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Tag: Edward Gabkwet

  • JUST IN: No helicopter crashed In Kaduna — NAF clarifies

    JUST IN: No helicopter crashed In Kaduna — NAF clarifies

    The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has clarified the claims that its aircraft crashed in Kaduna State.

    The NAF disclosed this in a statement, signed by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal, Edward Gabkwet, on Monday disclosed that its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) had experienced a mishap after take-off for a mission.

    It was earlier reported that a helicopter belonging to the NAF had crashed in the wee hours of Monday, in Tami village, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna.

    However, speaking on the matter, the NAF said: “Contrary to reports on social media as well as on a handful of traditional media outlets that a NAF helicopter had crashed in Kaduna earlier today, 1 July 2024, be informed that no helicopter crash occurred.

    “Instead, a NAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) experienced a mishap after take-off for a mission, at a location near Rumji Village and about 15 Km from Base. Since it is an unmanned vehicle, there were no casualties on board or on ground.”

    The NAF further noted that preliminary investigation has commenced to ascertain the cause of the mishap while assuring Nigerians the “minor setback” will not impinge on all ongoing operations.

    The Air Force further cautioned the spread of unverified information saying, “It should also be pointed out that the propensity to always rush to press in the name of ‘breaking news’ without a hold of the complete facts should be discouraged in its entirety.

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

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

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

  • NAF postpones recruitment for Trades, Non-Tradesmen/women

    NAF postpones recruitment for Trades, Non-Tradesmen/women

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has shifted the 2024 zonal attitude test for recruitment of Trades and Non-Tradesmen/women, from Jan. 6 to Jan. 13.

    This contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Thursday in Abuja.

    Gabkwet urged all applicants to note that all other details remained unchanged.

    “This is to inform applicants and the general public that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) recruitment zonal attitude test for Trades and Non-Tradesmen/women, earlier scheduled for Jan. 6 will now be held on Jan. 13.

    “The NAF regrets all inconveniences this postponement may have caused applicants,” he said.

     

  • NAF air strikes hit oil thieves, terrorists

    NAF air strikes hit oil thieves, terrorists

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the air component of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) and Operation Hadin Kai carried out successful air interdiction missions on some illegal refining sites and terrorists hideouts in Niger Delta and North East regions.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, on Sunday in Abuja.

    Gabkwet said the air interdictions were in continuation of efforts aimed at containing the activities of terrorists, militants and other criminal elements bent on destabilising the nation and making life unbearable to peace-loving Nigerians.

    He said the air component of OPDS had on Aug. 27, carried out air interdiction missions on some illegal refining sites located at Cawthorne Channels, Bille and Gogokori in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers.

    He said that illegal refining sites were attacked and destroyed in the area.

    He said that a Cotonou boat observed to be loaded with illegal refined products and heading into open waters was also engaged and destroyed at Gogokori.

    According to him, similar strikes were also extended to Idama in Akuku‐Toru Local Government Area and Omoma in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers upon receipt of intelligence of refining activities at the two locations.

    Gabkwet said that overhead both locations, active illegal refining sites with reservoirs suspected to contain illegally refined products were sighted, adding that the reservoirs were subsequently engaged, destroyed and engulfed in flames.

    He said that identified militants/pirates’ camps identified as Big Joe’s Camp, Sunny’s Camp, Davids’ Camp in Bakassi Local Government Area and Amos Camps in Calabar South Local Government Area in Cross River were on Aug. 25, attacked by the air component of OPDS.

    He added that the air strikes were authorised after confirming the locations to be littered with these criminals and their activities.

    “Those that attempted to escape through their various escape routes were also attacked.

    “In one of the suspected kidnappers’ camps, a lone structure suspected to be harbouring some kidnapped victims with armed men roaming around the structure was also attacked using guns on board the aircraft.

    “The strikes led to pandemonium with several kidnapped victims seen escaping,” he said.

    In the Northeast, thebNAF spokesman said that strikes were conducted on Aug. 25 at Chinene, a persistent terrorists’ hideout in Mandara mountains which had been struck on several occasions in the past.

    He said the location was struck with several terrorists neutralised having observed that the area had continually hosted gathering of terrorists and their activities, adding that others fled for their lives.

    According to him, NAF aircraft have continued to give the requisite outcome while denying non-state actors the freedom to perpetrate their nefarious acts at will.

    “While the NAF alongside other security agencies remain focused in undertaking their assigned tasks, the need for all Nigerians to see themselves as part of the solution to these challenges through the provision of actionable information to security agencies cannot be overemphasised,” he urged.

  • NAF reacts over viral video of alleged site of crashed helicopter

    NAF reacts over viral video of alleged site of crashed helicopter

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reacted to a viral video allegedly of the site where its NAF MI-171 helicopter crashed in Niger State.

    NAF, reacting, stressed incidences of fatalities, mishaps and crashes are sometimes inevitable for all military organisations involved in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Following reports of the crashed NAF helicopter, a video clip circulated on social media allegedly depicting the wreckage of the crashed NAF MI-171 helicopter with bodies of victims at Chukuba Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger.

    Gabkwet said it was not in the character of the NAF to respond to such claims, particularly one peddled by terrorists.

    He, however, added that concerns expressed by well-meaning Nigerians on the need to address the propaganda became imperative.

    “For the NAF, the last eight years has seen an increased level of air operations in efforts at checkmating the nefarious activities of terrorists and criminal elements in the country.

    “With heightened levels of air operations, occasioned by an enhanced fleet, the likelihood of air mishaps and accidents at times become unavoidable and inevitable due to various reasons.

    “Indeed, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar said this much when he hosted Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger State, on Tuesday.

    ”The air chief noted that the rates of aircraft accidents/incidences are directly proportional to the heightened level of air operations,” he said.

    NAF spokesman said that the service would never shy away from unravelling the probable cause of the crash with a view to drawing lessons.

    He added that NAF regretted such unfortunate incidents, especially as they involve the loss of lives of personnel.

    He urged those aiding and abetting the propaganda tendencies of terrorists, deliberately or inadvertently, by spreading the videos of the alleged crash site with gory pictures of dead military personnel to have a rethink.

    According to him, the need to have a rethink on the consequences of their actions on the morale of troops, families of deceased personnel as well as on Nigeria’s national security is imperative.

    “For the NAF and indeed the entire members of the Armed Forces, our resolve and determination to bring the current security situation in Niger State and indeed all troubled spots in the country remains unshaken.

    “In fact, if anything, we are determined more than ever before, to take on the enemy frontally until they are brought to their knees,” he said

    He called on all Nigerians to continue to support the Armed Forces of Nigerian and other security agencies as we all jointly confront our common enemies.

  • Villagers abandon homes over crashed NAF helicopter

    Villagers abandon homes over crashed NAF helicopter

    Villagers in Chukuba community of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger have fled to neighbouring areas of Erena, Zumba and Gwada in Shiroro, following a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) helicopter crash in their area.

    Alhaji Akilu Ishaku, Chairman of Shiroro Local Government, who disclosed this in Minna on Monday, said he received the information of the air crash from the security personnel in the area, Village Head of Galkogo and other stakeholders in the area where the incident occurred.

    “As the chief security officer of Shiroro Local Government, I have received reports of an aircraft crash, but the report did not state exactly who the aircraft belongs to.

    “The name of the village where the crash happened is Badna village under Kwaki Chukuba ward. The people claimed they saw flame from a distance and saw that it was a helicopter that was on fire,” Alhaji Ishaku said.

    The Council boss disclosed that the incident made people from the area flee in droves for safety as a result of fear and were taking shelter in Erana, Zumba and Gwada.

    Recall that NAF had in a statement by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, on Monday in Abuja, confirmed one of its aircraft crashed in Chukuba village in Niger state.

    He said the aircraft departed Zungeru Primary School en route to Kaduna but was later discovered to have crashed in a village in Shiroro LGA of Niger.

    The air force said the aircraft was on a casualty evacuation mission when the crash happened.

    The statement said “a Mi-171 helicopter on a casualty evacuation mission crashed at about 1:00 p.m. at Chukuba village in Niger.

  • NAF breaks silence on crashed helicopter in Niger

    NAF breaks silence on crashed helicopter in Niger

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced that its MI-171 helicopter on casualty evacuation mission on Monday crashed at about 1.00 pm near Chukuba village in Niger.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

    Gabkwet said the aircraft had departed Zungeru Primary School enroute Kaduna but was later discovered to have crashed near Chukuba Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger.

    He said that efforts were on to rescue the crew and passengers on board the helicopter, while preliminary investigations have commenced to determine the cause of the crash.

  • BREAKING: NAF eliminates well known terrorist leader operating in Kaduna

    BREAKING: NAF eliminates well known terrorist leader operating in Kaduna

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says its Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch has eliminated a well-known terrorist leader, identified as Alhaji Shanono operating in Kaduna State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information made this known in a statement on Wednesday following a visit of Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao to the State.

    According to Gabkwet, the Chief of Air Staff was in Kaduna to review ongoing operations and give further directives.

    He disclosed that the elimination of Shanono followed receipt of intelligence on 9 August 2022, who had scheduled a meeting with his foot soldiers at Ukambo, a village about 131 km from Kaduna.

    Gabkwet stated: “…the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch dispatched aircraft for interdiction mission at the location.

    “Overhead the location, terrorists were sighted under clusters of trees at the foot of Ukambo high ground and after ensuring the absence of civilian settlements within the location, the crew received the authorization to strike.

    “Feedback from local sources disclosed that over 30 rifles and 20 motorbikes were destroyed while about 18 terrorists, including Alhaji Shanono, were neutralized while others sustained various degree of injuries.

    “Sources also revealed that not less than 26 kidnapped victims earlier held by the terrorists were released as a result of the airstrike”.

    The NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information also stated that similar strikes were also undertaken in the Northeast as well.

    “There, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai had their tasks well cut out for them as they have been fully engaged in conducting air interdiction missions on terrorists’ targets in Borno State.

    “One of such operations was conducted on 6 August 2022 at Gazuwa, about 1.2 kilometers to Gargash, after intelligences revealed that infighting for relevance and supremacy was underway between terrorists of the Shekau faction and terrorists aligned to Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP).

    “The state of confusion and disorder among the 2 terrorists’ factions thus presented an opportunity for a surprise strike by NAF pilots which was carried out using 2 aircraft types.

    “It should be noted that though the map coordinates led the pilots to the exact site of the infighting, the location also had an ISWAP flag hoisted on the structure and 3 solar panels on the rooftop.

    “Intelligence received and corroborated by local sources revealed the strike was a success as the terrorists did not anticipate it with several eliminated and others injured”.

    Read the full statement below:

    CAS REVIEWS ONGOING AIR OPERATIONS IN KADUNA AS TERRORISTS’ KINGPIN ALHAJI SHANONO, OTHERS ARE NEUTRALIZED IN AIRSTRIKES

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, was back to Kaduna earlier today 10 August 2022 to review ongoing operations and give further directives. This is even as intensive air operations endured in the entire military theatres of operation as NAF aircraft continue to seek and decimate enemies of the state in their attempts to make life unbearable for innocent Nigerians. From the briefings received by the CAS, it is evident that so far, the directives given to the operational commanders is yielding the requisite outcome. Air Marshal Amao, in addressing the commanders, reminded them of the need to remain steadfast and focused on the task ahead. ‘We can’t afford to let down our guards’, he said.

    In the Northwest specifically, the effect of strikes undertaken by NAF aircraft have revealed that several terrorists’ have been eliminated and their enclaves destroyed. One of such strikes which occurred yesterday, 9 August 2022 resulted in the elimination of a well known terrorist leader operating in Kaduna State. Indeed, following receipt of intelligence on 9 August 2022 that a well known terrorists’ kingpin, Alhaji Shanono, had scheduled a meeting with his foot soldiers at Ukambo, a village about 131 km from Kaduna, the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch dispatched aircraft for interdiction mission at the location. Overhead the location, terrorists were sighted under clusters of trees at the foot of Ukambo high ground and after ensuring the absence of civilian settlements within the location, the crew received the authorization to strike. Feedback from local sources disclosed that over 30 rifles and 20 motorbikes were destroyed while about 18 terrorists, including Alhaji Shanono, were neutralized while others sustained various degree of injuries. Sources also revealed that not less than 26 kidnapped victims earlier held by the terrorists were released as a result of the airstrike.

    Similar strikes were also undertaken in the Northeast as well. There, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai had their tasks well cut out for them as they have been fully engaged in conducting air interdiction missions on terrorists’ targets in Borno State. One of such operations was conducted on 6 August 2022 at Gazuwa, about 1.2 kilometers to Gargash, after intelligences revealed that infighting for relevance and supremacy was underway between terrorists of the Shekau faction and terrorists aligned to Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP). The state of confusion and disorder among the 2 terrorists’ factions thus presented an opportunity for a surprise strike by NAF pilots which was carried out using 2 aircraft types. It should be noted that though the map coordinates led the pilots to the exact site of the infighting, the location also had an ISWAP flag hoisted on the structure and 3 solar panels on the rooftop.

    Intelligence received and corroborated by local sources revealed the strike was a success as the terrorists did not anticipate it with several eliminated and others injured. The impact of the strikes is said to have reverberated through the remaining terrorists’ camps who are beginning to realize that they are fighting an unjust and lost cause that will no doubt lead to their death. Most are said to be contemplating surrendering just like others before them.

    Edward Gabkwet
    Air Commodore
    Director of Public Relations and Information
    Nigerian Air Force
    10 August 2022

  • JUST IN:NAF’s combat Aircraft on routine mission in Northeast disappears from radar

    JUST IN:NAF’s combat Aircraft on routine mission in Northeast disappears from radar

    A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft on routine mission in North-east has lost radar contact.

    In a terse release, the Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet confirmed the incident.

    The release read, “A NAF aircraft on routine mission in support of own troops at one of the Theatres of Operation in the Northern part of Nigeria has lost radar contact.”

    The DOPRI, however, noted that efforts were currently ongoing to locate its whereabouts, adding that more “details to follow”.

    He did not state how many people were on aboard.

    Gabkwet said the plane was “on routine mission in support of own troops at one of the Theatres of Operation in the Northern part of Nigeria”.

    “Efforts are currently ongoing to locate its whereabouts. Details to follow”.

    Gabkwet did not specify whether the aircraft was lost in the North east or Northwest or even the North central part of Nigeria.

    The Nigerian Air Force is engaged in various operations in the conflict zones, to give ground troops support.

    On 21 February, an Air Force plane on a mission to Minna Niger state crashed in Abuja.

    All the six persons aboard the B350 aircraft died as it crash-landed on the final approach path of Abuja Runway 22.

    The Nigerian Air Force is one of Africa’s largest.

    In its fleet are 8 Chinese Chengdu F-7s, 13 Dassault-Dornier Alpha Jets, 3 JF-17 Thunders Block II with more on order.

    It will soon receive six of the 12 Super Tucano aircraft ordered from US.

    It has also placed an order for 24 M-346 FAs, Helicopter gunships, armed attack drones and military transport aircraft.