TheNewsGuru

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  • REVEALED: Aircraft that killed Chief of Army Staff second to crash in fleet of 4

    REVEALED: Aircraft that killed Chief of Army Staff second to crash in fleet of 4

    …two crashes in less than 3 months

    …at least 20 killed as fear grips military

    It has been revealed that the aircraft that crashed, killing the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru is the second in a fleet of four aircraft registered at same time to crash within a space of less than three months.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) gathers that the Chief of Army Staff died in a crashed King Air 350 aircraft, the same variant of aircraft that crashed in February, killing all seven Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officers on board.

    The crash of the King Air 350 military aircraft that killed the Chief of Army Staff, and ten other persons has sent fear over the Nigerian military of possible fatal crashes occurring in the near future.

    The names of those who died along with the Chief of Army Staff were given as Brig Gen MI Abdulkadir, Brig Gen Olayinka, Brig Gen Kuliya, Major LA Hayat, Major Hamza, Sgt Umar.

    Others are pilot FLT LT Taiwo Olufemi Asaniyi, who is said to have plans to marry in a few weeks; co-pilot Flt. Lt Alfred Olufade, who had his wedding two months ago, and also Sergeant Adesina and ACM Oyedepo, among the crew.

    With the development, at least 20 military officers have lost their lives in the last three months in three crashes involving Nigerian military jets.

    Recall that in February, NAF confirmed the crash of a Beechcraft King Air 350 military aircraft, the same variant of aircraft that crashed killing Attahiru and the 10 others on Friday.

    The February incident occurred while the Beechcraft King Air 350 military aircraft was returning to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after reporting engine failure enroute Minna.

    The aircraft departed Abuja on a Sunday, in the morning, before it crashed, killing all the persons on board.

    According to the Twitter handle of Sen. Hadi Sirika, Minister of Aviation, the aircraft reported engine failure at 10.39 a.m. and crashed landed on the final approach path of Abuja Runway 22.

    All the seven personnel on board died in the crash, and the then Chief of Air Staff, AVM Oladayo Amao directed an immediate investigation into the incident, but the outcome of the investigation was yet to be made public.

    The victims included: Flight Lieutenant Haruna Gadzama (Captain), Flight Lieutenant Henry Piyo (Co-Pilot), Flying Officer Micheal Okpara (Airborne Tactical Observation System (ATOS) Specialist) and Warrant Officer Bassey Etim (ATOS Specialist).

    Others were: Flight Sergeant Olasunkanmi Olawunmi (ATOS Specialist), Sergeant Ugochukwu Oluka (ATOS Specialist), and Aircraftman Adewale Johnson (Onboard Technician).

    Also, in March, NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said an Alpha-Jet aircraft involved in the anti-terror war against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province lost radar contact in Borno State.

    Two officers were onboard the missing jet which was later declared crashed and the whereabouts of the two airmen unknown till date.

    The King Air 350 military aircraft

    TNG reports there are different variants of the King Air 350 aircraft designed and manufactured by Beechcraft Augsburg, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation.

    The King Air 350 aircraft was first manufactured by Beecrhcraft Aviation in 1963, and expanded in 2008 for multi-civility purposes.

    The multi-mission King Air 350ER aircraft is a derivative of King Air 350 and it is the most preferred because it is designed to fly a unique mission profile as it incorporates advanced technology and a unique and flexible mission package.

    The 350ER has a maximum takeoff weight of 16,500 pounds, 1,500 pounds higher than the standard King Air 350.

    That extra takeoff weight allows the 350ER to pack on another 1,581 pounds of fuel for a total capacity of 5,192 pounds.

    The King Air 350ER aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-60A engines, which each generate 1,050hp.

    The aircraft can fly at a maximum cruise speed of 578km/h, offers a maximum range of 4,361km and has a service ceiling of 10.66m.

    It has an overall length of 14.22m, height of 4.37m and wing span of 17.65m. It has a maximum ramp weight of 7,530kg, take-off / landing weight of 7,484kg and maximum zero fuel weight of 7,110kg.

    It can carry a maximum payload of 1,361kg and useful load of 2,903kg. The maximum fuel capacity is 2,355kg.

    The King Air 350ER features spacious cabin that offers superior comfort and convenience.

    The cabin is 5.94m long, 1.45m high and 1.37m wide. It can accommodate two crew and up to eleven passengers. It can be optionally fitted with two additional fold up seats.

    The 350ER is developed to perform a range of special missions for the military and law enforcement authorities.

    The aircraft can be deployed to conduct search and rescue, intelligence, reconnaissance, target acquisition, military transport/utility, aerial patrol, fishery inspection, training, pollution monitoring, seaway/shipping lane surveillance, law enforcement, air ambulance missions and other special operations.

    The standard price of a 350ER is about $7.2 million, which is about $1 million more than the standard King Air 350. The empty weight of the 350ER is higher than the regular 350, but the engines and wings are the same.

    An obvious special mission for an airplane with such fuel capacity is observation where loitering aloft with a big load of sensors is the goal. The 350ER can easily stay on station for more than 12 hours.

    Another reason people want a 350ER is to reach destinations where fuel supply is not available. The big turboprop can fly into rugged, out of the way runways to deliver or pickup people or cargo and have enough fuel to make the return trip.

    So, what is going wrong?

    With the death of the Chief of Army Staff on Friday and the death of seven naval officers in February, this is the second time two Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft in a fleet of four, acquired by the federal government of Nigeria, will crash.

    While many have asked why the aircraft keeps crashing, till date, the investigation directed by the former Chief of Air Staff on the crash of the Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft in February was yet to be made public.

    Beechcraft, maker of the King Air 350 had touted the special mission military aircraft as very reliable, and no words from the manufacturer of any defects, but there is apprehension in the air.

    Beechcraft received a contract from the Iraqi Air Force to deliver five King Air 350ER aircraft for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, in March 2007.

    In November 2008, the US Air Force (USAF) awarded a $171m order to Beechcraft for 23 King Air 350ER aircraft.

    In early 2014, the Mexican Navy Secretaría de Marina (SEMAR) signed a contract with Beechcraft for the delivery of four aircrafts.

    The aircraft is also in service with the US Marine Corps.

    Nigeria has four of that aircraft, two that have crashed fatally, but what is going wrong is not known.

    TNG reports the four Beechcraft King Air 350 owned by the Nigerian military are tagged NAF201, NAF202, NAF203 and NAF204.

    In February, NAF201 crashed in Abuja and killed all seven Airforce men on board as reported. Now, NAF203 has crashed, killing everyone onboard, including Attahiru, the Chief of Army Staff.

    Presently, there is fear in the military with the remaining aircraft, NAF202 and NAF204. Many have said it is time to ground NAF202 and NAF204 to avoid further fatal crashes from the fleet.

    Concerned Nigerians call for independent investigation

    Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor has directed that an Accident Investigation Board be constituted to unravel the immediate and remote cause(s) of the unfortunate accident.

    In a similar vein, a pro democracy and human rights group known as Concerned Nigerians for the Protection of Human Rights and Rule of Law initiative has enjoined President Muhammadu Buhari to employ the services of Independent Air Accident experts to investigate the cause of Nigerian Air Force jet that killed Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, General Ibrahim Attahiru and others.

    The group in a statement made available to newsmen said, the cause of the plane crash that claimed the lives of the Chief of Army Staff and other military generals must be thoroughly investigated by independent Air Accident experts.

    The statement reads in part:

    “Our heartfelt condolences are with the families of the Chief of Army Staff, the Airforce crew and other generals who lost their lives in the ill-fated crash that occurred in Kaduna International Airport.

    “We call on the president to launch an inquest into the cause of the crash that claimed the lives of some of our finest officers by employing the services of an Independent Air Accident experts. It can not be a coincidence that three Nigerian Airforce jets have crashed in a space of 3 months. Something is fundamentally wrong somewhere and the onus is on the president to uncover this mysterious crashes”.

    The group through its convener, Deji Adeyanju also stated that it appears the various security agencies have been compromised.

    “We are worried that the security agencies may have been compromised. We have always condemned the idea of granting former Boko Haram fighters amnesty and the dire consequences of enlisting them into the army and other security forces.

    “The cabinet of the president and our security agencies are filled with terrorist sympathizers. Unless the president rids his administration of these unscrupulous elements that have infiltrated his cabinet, the war against insurgency will continue to be a mirage.

    “Moreover, we are calling on the president and his Vice to suspend every traveling activities by air pending the outcome of a comprehensive report on the numerous Airforce plane crashes by the Independent Air Accident experts earlier recommended,” the statement added.

    Adeyanju prays almighty God grant all the victims of the crash and galant officers who lost their lives fighting for Nigeria, eternal repose.

  • NAF neutralizes armed bandits in Kaduna

    NAF neutralizes armed bandits in Kaduna

    Aerial patrols, show-of-force to be sustained over Kaduna metropolis, major routes and other locations of interest.

    According to the Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, the air component of Operation Thunder Strike conducted a series of aerial missions across several locations, as reported in operational feedback from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to the Kaduna State Government.

    Armed reconnaissance was conducted over Erena, Kusasu, Kuduru, Kulefe, Kusherki and Shiroro in neighboring Niger State as well as Chikun and environs, in Chikun local government area. Bandits were seen fleeing Kaduna State part of Kusasu (in Chikun LGA) on motorcycles. They were trailed by the crew and subsequently neutralized.

    Following this, armed reconnaissance was conducted along the Kaduna-Abuja expressway, Olam Farms, Rugu, Akilbu, Polewire Rijana, Katari, Jere and adjoining settlements. Normal human activities and free flow of traffic were observed along the highway and rail line. All locations scanned were reported calm with no threats observed.

    Additionally, strike aircraft carried out operations over Jan Birni, Birnin Gwari local government area, which was observed to be active with bandits. The targets were attacked by the aircraft, and was subsequently confirmed that some bandits were indeed taken out and the camp set ablaze and destroyed.

    A second mission was flown over another identified camp in the area, which was also attacked, set ablaze and completely destroyed by two strike aircraft.

    Thereafter, a show-of-force was carried out by the aircraft over the Birnin Gwari general area, Kaduna metropolis and Zaria. Normal human activities were observed along the expressways and rail lines.

    The operations continued as aircraft conducted armed reconnaissance and show-of-force over Birnin Gwari, Kaduna metropolis and Zaria. Free flow of traffic was similarly observed along the expressways and rail line. Normal activities were reported within the metropolis as citizens observed the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations without incident.

    Afterwards, a show-of-force was conducted over Gwagwada, Gadani, Chikun, Kusasu, Iburu, Zamba, Shiroro, Kuta, Kwatayi and Erena, spanning Chikun, Kachia and Kajuru LGAs. All locations covered were reported calm with no threats observed.

    These air operations, which include air interdiction, armed reconnaissance and patrols are set to be sustained over the coming days over Kaduna metropolis and other areas of interest in the state. Major highways will also be covered, including the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari, Kaduna-Abuja, Kaduna-Zaria, Kaduna-Kachia and Kaduna-Afaka roads.

    Receiving the feedback, Governor Nasir El-Rufai commended the crews for the successful missions, and thanked them for their proactive operations.

  • Insecurity: We’ve acquired enough air power to protect Nigeria’s integrity – NAF

    Insecurity: We’ve acquired enough air power to protect Nigeria’s integrity – NAF

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said it has acquired enough armament in the last 57 years to stave off any external aggression against Nigeria’s sovereignty.

    Briefing journalists as part of activities to mark NAF 57 anniversary, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar, prided that in the last five years, the Nigerian Air Force has inducted 25 aircrafts to boost it air capabilities.

    Another platform, JF-17! Thunder aircraft will also be inducted to expand NAF’s airpower in commemoration of the anniversary.

    He said this year’s anniversary with the theme ‘Enhancing Nigerian Air Force Airpower Capabilities for Effective Joint Operations in Response to Contemporary National Security Challenges’ is aimed at “emphasizing the renewed focus on cooperation and collaboration among the Services in military operations.”

    Abubakar also informed that the theme is in tandem with the vision of the Chief of Air Staff’s vision to “enhance and sustain critical airpower capabilities required for joint Force employment in pursuit of national security imperatives”.

    According to him, “you will agree with me that the Nigerian Air Force has grown over the years into a formidable Force within the West African sub-region and it is only rational to celebrate its existence as well as the laudable achievements recorded over the years”.

    Abubakar disclosed further that “one unique activity that will be carried out during this year’s anniversary is the launching of the Nigerian Air Force tele-medicine facility in Abuja.

    “The aim of establishing the facility is to enhance provision of excellent medicare to personnel and their dependants as well as civilian beneficiaries at the lowest cost”.

    This year’s anniversary according to Abubakar will be a low key event “but structured to enlighten Nigerians of the efforts of the NAF in the fight against insurgency.”

  • Killing of soldiers in accidental air strike under investigation – Air Force

    Killing of soldiers in accidental air strike under investigation – Air Force

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said it is currently investigating the reports of alleged killing of over 20 Nigerian Army personnel in an air strike at Mainok, which is about 55km to Maiduguri, Borno State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports some visuals surfaced on the Internet on Monday of how NAF by accident in an air strike targeting Boko Haram insurgents killed the soldiers on Sunday.

    According to reports, the soldiers, who were reinforced from Ngandu village, were said to be on their way to Mainok, headquarters of the Kaga Local Government Area of the State.

    The area was under attack by militants from the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), formerly known as Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād; hence the reinforcement.

    A source told SaharaReporters that the reinforcement team of the Nigerian Army sent to the community was mistakenly bombed by an Air Force fighter jet.

    “The Boko Haram terrorists disguised in military uniform and gained access to the camp. They came in different groups and could not be counted.

    “The Nigerian Army were pinned down, they requested for reinforcement, the reinforcement got on their way only to get smoked by the Nigerian Airforce.

    “The (reinforcement team) was coming from Ngandu and were killed by an airstrike. The Air Force mistook them for Boko Haram as both were cladded in similar military uniform and operational vehicles,” the source said.

    Meanwhile, NAF has said Investigation into the alleged incident has started.

    “The attention of the @NigAirForce has been drawn to reports alleging “How NAF Killed over 20 Nigerian Army Personnel by Accident in Air Strike” at Mainok which is about 55km to Maiduguri.

    “The NAF wishes to state that visuals and reports being circulated are being investigated and the generally public will be duly updated on the alleged incident.

    “All enquiries should please be directed to the Office of the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force or forwarded to info@airforce.mil.ng,” a statement by NAF reads.

  • Boko Haram claims responsibility for crashed NAF fighter jet

    Boko Haram claims responsibility for crashed NAF fighter jet

    Boko Haram militant group has claimed responsibility for the shooting down of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jet that went missing on Wednesday.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that NAF had earlier today said the fighter jet may have crashed with whereabouts of its two pilots still largely unknown.

    The Alpha light attack jet was on a mission to support troops fighting militants in Borno state when it lost radar contact on Wednesday, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said.

    Nigeria’s military have been battling jihadists in the northeast of the country for more than a decade and have recently been fighting them in their stronghold in Sambisa forest in Borno state.

    The video, which could not be verified as at press time, was released on a Boko Haram social media channel showing a militant standing on what the group claims is the wreckage of the jet. It shows the Nigerian flag and number NAF 475 on its fuselage.

    “Nigeria air force jet fighter… was sent to Sambisa to fight the Mujahideen,” the militant said.

    The air force said on Friday that the jet may have crashed. It said the cause of the crash and the whereabouts of the two crew onboard were unknown.

    “Search and rescue efforts are still ongoing by NAF surveillance aircraft as well as NAF Special Forces and Nigerian Army troops on ground,” its statement said.

    “At this point, the NAF is not ruling out anything regarding the incident. It however remains hopeful that the crew would soon be found and rescued.”

  • Identity of pilots in NAF Alpha Jet that went off radar revealed

    Identity of pilots in NAF Alpha Jet that went off radar revealed

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has revealed the identity of the two pilots inside the Alpha Jet aircraft (NAF475) that went off radar.

    Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information made this known in a statement on Friday.

    He revealed the identity of the two pilots as Flight Lieutenant John Abolarinwa and Flight Lieutenant Ebiakpo Chapele.

    According to the statement, the Alpha Jet might have crashed, but the whereabouts of the two pilots remain unknown.

    The statement reads: “Intelligence report gathered by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) indicates that the Alpha Jet aircraft (NAF475) that went off the radar with 2 crew members on board on 31 March 2021 might have crashed.

    “The cause of the crash as well as the whereabouts of the 2 pilots remain unknown. The pilots are Flight Lieutenant John Abolarinwa and Flight Lieutenant Ebiakpo Chapele.

    “Extensive search and rescue efforts are still ongoing by NAF surveillance aircraft as well as NAF Special Forces and Nigerian Army troops on ground.

    “At this point, the NAF is not ruling out anything regarding the incident. It however remains hopeful that the crew would soon be found and rescued”.

  • BREAKING: Missing NAF fighter jet crashes, fate of two pilots onboard unknown

    BREAKING: Missing NAF fighter jet crashes, fate of two pilots onboard unknown

    Information reaching TheNewsGuru.com, TNG on Friday morning has it that the missing Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha-Jet has crashed.

    The crash of the jet was confirmed few minutes ago by the Director of Public Relations and Information Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodre Edward Gabkwet in a social media post.

    According to post, the fate of the two pilots aboard the jet is unknown but the NAF search team is on a mission to find them.

    Read full post below:

    UPDATE ON MISSING NAF ALPHA JET AIRCRAFT

    Intelligence report gathered by the Nigerian Air Force indicates that the Alpha Jet aircraft (NAF475) that went off the radar with two crew members on board on 31 March 2021 might have crashed.

    The cause of the crash as well as the whereabouts of the two pilots remain unknown. The pilots are Flight Lieutenant John Abolarinwa and Flight Lieutenant Ebiakpo Chapele

    Extensive search and rescue efforts are still ongoing by NAF surveillance aircraft as well as NAF Special Forces and Nigerian Army troops on ground. At this point, the NAF is not ruling out anything regarding the incident.

    It however remains hopeful that the crew would soon be found and rescued.

    EDWARD GABKWET

    Air Commodore Director of Public Relations and Information

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the fighter jet with two crew members lost contact with radar around 5pm on Wednesday.

    It was on an interdiction mission in support of ground troops in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in Borno State, where Boko Haram is hottest.

     

  • NAF commences search for missing fighter jet in Borno

    NAF commences search for missing fighter jet in Borno

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has raised a search and rescue team for its missing Alpha-Jet.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the fighter jet with two crew members lost contact with radar around 5pm on Wednesday.

    It was on an interdiction mission in support of ground troops in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in Borno State, where Boko Haram is hottest.

    Meanwhile, the Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Oladayo Amao visited Borno State where he was briefed on the incident.

    Amao, who arrived in the state barely a day after the incident occurred on Wednesday evening, was briefed on ongoing search and rescue efforts in connection with the missing aircraft.

    He appealed to NAF pilots, engineers, and technicians on the ground to remain undeterred and resolute in their commitment to ensuring that peace was returned to the North East.

    NAF Director of Public Relations and Information Edward Gabkwet dismissed insinuations that the aircraft was gunned down by terrorists.

    He said: “Rescue and search mission has started and whatever we find out will be made public. So we should discountenance with all the insinuations,” he added.

  • 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.

  • We are coming after you, Air Chief warns bandits

    We are coming after you, Air Chief warns bandits

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Isyaka Amao, has assured Nigerians of the readiness of the military to deal decisively with bandits, kidnappers and other criminals across the country.

    Amao who was on operational visit to the Nigerian Air Force Base in Kaduna, said on Wednesday that the military would deal with all criminals terrorising the people.

    During the maiden operational visit, the CAS also paid a courtesy visit on Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State.

    “Our officers and men are ready for the battle against bandits and kidnappers,” he said, adding that the visit was mainly to assess the operational readiness of the personnel.

    He said that President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered the military to ensure that people go freely to their farms during the rainy season without any security threat.

    “We are working towards that in synergy, the platforms are ready for the operations and we are liasing with the Army and other ground troops for the operations.

    “My message to bandits is that we are coming after them together with the Army, Navy and other security agencies to make sure the they are flushed out of the country”, Amao said.

    He stated that the welfare of the NAF personnel would be accorded full priority, to ensure motivation and deligence in the discharge of their duties.

    “Welfare entails providing the personnel with equipments, conducive training environment and where they live and to make sure they are given their entitlements”, he said.

    The CAS, therefore, charged the personnel on loyalty, dedication and discipline in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

    Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command, AVM Jackson Yusuf said the visit would be a morale booster to the command and would ensure more successes in the fight against insecurity.