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Tag: naf

  • Nigerian Air Force recruitment is free – Official

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says its ongoing recruitment process is completely “FREE OF CHARGE” and executed in an equitable and transparent manner.

    Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, announced this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    Daramola said Information reaching the NAF indicated that some unscrupulous individuals were extorting money from unsuspecting applicants/candidates under the false impression that they can guarantee their eventual recruitment into the Service.

    He said the ongoing 2019 NAF Trades/Non-trades Men and Women Recruitment Exercise is completely free of charge.

    “The NAF wishes to reiterate that the entire NAF recruitment process is completely FREE OF CHARGE and executed in an equitable and transparent manner.

    “Applicants are NOT required to pay money to anyone for any purpose throughout the process.

    ” Accordingly, the general public, and especially applicants, are strongly advised NOT to have any dealing with anyone demanding money as a guarantee for recruitment into the Service.

    “Therefore, no applicant is required to make any payments to any individuals or bank accounts at any time during the recruitment process.

    “The NAF, while taking action to apprehend the perpetrators of the illegal activities, wishes to advise applicants who are solicited to make any payments to promptly report such to the nearest NAF Unit, Nigeria Police Post or through the following phone numbers/email address.

    “The Phone numbers are: 09064432351, 09055840142, 08053440802 (available Monday – Friday between 8:30a.m and 5:30p.m) and Email: careers@airforce.mil.ng.”

  • JUST IN: NAF helicopter crashes in Katsina

    The Nigeria Air Force has confirmed the crash of its Helicopter that was returning from a combat mission in Katsina.

    It, however, said no life was lost in the crash which occurred at about 3.30pm today.

    The NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement that the Air Force Chief has ordered a probe of the incident.

    Daramola said:” A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Helicopter has crashed in the process of landing while returning from an anti-armed banditry combat mission in the Northwest Theatre under Operation HADARAN DAJI.

    ” Details of the cause of the incident, which occurred at the Katsina Airport at about 3.30pm today, 12 June 2019, are still scanty. However, there was no loss of life, either of persons on board the helicopter or on the ground.

    ” The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has immediately directed the constitution of a Board of Inquiry to determine the exact cause of the incident.

    ” The NAF continues to solicit the understanding and support of the general public as it daily strives to ensure the security of Nigeria and Nigerians.”

  • Air Force degrades Boko Haram terrorists in Borno

    The Nigerian Air Force yesterday said scores of Boko Haram Terrorists have been degraded in northern Borno following air strikes at their hideouts.

    Its spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement that the strikes were conducted after intelligence information had established their presence in the area.

    “In continuation of its sustained air strikes against remnants of Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements on the fringes of Lake Chad, the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has severely degraded a terrorists’ hideout at Abaganaram in Northern Borno State.

    “The attack, which took place yesterday, 31 May 2019, was executed following the discovery of the active terrorists’ settlement by a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform on a routine mission.

    Accordingly, the ATF scrambled 2 Alpha Jet aircraft to attack the location, scoring accurate hits on 3 target compounds, which resulted in the destruction of the structures as well as the neutralization of some of their fighters.

    The NAF, operating in concert with surface forces, will sustain the effort to completely degrade the terrorists in the Northeast.”

  • 2019 NAF day: Buhari commissions two new combat helicopters [Photos/Video]

    2019 NAF day: Buhari commissions two new combat helicopters [Photos/Video]

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday unveiled two Agusta 109 Power Attack Helicopters recently delivered by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), to mark its 55th anniversary.

    Buhari, who was represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, said he was happy to be part of the celebration, which was held at Eagle Square, Abuja.

    He said that it was part of the federal government’s commitment to equipping of the armed forces in order to tackle insecurity and protect Nigerians.

    ‘’ As part of our continued commitment to equip the armed forces toward tackling insecurity and protecting our citizens, after this parade today, I will induct into the Service of the Nigerian air force 2 x Agusta 109 Power Helicopters which were recently delivered.

    ‘’ These helicopters and other additional helicopters expected to arrive in the next few months will surely boost performance of the Nigerian air force constitutional roles.

    ‘’ I, therefore charge you to redouble your efforts toward protecting our national interests, while at the same time degrading national security threats,’’ he said

    The president said the NAF had been fulfilling its constitutional mandate of preserving Nigeria’s territorial integrity through the employment and projection of air power.

    ‘’ Aside the role of preserving territorial integrity, the Nigerian air force has also been playing vital roles in Peace-Keeping Operations on the African continent,” he said.

    He also acknowleged the role played by the NAF in airlifting of electoral materials.

    ‘’ These remarks will not be complete without acknowledging the roles played by the Nigerian air force in the just concluded general elections.

    ‘’ I am aware of the efficient airlift of electoral materials as well as aerial surveillance conducted by the Nigerian air force which contributed to the success of the elections.

    ‘’ This went a long way in checkmating the activities of electoral saboteurs and other criminal elements.

    ‘’I therefore use this opportunity to commend the armed forces and other security agencies for a job well done,’’ Buhari said

    He said he was impressed by the display and professionalism put up by the officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian air force at the ceremonial parade.

    ‘’ Military parades of this nature have been a way of determining soldierly qualities and troops’ cohesion.

    ‘The March-Past was elegantly conducted with precision and the parade was generally colourful.

    ‘’ This is an epitome of discipline and excellent military posture, which are hallmarks of a modern fighting force.

    ‘’ I am further excited by the aerial display by the Nigerian air force airplanes. The displays demonstrate Nigerian air force’s commitment to achieving high standards of operational readiness.

    ‘’This ceremony will leave an indelible impression in my memory and indeed in the memories of all of us here present,’’ he said.

    The president commended the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, and his team for the commendable leadership they provided for the Nigerian air force.

    ‘’ As a country, we are particularly proud that in less than four years, we have been able to revitalise our armed forces for the full restoration of Nigeria’s territorial integrity that was once violated by Boko Haram insurgents.

    ‘As the air arm of the armed forces, the Nigerian air force has continued to play very crucial roles in degrading the fighting capabilities of the Boko Haram Terrorists in the North-East where our officers, airmen, soldiers and ratings have performed gallantly,’’ he said.

  • Insurgency: UK trains over 2,000 NAF Special Forces

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said the British Military Assistant Training Team has assisted the Service in the training of Regiment personnel as well as over 2,000 Special Forces to enhance Force Protection capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force.

    The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, made this know during the NAF Day 2019 Lecture on Saturday in Abuja.

    The Lecture is one of the activities lined up by the NAF to celebrate its 55th anniversary.

    The air chief noted that the Service has grown in size, spread and equipment holding in a bid to fulfill its statutory obligations of protecting and defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria from the air.

    ” In the area of force protection, the British Military Assistant Training Team has assisted the Nigerian Air Force in the training of Regiment personnel as well as over 2,000 Special Forces to enhance Force Protection capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force,” he said

    Abubakar noted that the service was also doing so much in further developing and improving her capacity for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions.

    “This era also had the Nigerian Air Force expanding its reach through establishment of units in many of the troubled areas such as Zurmi Local Government of Zamfara , Nguroje in Taraba , Agatu in Benue among others.

    ‘’Albeit, these efforts may not yield expected results if proper integration with sister Services; which form the Land and Sea components of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, is not achieved.

    The air chief said that the choice theme is apt, relevant and timely ‘’ in view of contemporary challenges the nation is facing.’’

    ‘’ Our gathering at an intellectual forum like this will go a long way in eliciting cogent resolutions that will pave way for a seamless integration of our operations.

    He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his continued show of uncommon commitment to meeting the needs of the Nigerian Air Force.

    In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, represented by Mr Peter Ashibe, the Director Air Force, in the ministry of Defence, said the NAF had transformed over the years.

    Dan-Ali said “Appraising NAF activities in retrospect while keeping current realities in mind, it gives me great joy to note the speedy rate at which the NAF has metamorphosed into an efficient arm of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.’’

    ‘’ Its fortunes have steadily improved operationally and administratively to the extent that the Nigerian Air Force of today is progressively building capacity and capabilities to effectively respond to internal security challenges, while efficiently projecting air power in defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity,’’ he said.

    The minister thanked Abubakar for the great strides and numerous successes recorded so far by the NAF.

    ‘’ The tremendous successes the Service has achieved under your watch, most especially in the enhancement of the welfare of personnel, conduct of air operations, manpower development and overall service delivery are really remarkable,’’ he said.

  • Air Force destroys Boko Haram workshop in Sambisa forest

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday said its Air Task Force (ATF) for Operation Lafiya Dole has destroyed some vehicles and neutralized some Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) at a suspected vehicle workshop in Sambisa Forest, Borno State.

    The spokesman of the NAF, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said the operation was conducted on 24 April 2019, after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform on a routine mission observed significant activities as well as some serviceable vehicles.

    Accordingly, the ATF scrambled an Alpha Jet to attack the location.

    “Overhead the target area, some of the BHT fighters were seen attempting to flee the location but were taken out by the Alpha Jet’s successful strikes, which also caused the destruction of two vehicles and other equipment at the workshop,” he said.

    The spokesman said the NAF, operating in concert with surface forces, would sustain its operations to completely degrade the terrorists in the North-East.

  • NAF to acquire 18 new aircraft in 2020

    NAF to acquire 18 new aircraft in 2020

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is to acquire additional 18 aircraft by 2020 to boost its air assets.

    Air Commodore Nnamdi Ananaba, the Chairman, Organising Committee for the 2019 NAF Day Celebration, disclosed this at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The brands of the aircraft, according to him, are 4 X A-109 Power and 1 X Mi-35M, 1 X AW139 helicopter and 12 Super Tucano.

    Ananaba said: “On acquisition of platforms, the NAF within the last three years has taken delivery of 16 brand new aircraft (10 X Super Mushshak, 4 X Mi-35M and 2 X Bell 412 helicopters).

    “Another 18 (4 X A-109 Power and 1 X Mi-35M, 1 X AW139 helicopter and 12 Super Tucano) are either expected soon or have been paid for and are expected to be inducted into service in 2020.’’

    He also said 14 grounded aircraft such as the Falcon 900, ATR-42, Beechcraft, Super Puma, EC-135 Do-228, Mi-35P, F-7 and L-39 had been reactivated.

    He said that with hindsight NAF had realised that it had a lot to celebrate and showcase.

    Ananaba said NAF had metamorphosed from being a service which, during the civil war, rolled bombs out of aircraft by hand, to one that is highly professional and equipped.

    He said that the air force was now equiped with advanced aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) capable of precision strikes from as far away as 250 kilometres.

    “There has obviously been a remarkably change, much of which was achieved within the last three and half years.

    “The NAF has winged 90 pilots in the last three years, while 68 others are in training both at home and abroad.

    ‘’ Over 7,000 personnel have been trained in different specialties and these include over 4,000 regiment personnel and 1,000 Special Forces personnel who have been actively involved in combat operations with the army.

    ‘’ Through all these, there have been operational gains in several internal security operations in the country,” he stated.
    Ananaba said government was committed to achieving lasting peace, security and national unity.

    He said the priority of the NAF lay in the consolidation of the gains of employment of its assets in support of internal security, especially at present, a crucial stage in the history of the nation.

    The NAF Day celebration 2019, tagged ‘’NAF@55, is scheduled to take place in Abuja from April 27 to April 29.

    Ananaba said the anniversary would also enable the air force to show the Nigerian taxpayers what it was capable of doing.

    The chairman said the theme of 2019 NAF day was “Building Capability for Defence of Nigeria’s Air Space while Responding to National Security Imperatives.”

    He said the highpoint of the celebration would be the ceremonial parade and Order of Battle (ORBAT) flying past at the Eagle Square.

    “This promises to be a thrilling event. It will involve a march past and silent drill by personnel of the 6 NAF Commands as well as a capability display by NAF Special Forces and NAF K-9 Unit,’’ he said.

    The chairman further said the various aircraft in the NAF inventory would fly past to salute President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigerians.

    ‘’Thereafter, the latest aircraft to be acquired by this administration will be unveiled by the president,’’ he added.

    Ananaba said other activities earmarked for the celebrations included: Juma’at prayers and interdenominational church service which would hold on April 26 and April 28, respectively, across all NAF units.

    “Medical outreach will also be conducted across all NAF Units and formations for people living within host communities.

    “This will afford the NAF the unique opportunity of giving back to the society as part of Nigerian Air Force social responsibility.

    ‘’It will also be a viable medium to appreciate Nigerians for their support and goodwill over the years,’’ he added.

  • Boko Haram: NAF takes delivery of two Agusta power attack

    Boko Haram: NAF takes delivery of two Agusta power attack

    The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of two Agusta 109 power attack helicopters to boost the fight against insurgency, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar announced on Monday.

    He added that the helicopters are currently being assembled and would be inducted during the forthcoming 55th anniversary of the Air Force.

    According to a statement by the Air Force spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, the CAS broke the news to front line troops in Maiduguri while celebrating Easter.

    Air Commodore Daramola explained that the Air Chief reminded the troops that there is so much at stake hence the need for troops to clear up remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents from their hideouts.

    The statement reads: “The luncheon, which is in keeping with the CAS’ tradition of celebrating festive periods with frontline troops, afforded him the opportunity to interact with the troops in an informal setting to appreciate them for their sacrifices in the fight against insurgency, thereby boosting their morale while also filling the void created by their inability to celebrate the season with their families.”

    He added that Air Marshal Abubakar expressed delight to be in Maiduguri and commended the resilience and commitment of the troops in ensuring that Nigeria and Nigerians are safe.

    The CAS was as saying that with the support of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as the National Assembly, the Air Force would continue to acquire new platforms and build human capacity whilst ensuring the welfare of personnel, in order to effectively and efficiently respond to national security imperatives.

    He specially commended the Commander, officers, airmen and airwomen of the ATF for the successes recorded in the fight against the terrorists within the OPLD Theatre as well as in the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Operation YANCIN TAFKI.

    Air Commodore Daramola said: “He equally commended the ATF Commander for the various value adding welfare projects that had been executed to enhance the wellbeing of personnel.

    “The CAS reminded the personnel that so much was at stake in the fight to rid the Nation of insurgents, terrorists, armed bandits and other criminal elements.

    “Accordingly, he urged them to remain resolute while intensifying their efforts and maintaining continuous vigilance to defend the liberties and values Nigerians hold so dear.

    “Air Marshal Abubakar seized the opportunity to thank the government and people of Borno State as well as the Shehu of Borno and other traditional rulers in the State for their continued support to the NAF through the ATF OPLD.

    “He equally appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for his unflinching support to the NAF by ensuring the enabling environment and providing the necessary resources for the Service to perform its assigned duties.”

  • Banditry: Zamfara monarchs apologise to NAF over allegations of killing innocent citizens in airstrike

    The Chairman, Zamfara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Attahiru Ahmad, has apologized to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) over its recent allegations that innocent citizens were killed in the state during air strikes by personnel of the Air Force.

    The Chairman Council of Chiefs, who is also the Emir of Anka, made the apology when a seven-man high powered investigation team led by AVM Idi Lubo visited him at his palace in Anka on Saturday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the traditional rulers had, a fortnight ago, alleged that air strikes on suspected bandits camps hit at and killed innocent citizens in some parts of the state.

    The emirs spoke at a press briefing through the Emir of Bungudu, Alhaji Hassan Attahiru.

    This followed an emergency meeting they held in reaction to an earlier accusation by the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mansur Dan Ali, that some high ranking traditional rulers were conniving with the bandits.

    The Emir of Bungudu also followed up the claim with the release of the names of some persons who were killed in the air strikes.

    The Emir of Anka, however, said “the council regrets the embarrassment caused by the press briefing because it was not targeted at the Air Force or the army but at our own son, the Minister of Defence, who wrongly accused us of complicity in the bandits activities in the state.

    “l apologize over whatever embarrassment the statement may have caused and from now, we have drawn a line, there won’t be anything like that again, and I want to appeal that care should be applied while tracking the bandits and when they run from your fire power into the community, the land army should take over so as to avoid killing the innocent.

    “Out of the 17 emirate councils that we have in the state, mistakes occurred in only four and the submissions we made were gathered in the last two years, l also want to state that nothing happened on innocent citizens in the last six months in the state,” he said.

    While speaking on the list of killed persons that was later released by the Emir of Bungudu, the Chairman of the Council of Chiefs said: “The Emir of Bungudu is not the spokesman of the council even though he read our press briefing that day.

    “The list of victims that he released to the press on a later day did not emanate from me nor was I aware of it as the Chairman, l will only take responsibility because l am the Chairman”.

    He then assured that the traditional council would continue to support security agencies in the fight against armed banditry in the state and urged the army to go and occupy deserted villages where some of the bandits were hiding.

    Earlier, leader of the team, AVM Idi Lubo, said the team was in the state to investigate the true position of the allegations in order to avoid future occurrance.

    “We have also come with condolence letter from the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar, in case some innocent people were killed in our encounter with bandits.”

  • Zamfara Emirs make U-turn, apologise to NAF over killings allegations

    The Chairman, Zamfara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Attahiru Ahmad, has apologized to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) over its recent allegations that innocent citizens were killed in the state during air strikes by personnel of the Air Force.

    The Chairman Council of Chiefs, who is also the Emir of Anka, made the apology when a seven-man high powered investigation team led by AVM Idi Lubo visited him at his palace in Anka on Saturday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the traditional rulers had, a fortnight ago, alleged that air strikes on suspected bandits camps hit at and killed innocent citizens in some parts of the state.

    The emirs spoke at a press briefing through the Emir of Bungudu, Alhaji Hassan Attahiru.

    This followed an emergency meeting they held in reaction to an earlier accusation by the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mansur Dan Ali, that some high ranking traditional rulers were conniving with the bandits.

    The Emir of Bungudu also followed up the claim with the release of the names of some persons who were killed in the air strikes.

    The Emir of Anka, however, said “the council regrets the embarrassment caused by the press briefing because it was not targeted at the Air Force or the army but at our own son, the Minister of Defence, who wrongly accused us of complicity in the bandits activities in the state.

    “l apologize over whatever embarrassment the statement may have caused and from now, we have drawn a line, there won’t be anything like that again, and I want to appeal that care should be applied while tracking the bandits and when they run from your fire power into the community, the land army should take over so as to avoid killing the innocent.

    “Out of the 17 emirate councils that we have in the state, mistakes occurred in only four and the submissions we made were gathered in the last two years, l also want to state that nothing happened on innocent citizens in the last six months in the state,” he said.

    While speaking on the list of killed persons that was later released by the Emir of Bungudu, the Chairman of the Council of Chiefs said: “The Emir of Bungudu is not the spokesman of the council even though he read our press briefing that day.

    “The list of victims that he released to the press on a later day did not emanate from me nor was I aware of it as the Chairman, l will only take responsibility because l am the Chairman”.

    He then assured that the traditional council would continue to support security agencies in the fight against armed banditry in the state and urged the army to go and occupy deserted villages where some of the bandits were hiding.

    Earlier, leader of the team, AVM Idi Lubo, said the team was in the state to investigate the true position of the allegations in order to avoid future occurrance.

    “We have also come with condolence letter from the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar, in case some innocent people were killed in our encounter with bandits.”

    NAN reports that the team was taken round stakeholders by the Commander of the 207 Quick Response Group in the state, Squadron Leader Sunkanmi Thomas.