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  • BREAKING: Major shake-up hits Nigerian Air Force; senior officers redeployed

    BREAKING: Major shake-up hits Nigerian Air Force; senior officers redeployed

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Friday announced a major shake-up, redeploying senior officers, including new branch chiefs, air officers commanding, spokesperson and others.

    According to a statement by Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, Director of Public Relations and Information, the redeployment is part of routine exercise aimed at re-invigorating operational effectiveness and enhancing service delivery of the NAF.

    The NAF appointed new Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs), Commandants of Tri-Service Institutions and other functionaries, including a new Spokesperson.

    The newly appointed Branch Chiefs are Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Dahiru Sanda, who is now the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans (CDPP), Defence Headquarters (DHQ), AVM Remigus Ekeh, erstwhile Chief of Standards and Evaluation Headquarters NAF (HQ NAF), who is now appointed Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP), HQ NAF, former AOC Mobility Command (MC), Yenagoa, AVM Ibukun Ojeyemi, is now appointed as the Chief of Air Intelligence (CAI), HQ NAF, while AVM Mahmud Madi has been appointed as the Air Secretary, HQ NAF.

    Also affected by the new appointments are AVM Mahmoud Ahmed, who is now the Chief of Defence Transformation and Innovation (CDTI), DHQ, AVM Cletus Udeagulu is now the Chief of Communication Information Systems (CCIS), HQ NAF while AVM Isah Muhammad is appointed Chief of Administration, (COA), HQ NAF. AVM Pam Chollom has been appointed as the Chief of Logistics (CLOG), HQ NAF, while the former AOC, Air Training Command (ATC), Kaduna, AVM Musa Mukhtar has been moved to HQ NAF as the Chief of Aircraft Engineering (CAcE). The immediate past AOC, Tactical Air Command (TAC), Makurdi, AVM Olusegun Philip is now Chief of Standards and Evaluation (COSE), HQ NAF.

    In the same vein, the erstwhile COPP, HQ NAF, AVM Mohammed Idris has been appointed Commandant, Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi, the former Director of Plans, HQ NAF, AVM Ebenezer Alade, has been appointed Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, AVM Musibau Olatunji, erstwhile CAcE, now appointed as the Commandant Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna, while AVM Ibrahim Ali now takes over as the Commandant Air Force War College (AFWC), Makurdi. AVM Idi Lubo, former Director of Policy, has been appointed AOC TAC, Makurdi.

    AVM Jackson Yusuf is now the AOC ATC, Kaduna, AVM Aliyu Bello is now the AOC MC, Yenagoa while AVM Sunday Makinde, former College Secretary, National Defence College (NDC), is now the AOC, Logistics Command (LC), Ikeja. AVM Frank Oparah is appointed as the AOC Ground Training Command, Enugu while AVM Peter Uzezi is now the Director General, Defence Research and Development Bureau, DHQ.

    Former Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), AVM Ibikunle Dramola has been appointed as the Director of Plans, HQ NAF. AVM Garba Abubakar is appointed as the new Group Managing Director, NAF Holding Company, AVM Emmanuel Wonah as the Coordinator Project Implementation Monitoring Team, HQ NAF while former Commandant, AFCSC, AVM Abubakar Liman, is now the Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence, Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA). AVM Mfon Ekpoh has been redeployed to the Nigerian Defence Academy as Deputy Commandant while AVM Emmanuel Chukwu has been appointed as the College Secretary, NDC.

    Furthermore, AVM Abraham Adole is appointed as the Deputy Theatre Commander, Operation LAFIYA DOLE (OPLD) while Air Commodore (Air Cdre) Nnamdi Ananaba, takes over as the Air Component Commander OPLD.

    Also, Air Cdre Dauda Prayero has been appointed as the new Chairman Air Expo and International Liaison Secretariat while Air Cdre Olabode Babalola takes over as the Chief of Medical Services (CMS), HQ NAF. Air Cdre Edward Gabkwet has been appointed as the new NAF Spokesperson.

    The newly appointed and redeployed senior officers are expected to take over their new offices not later than Thursday, 11 March 2021.

  • JUST IN: NAF announces burial date for victims of plane crash

    JUST IN: NAF announces burial date for victims of plane crash

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Wednesday said its seven personnel who died in last Sunday’s plane crash in Abuja will be buried Thursday, at the National Cemetery in Abuja.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that a NAF aircraft, Beechcraft KingAir BB305i, crashed on Sunday afternoon, as a result of engine failure.

    The victims include: 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).

    Prominent Nigerians including President Muhamamadu Buhari, Minister of Defence, Magashi Salihi, have all condoled the NAF family, describing the death of the seven personnel as a national tragedy.

    Meanwhile further investigations into the remote and immediate causes of the crash has commenced.

  • Nigerian Air Force gives update on crashed aircraft

    Nigerian Air Force gives update on crashed aircraft

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says its Beechcraft King Air B350 aircraft crashed while returning to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after reporting engine failure enroute Minna.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, AVM Ibikunle Daramola, announced this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
    According to the statement, first responders are at the scene, but sadly, all the seven personnel on board died in the crash.
    He said that the Chief of Air Staff, AVM Oladayo Amao, had directed an immediate investigation into the incident.

    He urged the public to remain calm and await the outcome of investigation.
    Amao, on behalf of all NAF personnel, commiserated with the families of the deceased, the statement said.

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

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

  • BREAKING: Six dead as Nigerian military aircraft crashes in Abuja (+Video)

    BREAKING: Six dead as Nigerian military aircraft crashes in Abuja (+Video)

    The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika has announced that a military aircraft King Air 350 has crashed on the runway in Abuja.

    Reports reaching TheNewsGuru (TNG) indicate that six occupants of the aircraft died in the crash.

    He disclosed this in a tweet on Sunday, saying the accident appears fatal.

    He said, “A military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure en-route Minna. It appears to be fatal. We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of the investigation by the military, while we pray for the departed soul/souls if any.”

    Details later…

  • Insecurity: NAF expecting 15 aircraft, eight drones, says ex-CAS

    Insecurity: NAF expecting 15 aircraft, eight drones, says ex-CAS

    The immediate past Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar has said that the 15 aircraft and eight drones being expected by the Nigeria Air Force would reposition the service in addressing the security challenges facing the nation.

    According to him, the air force now has enhanced research and development capacity through its partnership with 15 Nigerian universities aimed at addressing certain aircraft maintenance challenges.

    Speaking during the fly out ceremony at the NAF Base, Airport road, Abuja, on Tuesday, the 20th CAS, who served for five years, six months and 13 days explained that his administration had added value to what it met in 2015 as well as contribute to the security and development of the nation.

    He said, “In the last five years, we have been able to restructure and reposition the Nigerian Air Force into a highly professional and disciplined force.

    “The flag of the Nigerian Airforce is today flying high from Agatu to Gembu to Gusau to Katsina to Daura to Owerri to Birin Gwari, Ipetu Ijesha, Kerang, Gombe and Bauchi. By the special grace of God Funtua will soon join up.

    “I am confident that with the 15 aircrafts and eight unmanned combat aerial vehicles we are expecting in no distant future, the service will be better positioned to be more decisive in addressing the security challenges facing the nation.”

    He noted that the NAF would be able to employ air power more effectively, efficiently and timely in all theatres of operations across the country.

    Abubakar congratulated the new Chief of the Air Staff and urged the personnel of the airforce to continue to give their best in the service of their fatherland.

    The retired air marshal encouraged his successor to sNAFustain and build on the initiatives he put in place in the last five years.

    “The service through this initiative has trained and winged 133 pilots who today constitute 49 per cent of all active NAF pilots that are fighting in different theatres of conflicts to secure our country and protect our people.

    “Another 21 pilots will be completing their training before the end of the first quarter of 2021 to join their comrades in the fight to defend our territorial integrity and national sovereignty,” he said.

    The fly out ceremony witnessed a parade by NAF personnel and ended with the former CAS flown out of the NAF Base in a helicopter to symbolize his exit from service.

  • NAF acquires three aircraft for maritime operations in Niger Delta

    NAF acquires three aircraft for maritime operations in Niger Delta

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has acquire three new aircraft for maritime operations in the Niger Delta.

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, disclosed this at the inauguration of a block of 30 one-bedroom living quarters and Computerized Tomography Scan facility for officers at the 115 Special Operations Group in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

    He said the acquisition of three additional aircraft was part of the ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to re-equip and professionalise the air force.

    “We are expecting three Special Mission Aircraft that will be based in Benin, Edo, but will be operating into Port Harcourt, among other areas in the maritime environment.

    “So, for this to happen, we decided to provide accommodation for those that would maintain the aircraft when they are deployed.

    “The idea is to work ahead, so that at the time the aircraft are here, personnel should be able to come in and then maintain the aircraft,” he said.

    The air force chief said the building of accommodation and welfare provision for personnel at 115 Special Operations Group was paramount due to its critical role to national security.

    He said the base significant role as NAF’s ‘home of helicopter’ prompted the need to build a reference hospital to cater for health needs of personnel.

    “The reference hospital has a dialysis machine (for kidney patients), and now, a CT scan machine, among other facilities for both our personnel and their family members.

    “This ensures that personnel fighting in our theatres of operations are not distracted, knowing that the air force base has what it takes to care for his family,” he added.

    On COVID-19 pandemic, Abubakar said the air force is currently producing about 1,000 litres of liquid oxygen daily from its oxygen plant in Yola, Adamawa.

    He said that 50 per cent of excess oxygen produced at the plant is supplied to hospitals in Abuja and in neighbouring states to support the national effort to curb COVID-19.

    “So, what we are doing is giving the excess oxygen to fill cylinders of all medical facilities that are willing to submit their cylinders.

    “We have produced ventilators through research and development as well as opened a facility here in Port Harcourt that produces face masks and other Personal Protective Equipments.

    “In addition, we have flown equipment and other medical facilities to 13 West African countries in support of the fight against the pandemic,” he pointed out.

  • NAF loses personnel in gun duel with Zamfara bandits

    NAF loses personnel in gun duel with Zamfara bandits

    The Nigerian Air force (NAF) said it has lost one of its Special Forces Personnel, Aircraftman Sunday Enwa.

    Enwa according to NAF lost his life during a gun battle with bandits near Yar Katsina, Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    In a Press Release made available to TheNewsGuru.com on Monday by NAF Spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola disclosed the troops pursued the bandits and cornered them at the Maje Riverline, neutralizing 30 of them.

    The statement reads;
    “Troops of Sector 1 of Operation HADARIN DAJI have neutralized no fewer than 30 armed bandits at the Maje Riverline near Yar Katsina under Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State. This was achieved when the troops from Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) at Kekuwuje, Kwatarkwashi and Maru, comprised mostly of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Special Forces (SF) personnel, were mobilized in response to reports that scores of armed bandits, along with a large number of rustled livestock, were spotted heading towards Kekuwuje-Yar Kastina Road.”

    “The troops made contact with the armed bandits along the Yar Katsina Road and overpowered them with superior firepower in the ensuing gun battle….”

    “Unfortunately, one NAF SF personnel, Aircraftman Sunday Enwa, who fought gallantly during the encounter, paid the supreme price while 3 others, who sustained gunshot wounds during the operation, have been evacuated for medical treatment.

    The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on behalf all officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of the NAF, commiserates with the family of the fallen hero and prays that the Almighty God grants his soul peaceful repose. The CAS also urges all NAF personnel to remain resolute and continue to work assiduously, in synergy with sister Services and other security agencies, to rid the Northwest of all criminal elements.”

  • NAF destroys new Boko Haram settlement in Borno

    NAF destroys new Boko Haram settlement in Borno

    The Air Task Force of the Operation Lafiya Dole has destroyed a new Boko Haram settlement in Borno State.

    According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Coordinator Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters, Major-General, John Enenche, the latest feat was achieved on January 1 at Mana Waji of the state.

    “Air interdiction missions being conducted by the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole have continued to deal decisive blows on terrorist elements operating in the North East Zone of the Country with the elimination of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) and destruction of their structures and logistics store,” the statement read in part.

    “The airstrikes, which were executed employing a force package of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets and helicopter gunships, were carried out after series of aerial surveillance missions revealed that the new settlement was being used to store their weapons and logistics items and as well as plan and stage attacks. On sighting the NAF aircraft, the insurgents were seen fleeing the location.

    “Consequently, in a preemptive move, the NAF attack aircraft engaged the new location in successive passes, leading to the destruction of some of the structures and logistics stores. Several insurgents were also neutralized in the process”.

  • NAF speaks on role played in Kankara boys rescue [Photos]

    NAF speaks on role played in Kankara boys rescue [Photos]

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said it special forces and medical team served a significant role in the rescue operation that led to the freedom of the abducted school boys of GSSS Kankara Kastina state.

    In a statement made available to TheNewsGuru.com, TNG on Friday, the Airforce said it launched it Air offensives within 24 hours after the abduction of the boys on 11th December, 2020.

    The Airforce also shared pictures to back it’s claim.

    The statement reads;

    “Three hundred and forty four boys abducted from Government Science Secondary School (GSSS) Kankara, Kastina state on 11 December 2020 were safely returned to the Kastina State Government House this Morning, escorted by a Combined team of personnel from various Security Agencies with air cover provided by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

    As from the early hours of 12 December 2020, the NAF deployed additional air assets, including additional intelligence and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, to Kastina to Provide Persistent surveillance over Kastina and Zamfara states while carrying out Offensive air actions to deny the abductors freedom to carry out actions.

    NAF Medical team were also part of the team that provided immediate medical care for the boys after their release from the forest, while àdditional special forces NAF personnel, where also deployed to provide support….”

  • Insecurity: Super tucano aircrafts on the way from USA – NAF

    Insecurity: Super tucano aircrafts on the way from USA – NAF

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft project is on track to be delivered to the country on schedule and in accordance with the Terms of the Contract.

    The airforce in a statement released by Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, said currently, 6 of the expected 12 aircraft have been produced and are presently being employed for conversion training of 6 NAF pilots.

    He stated that the 6 NAF pilots who are in the USA, along with 26 NAF engineers, technicians and logisticians are also undergoing various trainings on the aircraft as part of the provisions of the contract.

    The NAF was responding to reports that the subsisting contractual agreement between the Nigerian Government and the United States of America (USA) for the supply of 12 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, for which payment has been made, is in jeopardy due to “bad runway” at the 407 Air Combat Training Group (407 ACTG), Kainji.

    “The NAF wishes to state that the reports, which were purportedly drawn from remarks made by the Vice Chairman Senate Committee on Air Force while briefing the Senate Appropriation Committee on the 2021 NAF Budget proposal, were clearly taken out of context.

    “For the avoidance of doubts, it is necessary to state that the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft project is on track to be delivered on schedule and in accordance with the Terms of the Contract.

    “Currently, 6 of the expected 12 aircraft have been produced and are presently being employed for conversion training of 6 NAF pilots who are in the USA, along with 26 NAF engineers, technicians and logisticians, who are also undergoing various trainings on the aircraft as part of the provisions of the Contract.

    “Another set of 35 personnel are also scheduled to join them early next year. In addition, a team from the USA is currently in Kainji overseeing the construction of critical infrastructure provided in the Contract ahead of the delivery of the aircraft.

    “Meanwhile, the about 40-year old 407 ACTG Kainji Runway, which has been in use for more than the number of years estimated as its lifespan, has been earmarked for resurfacing. In this regard, the National Assembly, through the Senate and House Committees on Air Force, as well as the Federal Government are working assiduously to secure funding for the resurfacing.

    “The United States Government, on its part, has also assured of its commitment to delivering the 12 aircraft within the agreed timelines, while the NAF will continue to work to emplace necessary infrastructure to ensure that the aircraft can be effectively utilized immediately they arrive the Country.

    “The NAF therefore wishes to appreciate both the Senate and House Committees on Air Force and other agencies of the Federal Government for their continued support that has enabled the Service to fulfill its constitutional roles.

    “Similarly, the NAF is grateful to the United States Government for its support and commitment towards ensuring the success of the Super Tucano project. Whilst also thanking the media for their usual support, the NAF wishes to urge circumspection in reportage in order not to raise unnecessary alarm,” the statement reads.