air Force redeploys branch chiefs, AOCs, spokesperson in major shake-up

    Air Force redeploys branch chiefs, AOCs, spokesperson in major shake-up

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Wednesday in Abuja approved the appointment and redeployment of new Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs), Commandants of Tri-Service and NAF Institutions.

    It also approved the appointment of a new spokesperson and other senior officers.

    Group Capt. Joel Abioye of the Directorate of Public Relations and Information, NAF, stated that the new postings and the redeployment were part of a routine aimed to ensure operational efficiency and effective service delivery.

    Abioye added that the appointments were approved by the Chief Air of Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao.

    Former Chief of Policy and Plans, AVM Jackson Yusuf, was appointed as Chief of Defence Policy and Plans (CDPP), while the erstwhile Commandant, Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Lagos, AVM Idi Lubo, took over as Chief of Policy and Plans.

    AVM Mohammed Yakubu, immediate past Commandant, Air Force Institute of Technology is now Chief of Aircraft Engineering, while AVM Ayoola Jolasinmi, former CDPP, Defence Headquarters (DHQ), is now the Chief of Defence Space Administration.

    “The erstwhile Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, AVM Anthony Tuwase, is now the Chief of Defence Transformation and Innovation (CDTI), DHQ.

    “In the same vein, AVM Paul Masiyer is now the Chief of Logistics, HQ NAF; AVM Ibikunle Daramola, the erstwhile Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Ground Training Command, Enugu is appointed the Chief of Communications Information Systems.

    “AVM Samuel Chinda now takes over as Chief of Air Intelligence, NAF, while AVM Anthony Ndace is now the Air Secretary, NAF.

    “Also affected by the new appointments is AVM Emmanuel Wonah, former Chief of Aircraft Engineering who is now the Commandant Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.

    “AVM Charles Ohwo, former CDTI has now been appointed as the Commandant Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Lagos, AVM Paul Jemitola, the immediate past Air Secretary is now the Commandant, Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna.

    “AVM Abraham Adole is the new Commandant, Air Force War College, Makurdi,’’ Abioye stated.

    Other new appointments are those of AVM Sayo Olatunde, former Commandant Air Force War College who is now the AOC, Ground Training Command, Enugu and AVM Ebimobo Ebiowe now the AOC Mobility Command, Yenagoa.

    Abioye added that the former Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, was appointed Commander 551 NAF Station, Jos, while Air Commodore Wapkerem Maigida is now the new NAF spokesman.

    “Air Commodore Olayinka Oyesola takes over as the Air Component Commander (Joint Task Force North East) `Operation Hadin Kai’.

    “Air Marshal Amao charged the officers to bring their professional experiences to bear and to continually explore new methods of proffering workable solutions and renewed strategies to resolving the security challenges in the country.

    “The newly appointed and redeployed senior officers are expected to assume their offices on or before Friday, Jan. 6,” Abioye added.

  • BREAKING: Military fighter jet crashes; pilot killed

    BREAKING: Military fighter jet crashes; pilot killed

    A military fighter jet crashed on Wednesday during routine training, killing its pilot in northwestern Myanmar.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports a military spokesperson made this known to Xinhua.

    The fighter jet crashed into a lake east of Ohn Taw village, Sagaing region at about 10:43 a.m. local time (0413 GMT).

    The crash was attributed to technical malfunction, the spokesperson said.

    The single seat fighter jet crashed after losing contact with the Tada-U airbase of the Myanmar Air Force, he added.

  • FULL LIST: Army, Air Force promote 177 senior officers

    FULL LIST: Army, Air Force promote 177 senior officers

    The Nigerian Army and Air Force have promoted a total 177 senior officers in recognition of meritorious service to the nation.

    In the Army, a total of 41 brigadier generals were promoted to the rank of major general, while 76 colonels were also elevated to the rank of brigadier general.

    Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, announced in a statement issued on Wednesday that the promotion is sequel to an approval by the Army Council on December 21.

    “The Army Council has on Tuesday the 21st of December 2021, approved the promotion of senior officers to the ranks of Major General and Brigadier General respectively,” the statement read.

    “A total of 41 Brigadier Generals were meritoriously promoted to the enviable rank of Major General, while 76 Colonels were also elevated to the rank of Brigadier General.”

    Those promoted to the rank of Major General include the Director, Directorate of Army Data Processing Lagos, Brigadier General CU Onwunle; Research Fellow/Subject Expert, Indian Sub-Continental at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre Abuja, Brigadier General M Danmadami; Director Military Training Nigerian Defence Academy, Brigadier General OJ Akpor; Brigadier General UT Musa of the Department of Administration Army Headquarters Abuja.

    Other beneficiaries include Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division/ JTF NE Operation Hadin Kai Maiduguri, Borno State Brigadier General AA Eyitayo; Brigadier General V Ebhaleme of Defence Space Administration Abuja, Brigadier General LT Omoniyi of Department of Civil Military Affairs Abuja and Brigadier General NU Muktar Acting Director of Procurement at the Office of the Chief of Army Staff, Army Headquarters Abuja amongst others.

    In the Air Force, the 60 senior officers consist of 29 Air Vice Marshals (AVMs) and 31 Air Commodores (Air Cdres) to the next higher ranks in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

    The Air Force Council which approved the promotion also issued the concessional commission of an Air Warrant Officer (AWO) and five Master Warrant Officers (MWO) to the rank of Flight Lieutenant.

    Concessional commission is usually reserved for Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) at the twilight of their career years in reward for hard work and in recognition of meritorious service to the nation.

    NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said the senior officers promoted to the rank of Air Vice Marshal include Air Cdres Precious Amadi, Nnamdi Ananaba, Abubakar Abdulkadir, Anthony Ndace, Usman Abdullahi, Eneobong Effiom, Iboro Etukudo, Abubakar Abdullahi, Sunday Aneke, Nnaemeka Ilo, Adeniyi Amesinlola, Ebimobo Ebiowe, Micheal Onyebashi, Emmanuel Shobande, Sayo Olatunde, Francis Edosa, Ahmed Shinkafi, Bashiru Mamman and Halim Adebowale. Others are Ahmed Bakari, Framah Batnah, Adeniran Ademuwagun, Lanre Oluwatoyin, Titus Dauda, Olufemi Ogunsina, Paul Masiyer, Nkem Aguiyi, Abidemi Marquis and Oluwafemi Ogunmola.

    Those promoted from the rank of Group Captain to Air Commodore are Gp Capts Chukwuedo Illoh, Bamidele Amuda, Samson Adelakun, Hadi Ahmed, Abiodun Oyekunle, Caleb Olayera, Idorenyin Bassey, Philip Kwasau, Mohammed Omar, Ayodele Akinbuwa, Emeng Imoke, Luqman Lawal, Shaibu Buhari and Ehimen Ejodame. Others include Mohammed Lawal, Idowu Ayo, Emmanuel Ola, Ewejide Akintunde, Elisha Bindul, Dogo Gani, Edmond Oluokun, Akeem Adebomehin, George Akinyimika, Mohammed Garba, Oladimeji Almaroof, Gowon Sule, Ifeanyi Azubuike, Hamisu Usman, Adebanjo Adeosun, Sabir Adeyanju and Halima Musa who is the only female officer on the list. The SNCOs granted concessional Commission to the rank of Flight Lieutenant include Air Warrant Officer Adole Abraham, Master Warrant Officers Liman Musa, Akinwale Olayinka, Akpabio Josephine, Nwojiji Okemini and Isa-Kaita Aminu.

    On his part, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, congratulated the newly promoted senior officers and SNCOs, urging them to see the elevation as an impetus to re-dedicate themselves towards efficient service delivery.

    According to him, the newly promoted senior officers will be decorated with their new ranks at a later date.

    This is even as the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya asked all the promoted officers and their families to redouble their effort to justify the confidence reposed in them by the Nigerian Army.