TheNewsGuru

Tag: Chief of Air Staff

  • BREAKING: NAF rejigs in major shake up; 52 Air Vice Marshals, 46 Air Commodores redeployed

    BREAKING: NAF rejigs in major shake up; 52 Air Vice Marshals, 46 Air Commodores redeployed

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Hassan Abubakar has approved the redeployment of 98 officers of air rank, following the recent change of guard in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

    Prominent among the new appointees are Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs), Commandants of Tri-Service Establishments, and NAF institutions.

    The newly reappointed senior officers comprise 52 AVMs and 46 Air Commodores (Air Cdres), among whom are the former Commandant Air Force War College (AWC), AVM Abraham Adole now the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans (CDPP) at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).

    While AVM Nkem Aguiyi takes over as the Chief of Defence Transformation and Innovation (CDTI) at the DHQ, AVM Ahmed Shinkafi becomes the Chief of Defence Space Administration (CDSA).

    At the Headquarters Nigerian Air Force (HQ NAF), former Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command (AOC GTC), AVM Sayo Olatunde is now the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP) and AVM Ibikunle Daramola remains the Chief of Communications Information Systems (CCIS).

    Meanwhile, AVM Pius Oahimire has been appointed the Chief of Aircraft Engineering (CAcE), HQ NAF; while AVM Uchechi Nwagwu takes over as the Chief of Accounts and Budget (CAB).

    Others include former AOC Special Operations Command (SOC) Bauchi, AVM Abubakar Abdulkadir now the Chief of Training and Operations (CTOP);  AVM Dominic Danat as the Chief of Logistics (CLOG); AVM Ahmed Bakari as Air Secretary; AVM Michael Onyebashi as Chief of Standards and Evaluation (COSE), HQ NAF; AVM Idi Sani as Chief of Administration (COA); AVM Anthony Ekpe retains his appointment as the Chief of Medical Services (CMS); while Air Cdre Friday Ogohi is now the Chief of Air Intelligence (CAI),HQ NAF.

    The newly appointed commandants include AVM Adeniyi Amesinlola who now heads the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (AFRC), Oshodi; AVM Hassan Alhaji takes charge of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji; AVM Sani Rabe heads the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna; AVM Adebayo Kehinde takes over command of the Air Force War College, Makurdi; while AVM Esen Efanga is Commandant Air Warfare Centre, Abuja.

    Also affected by the latest redeployments are AVM Francis Edosa appointed the AOC Tactical Air Command (AOC TAC), Makurdi; AVM Tajudeen Yusuf as AOC Mobility Command (AOC MC), Yenagoa; AVM Eneobong Effiom as AOC SOC, Bauchi; AVM Nnamdi Ananaba as AOC Air Training Command (AOC ATC), Kaduna; AVM Usman Abdullahi as AOC GTC, Enugu; and AVM Abubakar Abdullahi as AOC Logistics Command (AOC LC).

    In the same vein, AVM Kabir Umar is now the Group Managing Director of NAF Investments Limited Group of Companies; AVM Sunday Aneke as Deputy Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna; AVM Titus Dauda as the College Secretary, National Defence College (NDC), Abuja; while Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet has been reappointed as the Director of Public Relations and Information.

    The newly appointed senior officers are expected to assume office not later than Monday, 3 July 2023.

  • Buhari tasks NAF on collaboration with technological, innovative institutions

    Buhari tasks NAF on collaboration with technological, innovative institutions

    President Muhammadu Buhari has tasked the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on collaboration and partnership with technological, innovative institutions, industries and individuals, to enhance its performance and operational capacity.

    Buhari, represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, gave the task at the ceremonial parade and aerial display marking the 59th Anniversary Celebration of NAF, otherwise known as NAF Day 2023 in Enugu on Saturday.

    He urged the Airforce to increase its local capacity building through practical and purposeful collaboration and partnership with technological-innovative institutions, industries and individuals to improve on its platforms.

    “This would enhance your performance to counter contemporary and emerging security challenges,” he said.

    He said  NAF should strive to expand its collaboration beyond the military.

    ” By this, I mean collaboration with the academia, industries, with civilian technologists and independent innovators and creators and think-tanks.

    “However, I have had discussions with the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, and he told me that collaborations with our universities and research institutions are already ongoing,” he said.

    “There is a great amount of potentials  waiting to be unleashed from this collaboration and partnership,” he said.

    “This administration has committed substantial national resources to enhance the overall capabilities of the Armed Forces, especially the NAF.”

    “The huge investments in expanding the capacity of the Nigerian Air Force have led to the turning of the tide against insecurity and activities of other violent non-state actors in our nation,” he said.

    “We must also commend the renewed focus on research and innovation and the policy of the  present Chief of Air Staff, which is far-sighted and it builds on the tradition the air force had established over the years.”

    Buhari said  NAF had proved its mettle since the years of its establishment, both local and international.

    “I am highly impressed by the parade and aerial displays put up by the Nigerian Air Force in this event.”

    “Indeed, our air force is willing and able at any time to deliver on its mandates and capability and it can and always stand shoulder to shoulder with any other advanced air forces in any countries of the world,” he said.

    Buhari, who enumerated various fighting aircraft and other platforms acquired for NAF in his administration, appreciated NAF for locally and ingeniously resuscitating some aircraft in its fighting fleets.

    The president also inducted some new platforms of NAF, including DA-62 (Special Mission Aircraft) and Wing Loong II (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle).

    The event was attended by Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya;  Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao and representative of Chief of Naval Staff.

    Also various chiefs in special arms of the Nigerian military were also present as well as retired military officers.

  • Alleged Money Laundering: Ex-Chief of Air Staff to know fate March 17

    Alleged Money Laundering: Ex-Chief of Air Staff to know fate March 17

    Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Abuja on Wednesday, fixed March 17 for judgment in the remaining one count charge of money laundering levelled against former Chief of Air Staff, Mohammed Umar.

    Umar, who retired as an air marshall is charged with one count of money laundering, because six of the seven counts originally instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were dismissed by the court in 2021.

    At the resumed hearing, counsel adopted their final addresses and adumbrated on salient issues to further strengthen their arguments.

    Counsel to Umar, Mr Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, adopted and relied on the processes filed by the defendant in urging the court to dismiss count 7, discharge and acquit the defendant.

    Ikpeazu said he based his submission on the grounds that the EFCC failed to provide evidence to establish that the offence alleged in the count was committed by the defendant.

    According to Ikpeazu, there was no exhibit to show that there was a transfer of N66 million from the account of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) to Capital Law Firm for renovation of the defendant’s private residence.

    The senior lawyer maintained that the argument of the prosecution that Umar be convicted on a lesser charge was untenable in law.

    “In all cases of lesser offences, there must be two separate offences as one cannot be charged for one offence and convicted on an entirely different charge.

    “The court cannot go outside the law charged and convict under another law not charged.”

    He said that the money that left NAF account to Capital Law Firm Account was N57 million in two tranches of N47 million and N10 million and that the only way the count could stand was to amend the charge.

    For his part, the prosecuting counsel, Mr Sylvanus Tahir maintained that the prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that money left NAF account to Capital Law Firm account.

    “We didn’t prove that N66 million left NAF account but N57 million left in two tranches of N47 million and N10 million.

    He said in as much as the prosecution conceded to the fact not N66 million but N57 million left the account, it still remained a crime as the money was used for private purpose.

    He urged the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly.

    Justice Dimgba thereafter fixed March 17 to deliver judgment.

    Umar was first arraigned on Jan. 25, 2017 on a seven-count charge of money laundering and procurement fraud to the tune of N9.7 billion.

    But on Feb. 23, 2021, Justice Dimgba, ruling on a no-case submission filed by the defendant, discharged and acquitted the former chief of air staff on six out of the seven-counts.

    The court said it found merit in a no-Case submission the defendant filed in relation to counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the charge on the grounds that the evidence given by the EFCC could not sustain the charges.

    It however, refused and dismissed the no -case submission with regards to count seven.

    The remaining charge has to do with alleged diversion of N66 million from the NAF’s bank account.

  • We Will Defeat Insurgency, Chief Of Air Staff Assures Nigerians

    We Will Defeat Insurgency, Chief Of Air Staff Assures Nigerians

    By Debo Oladimeji

    Against the backdrop of insecurity in the country, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Isiaka Oladayo Amao has assured Nigerians that insecurity will soon be a thing of the past.

    Speaking on the state of insecurity in the country, he said that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is resolved to bring such threats to an end in order to ensure that the Nation is safe and economically attractive.

    He said the NAF will continue to do its best possible by leveraging credible partnerships, focusing on enhancing professionalism for high performance as well as motivational initiatives to create an enabling environment for its operations and personnel to thrive.

    AVM Amao further stated that, though bedeviled by various forms of insecurity, ranging from the Boko Haram insurgency/terrorism in the North East to the criminal activities of pipeline vandals, crude oil thieves, sea robbers and militants in the South, the nation was also facing increasing threats from kidnappers, cattle rustlers and militarised herdsmen.

    He promised to use his rich knowledge and experience, armed with this robust vision, to undoubtedly move the Nigerian Air Force to the next level, whilst building on the successes recorded by his predecessors.

    According to him, “We will deploy some brave efforts to rescue our country from the despair that have been our lot. While I will sustain the strides attained by my predecessor, I will join hands with sister agencies to take Nigeria to the status of a work-in- progress. It’s very important to state here that we still need concerted effort to strike out in new direction.

    “It is, therefore, with deep sense of responsibility that I promise that we must move determinedly and at great speed too to achieve the set goals the President and people as well as our resources have clearly marked for us. In all, we will make the country proud.”

    He also outlined his vision for the Service, which is among other things; “to enhance and sustain critical airpower capabilities required for joint force employment in pursuit of national security imperatives.”

    The vision is hinged on five key drivers namely;‘ Focus on doctrinal development and application of airpower in Joint military operations’; ‘pursuit of purposeful training and human capacity development’ as well as ‘sustenance of platforms and equipment serviceability through innovative maintenance methods and logistics support systems’.

    He highlighted that the other key drivers are ‘fostering a disciplined workforce essential for combat readiness’ and ‘bolstering morale by improving personnel welfare’.

    He admitted that the NAF would sustainably and effectively employ Air Power in the protection of Nigeria’s people and interests, against all enemies of the state.

    He reiterated that his appointment was a challenge and call to national duty, especially at this crucial stage in Nigeria’s development, which he had accepted with utmost humility.

    AVM Amao was born on 14 Sep 65 at Enugu. He hails from Oshogbo LGA of Osun State. He attended Nuhu Bamali Pry School Kaduna from 1971 – 77, Command Secondary School Kakuri Kaduna from 1977 – 82, Federal College of Freshwater and Fisheries Technology (FCFFT) New Bussa from 1994 – 96, University of Madras India from 2002 – 2003, Kaduna Polytechnic from 2005 – 2006 and National Defence University China from 2012 – 2013.

    He enlisted into the Nigerian Air Force on January 19 1984 as a member of 35 NDA Regular Course and was commissioned as Pilot Officer on 20 Dec 86. He started his Primary Flying Training at 301 Flying Training School (FTS) Kaduna from 1987 – 1989, did the Basic Flying Training at 303 FTS Kano from 1990 – 92 and Tactical Fighter Training at 99 Air Combat Training Group (99 ACTG) Kainji from 1993 – 99. Thereafter, went for Instructor Pilot Course at 301 FTS Kaduna from 2004 – 2005.

    The Chief of Air Staff had served in following NAF Units: 99 ACTG Kainji as Trainee/Sqn Pilot from 1993 – 2004, 301 FTS Kaduna as Instructor Pilot/Sqn Pilot from 2004 – 2007, HQ NAF Abuja as Air Assistance to Chief of Air Staff from Sep 08 – May 10, Nigerian High Commission London as Deputy Defence Adviser from May 10 – Aug 12 and Ag Defence Adviser from Nov 11 – Feb 12, Defence Headquarter as Assistance Director of operation from Aug 2013 – Jan 14, 99 ACTG as Commander from 25 Jan 14 – 20 Jan 15, 75 Strike Group (75 STG) as Commander from 20 Jan 15 – 16 Feb 16, Air Component Commander of operation ZAMAN LAFIYA / LAFIYA DOLE (North East operation) from 13 Feb 15 – 16 Feb 16, doubled as Acting Deputy Theater Commander (Air Ops) for operation LAFIYA DOLE from 4 Jan 16 – 16 Feb 16, Director of Policy (DOPOL) at HQ NAF, Abuja from 16 Feb – May 27 and Director of Operations (DOO) at HQ NAF, Abuja from 27 May – 6 Sep 16, Director of Training (DOT) at HQ NAF, Abuja from 6 Sep 16 – 22 Dec 16 and Director of Operations (DOO) at HQ NAF from 22 Dec 16 – 29 Jan 18. He is presently the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command (TAC).

    He is a fighter pilot and has participated in various operations such as: Draw Down of AFISMA operation in Mali from Aug 2013 – Jan 14, operation ZAMAN LAFIYA from 20 Feb – 19 Jul 15 and operation LAFIYA DOLE (North East operations) from 19 Jul 15 – 16 Feb 16. His decorations include: Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS), General Service Medal (GSM), River Benue Star (RBS), Passed Staff College (psc) and Fellow National Defence University (FNDU) China.

    AVM Amao is happily married to Mrs Elizabeth Olubunmi Amao and they are blessed with 3 lovely boys. His Hobbies include: reading, dancing, travelling, playing volley ball and golf as well as fish farming.

  • Major shake-up in Army as COAS approves appointment, redeployment of over 100 generals

    Major shake-up in Army as COAS approves appointment, redeployment of over 100 generals

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, has approved appointment of new General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Principal Staff Officers, commandants of military institutions and corps commanders of units and formations of Nigerian Army.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima, in a statement on Saturday, said the appointment/redeployment was a normal routine aimed at re-invigorating the system.

    Yerima said that all the postings and appointments would take effect from March 10, Attahiru urged the new appointees to carry out their responsibilities in the most professional manner and with absolute loyalty to the commander-in-chief and in defence of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    The major highlights of the postings and appointments according to Yerima, include the appointment of Maj.-Gen. A.A Maikobi, as Commander, Training and Doctrine Command.

    He said that Maj.-Gen. D.C Onyemulu would move from Armed Forces Simulation Centre to Special Task Force (Operation SAFE HAVEN) as Commander, while Maj.-Gen. S.A Yaro becomes the Commandant of Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

    Yerima also disclosed that Maj.-Gen. L.A Adegboye as appointed Chief of Defence Training and Operations while Maj.-Gen. O.I Uzamere becomes the Commander, Infantry Corps Centre.

    He said that Maj.-Gen. Francis Azinta was appointed the Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. J.B Olawumi was appointed Chief of Defence Logistics and Maj.-Gen. C.C Ude becomes the Commander, Nigerian Army Training Centre.

    According to him, Maj.-Gen. G. Oyefesobi moves to Headquarters Command Army Records and appointed Commander, while Maj.-Gen. B.M Shafa becomes the Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army).

    “Maj.-Gen. K.A.K Isiyaku moves from Defence Headquarters Garrison to Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery and appointed Corps Commander Artillery.

    “Maj.-Gen. M O Uzoh moves from Nigerian Army Resource Centre to Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria and appointed Director General while Maj.-Gen. AM Aliyu was appointed Chief of Administration (Army).

    “Maj.-Gen. C.C Okonkwo moves from Special Tasks Force (Operations SAFE HAVEN) to Nigerian Army Welfare Ltd. by Guarantee as Group Managing Director, while Maj.-Gen. J.J Ogunlade becomes the Force Commander, Multinational Joint Tasks Force (MNJTF),” he said.

    Other major appointments according to Yerima include the appointment of Maj.-Gen. A.A Jidda as Chief of Logistics (Army), Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Yusuf from MNJTF to Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations as Chief of Operations.

    He said that Maj.-Gen. A B Omozoje was appointed Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, while Maj.-Gen. E.N Njoku was appointed Chief of Defence Communications; and Maj.-Gen. B.A Isandu was redeployed to Defence Intelligence Agency as Director of Operations.

    According to him, Maj.-Gen. A.M Alabi was appointed Commandant, Nigerian Army Ordnance School; Maj.-Gen. A.A Adesope appointed Chief of Account and Budget (Army); Maj.-Gen. K.I Mukhtar appointed Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Infantry and Maj.-Gen. D.H Ali-Keffi, appointed General Officer Commanding 1 Division.

    “Maj.-Gen. T A Lagbaja moves to Headquarters 82 Division as General Officer Commanding, Maj.-Gen. S Dahiru was appointed Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison while Maj.-Gen. U A Yusuf was appointed General Officer Commanding 8 Division.

    “Maj.-Gen. L.A Fejokwu from Army Headquarters Department of Administration to Headquarters 81 Division as General Officer Commanding and Maj.-Gen. A.B Ibrahim appointed Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army.

    “Maj.-Gen. J.O Ochai moves from Defence Headquarters to Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations as Director of Operations while Maj.-Gen. G.G Chibuisi moves to Headquarters, 2 Division as General Officer Commanding and Maj.-Gen. S.G Mohammed moves to Headquarters 6 Division as General Officer Commanding,” he said.

    Yerima further announced that Brig.-Gen. I.A Doma was appointed Managing Director, Nigerian Army Properties Ltd. while Brig.-Gen. A Adamu was appointed Commander, Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command and Brig.-Gen. V Ebhaleme was appointed Acting Director, Peace Keeping Operations, among others.

    “While wishing the newly posted senior officers well in their respective formations/units the Chief of Army Staff urges them to carry out their responsibilities in the most professional manner and absolute loyalty to the commander- in -chief and in defence of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

    Senior officers asked to put in papers for voluntary retirement

    Meanwhile, investigations by TheNewsGuru.com, TNG showed that some senior officers (on this same or higher level to the new Service Chiefs) were asked to turn in their letter of voluntary retirement from service.

    According to information gathered by TNG from top Military sources, Maj. Gen. Attahiru upon assumption of duties early this year mandated 16 Major Generals (who were his course mates) to put in their papers for voluntary retirement, effective Sunday, February 28.

    According to the source, the request for voluntary retirement from serving senior officers did not stop at the Army. It extended to the other two service arms; Navy and Air Force.

    The Military source in a bare it all interview with TNG said: “Towards the end of last week all Course 35 officers of the Nigerian Army still in service (16 Major Generals) who are course mates of the new Chief of Army Staff (he is NDA Regular Course 35 too) were asked to put in their papers for voluntary retirement with effect from Sunday, February 28. Same with all course 35 officers of the Air Force, where the new Chief of Air Staff is also NDA regular Course 35”.

    “In the Navy, the shake up was more seismic because the new Cheif of Navy Staff is Course 36, all Course 35 (understandably) and 36 officers were told to put in their papers. Before now the tradition had been for the seniors of newly appointed Service Chiefs of the three services to go on voluntary retirement, especially if they cannot be accommodated at Defense Headquarters (DHQ) where the Chief of Defense Staff is their senior and they can serve under him in line with military tradition. However, asking course mates to go is novel. Prior to now, where a new Service Chief has issues with some of his course mates (maybe you competed for the exalted office of Service Chief together and there is bad blood between you and such course mates), and you know you cannot work with such officers, the new Service Chief asks that they be posted to DHQ.

    But he goes on working with course mates that he has no issues with. What happened last week is dramatically different. Now, all d course mates of d three Service Chiefs have been forced out. In fact, they left on February 28.

    The excuse the Course 35 officers of the Nigerian Army and Air Force were given was that they are senior to one of the Service Chiefs i.e. the CNS, who is Course 36, and under the new dispensation they don’t want any officer senior to a Service Chief, regardless of the service they belong to, to remain in service.”

  • All you need to know about Nigeria’s newly appointed service chiefs

    All you need to know about Nigeria’s newly appointed service chiefs

    President Muhammadu Buhari has finally succumbed to public pressure to dispense with his service chiefs, who have overstayed their tenure for several years.

    Those involved are the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

    The new Service Chiefs are: Major-General Lucky E.O Irabor, Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General I. Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral A.Z Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff; and Air-Vice Marshal I.O Amao, Chief of Air Staff.

    For the records TheNewsGuru (TNG) made a compilation of the profile of the newly appointed service chiefs.

    PROFILE OF NEWLY APPOINTED SERVICE CHIEFS

    AVM Isiaka Amao (Chief of Air Staff)
    Air Vice Marshal Isiaka Amao, was born on 14 September 1965 at Enugu. He hails from Oshogbo in LGA of Osun State.

    He enlisted into the Nigerian Air Force on January 19, 1984 as a member of the 35 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy.

    He had previously served as Trainee/Squadron Pilot, NAF Unit 99 ACTG Kainji (1993-2004), Instructor Pilot/Squadron Pilot, 301 FTS Kaduna (2004-2007), Air Assistance to Chief of Air Staff, Deputy Defence Adviser, Nigerian High Commission London, Assistant Director of Operation Defence Headquarters, Director of Policy and Plans, Nigerian Air Force.

    Until his appointment as the Chief of Air Staff by the President, Muhammadu Buhari, AVM I. O Amao was the Commandant Armed Forces Resettlement Centre Lagos.

    · Major General I. Attahiru (Chief of Army Staff)

    Major General Attahiru Ibrahim, until his appointment as the Chief of Army Staff, was the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Nigerian Army.

    He was appointed to lead the offensive against Boko Haram in the North-East in May 2017.

    He was however redeployed by the then Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai after string of attacks by the insurgents, including after giving him a deadline in July to deliver Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau dead or alive within 40 days.

    · Major General Leo Irabor (Chief of Defence Staff)


    Major General Leo Irobor is from Agbor in Delta State. He was a member of the Regular Course 39 of the NDA.

    He served as a Commander Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) of the Nigerian Army, Minna.

    Major General Irabor also served as Chief of Training and Operations (CTOP) Defence Headquarters.

    He served as the theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole and headed the Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) as the Field Commander.

    The trained engineer also served as Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff.

    · Rear Admiral A.Z Gambo (Chief of Naval Staff)

    Rear Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo was born on 22 Apr 66 and hails from Nasarawa LGA in Kano State. He enlisted into the Nigerian Navy on 24 Sep 84 as a member of Regular Course 36 and was commissioned Sub-Lieutenant on 24 Sep 88.

    He is an Underwater Warfare specialist with a subspecialisation in Intelligence. The senior officer has attended several military courses which include, Sub-Technical course and Officers Long course both at NNS QUORRA. He also attended Junior Division 48/89 and Senior Course 26 both at AFCSC Jaji.

    Other courses attended include the National Defence Course at the South African National Defence College. Until his recent appointment as the CNS, he was the Director of Procurement at the Defence Space Administration.

  • BREAKING: Ex-Chief of Air Staff Nsikak Eduok is dead

    BREAKING: Ex-Chief of Air Staff Nsikak Eduok is dead

    Former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Nsikak Eduok is dead.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG gathered that Eduok died Wednesday night at age 73 but not from COVID-19 complications as widely circulated.

    According to family sources, Eduok died from kidney related illness which had kept him on the hospital bed for many months before he finally breathed his last Wednesday night (yesterday).

    “I can tell you categorically that his death has nothing to do with Coronavirus. The man has been on the hospital bed for some time now. He was suffering from kidney related illness,” the source said.

    Meanwhile, family sources also hinted that the death of the former Air Force chief was yet to be made known to the public.

    “We (family) are waiting for the state government to officially inform the Nigerian Air Force first, it is after that his death will be officially announced by the state government,” said the source.

    Eduok’s death comes barely a week after that of Wing Commander Idongesit Nkanga, another retired Air Force officer and former Military Administrator of Akwa Ibom State who died from COVID-19 related ailments.

    Born on July 11, 1947, Nsikak-Abasi Essien Eduok was born at Ibesikpo Asutan local government in Akwa Ibom State.

    After his education, he began working for VON for a short while as a studio manager. In 1968 Nsikak enrolled in the NAF as a probable pilot.

    Air Marshal Nsikak Eduok obtained his first military exercise from the Nigerian Defence Academy before going for his principal flying training in 1970. In 1971 after completing his principal training he went through the Basic Flying training course and emerged the best overall student.

    In that same year he was assigned Second Lieutenant. Between 1971 and 1986 he attended several flying courses which included Advanced and Tactical Flying training course, Aircraft Accident Investigation course, MiG-21 Conversion Course in the Soviet Union, Advanced Staff Course in United Kingdom.

    In 1991, he attended USAF Air War College in Alabama where he graduated in 1992. Between 1975 and 1976, Nsikak Eduok was the first Operations Officer of the Makurdi Strike Group. He was Commanding Officer of NAF Station, Enugu and the first Commander of the 75th Fighter Squadron.

  • Buhari’s Minister marries Chief of Air Staff secretly in Abuja

    Buhari’s Minister marries Chief of Air Staff secretly in Abuja

    Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, has reportedly married Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff in Abuja.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the wedding is coming a year after the minister was rumoured to have married President Muhammadu Buhari.

    According to a report by Daily Trust, the wedding Fatiha held on Friday, September 18, 2020, at the Maitama Juma’a Mosque in Abuja as confirmed by multiple sources.

    The report added that the event was a private affair as one of the sources disclosed that “very few people were invited to attend the wedding Fatiha because (of) the couple.”

    “Those close to them didn’t want to publicize the issue”, the source added.

    The report added that Abubakar and Farouq have been dating for “a while” as revealed by the source.

    “They have been in a relationship for a while and what happened on Friday has put to rest all the speculations about her relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari,” the source told Daily Trust.

  • Boko Haram: Abubakar hails military, says ‘they have done well securing North-east from insurgents’

    The Chief of Air Staff, Sadique Abubakar, on Friday said the military had successfully stabilised and secured the North-east from Boko Haram insurgents.

    Mr. Abubakar, an Air Marshal, said this in Port Harcourt at a skills acquisition and vocational training graduation ceremony for 150 youth .

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the training was organised by the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association, NAFOWA.

    He attributed the success to recent air and ground bombardments of Boko Haram stronghold as well as combined efforts of other members of the Armed Forces.

    “We are not aware of any national security issue (in the North-east). What I am aware of is that we have done substantially well in stabilising and securing the North-east.

    “Looking at Maiduguri itself, you will never believe that there was any security challenge there. This is so because there is no security challenge.

    “What we are just doing is to mop up what is still remaining (insurgents). We are doing substantially well and making substantial progress.

    “We had the Operation Ruwan Wuta – a ten-day bombardment day-and-night operation that substantially reduced suicide bombings and eliminated organised attacks (by insurgents),” he said.

    The chief of air staff said the military had recorded several successes in the North-east and in other regions of the country since the current administration took office in 2015.

    He commended NAFOWA for its support to the less privileged, particularly the assistance provided to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the country.

    The President of NAFOWA and wife of the Chief of Air Staff, Hafsat Abubakar, said the association was particularly concerned with the welfare of women, widows and youth in IDPs camps .

    Mrs. Abubakar said that 150 women and youth received various skills and vocational training that lasted for over ten weeks.

    “The beneficiaries were trained in fashion designing, catering and confectioneries production, hairdressing and barbing, computer appreciation, cinematography, event decoration, leather shoes, make up and makeover.

    “Others include; photography and videography, DSTV installation, interior decoration and soft furnishing, aluminium doors and windows fabrication, boots and bags fabrication and detergents and disinfectants production.

    “Our hope is that when you actually empower a woman, you have empowered the whole family because women are the bedrock of the family while youths are the future,” she said.

    She said the association had so far trained and empowered over 800 women and youth across the country with vocational skills that would enable them to create wealth.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the beneficiaries received sewing machines, electric ovens, hair dryers, laptop computers and make-up kits, among other starter packs.

    Victor Aniete who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, said they would use the training and working tools to fend for their families and create employment for others.

    NAN