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  • NAF to acquire additional 49 aircraft in 2 years – CAS

    NAF to acquire additional 49 aircraft in 2 years – CAS

    The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) would receive additional 49 aircrafts within  the next two years to bolster it’s  operations.

    Abubakar made this known during the induction of two newly acquired Agusta 109S Trekker Helicopters as part of activities marking the 61st Anniversary of the NAF, on Friday in Abuja.

    “The two helicopters being the first batch of the 12 in the order, was inducted by President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima,” NAN reports.

    He said  said the 49 aircraft being expected include 10 additional A-109S trekkers, 12 AH-1 Zulu attack helicopters, 24 M-346 attack and ground attack aircraft, and three Kata 295 medium airlift aircraft.

    “These acquisitions will significantly bolster our precision strike, ground attack, and air mobility capabilities, to support our counter terrorism, and counterinsurgency operations.

    “The dynamic security landscape of our nation demands an agile, well-equipped and responsive Air Force capable of rapid deployment across multiple theatres.

    “This reality underscores the need for continuous investments in modern platforms to bolster the Nigerian Air Force’s capacity to deliver air power across all spectrums of warfare.” he said.

    He buttressed that the successful acquisition of the Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopter is a significant leap in our modernisation efforts,” he said.

    Abubakar said NAF had from 2024 to date, received a total of nine brand-new aircraft into its inventory, comprising four C-129 attack helicopters, three King Air 360 aircraft, as well as the two Agusta 109 trekkers helicopters being inducted.

    He said that upon assuming office in June 2023, he promulgated his command philosophy, aimed at transforming the NAF into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the air power demands of national security in all operational environments.

    “Since then, we have undertaken deliberate steps and instituted key initiatives to actualize this philosophy.

    “Notably, we have prioritised mission-oriented force development and deliberate training.

    “In this regard, eight pilots and eighteen engineers and technicians have been trained for the effective deployment of the trekker helicopters.

    “Additionally, air and ground crew are currently undergoing specialized training abroad, and will in turn train more personnel locally to sustain capacity development,” he added.

    The CAS said the NAF had continued to invest heavily in research and development to build a robust technical capacity to effectively maintain its sophisticated equipment.

    According to him, the service is optimising strategic partnerships in artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicle research and development, small arms, small arms and rocket developments, as well as radar enhancements, to further exploit technology to its advantage.

    He said the NAF had recorded research and development breakthroughs, such as revalidation of the Alpha Jet aircraft ejection seats, retrofitting of unserviceable 68mm rockets, and the development of a test kit for determining the specific impulse of pyro cartridges, amongst several others.

    Abubakar thanked the president for the new acquisition and assured that the newly acquired platforms woukd be optimally deployed and maintained to serve the best interests of the nation.

    “Working closely with other sister services and security agencies, we remain resolute in our mission to ensure a secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria.

    “Finally, on behalf of the officers, airmen, airwomen, and civilian staff of the NAF, I affirm our loyalty and unyielding commitment to upholding the Constitution and discharging our constitutional responsibilities with professionalism and patriotism,” he added.

  • NAF ready, alert, determined to protect Nigeria – CAS

    NAF ready, alert, determined to protect Nigeria – CAS

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) remains ready, alert, and determined to protect Nigeria, every day, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar has said.

    The Chief of the Air Staff made this known at commemoration of the Nigerian Air Force 61st anniversary.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, in a statement on Wednesday, said the CAS gave the charge while on an operational visit to frontline troops in Katsina.

    He urged the officers and men of the airforce to maintain high levels of vigilance and not lose sight of the ultimate goal of defending Nigeria and protecting its citizens.

    Abubakar urged the personnel to maintain the tempo of operations and intensify their efforts until enduring peace and security were restored nationwide.

    The CAS also noted that the ongoing 61st anniversary celebrations, while showcasing NAF airpower to the public, further enhance the Force’s state of readiness and proficiency.

    “Nigerians can be rest assured that we remain fully committed to our constitutional mandate. We will continue to give our very best in defence of our nation.

    “While significant gains have been made across all theatres of operation, the fight is far from over.

    “Yes, we have achieved commendable milestones, but this is not the time to slow down. We must not rest on our oars.

    ”Now is the time to consolidate and intensify our air strikes against terrorists, insurgents and bandits.

    “Even as we mark 61 years of dedicated service, we must give our fellow countrymen more reasons to hope, more victories that reassure them that their Air Force remains alert, ready, and determined to defeat all enemies of peace,” he stated.

    The CAS also used the opportunity to interact with troops at the operational base, inspect facilities, and assess the state of deployed platforms.

    He said the visit underscored his commitment to troop welfare, operational effectiveness, and frontline engagement as part of a broader strategy to restore peace and stability across troubled regions.

  • NAF gets first serving professor of aerospace engineering

    NAF gets first serving professor of aerospace engineering

    The Governing Council of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), has approved the appointment of AVM Osichinaka Ubadike, a serving officer, as Professor of Aerospace Engineering.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Sunday in Abuja.

    Ejodame said the appointment was a landmark achievement for the NAF and a major boost to its research and development (R&D) endeavours.

    This, according to him, makes Ubadike the first-ever serving officer in the NAF to be conferred the rank of Professor.

    “AVM Ubadike, an accomplished scholar and military professional, holds a PhD and Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering and Aerospace Vehicle Design from the esteemed Cranfield University in the United Kingdom.

    “He also possesses 3 other Masters degrees from Ahmadu Bello University and Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), with a First-Class Bachelor of Electrical Electronics Engineering degree from NDA.

    “He has led several cutting-edge research initiatives within the NAF, including his pivotal role in the development of the indigenous NAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

    “The UAV project demonstrates the Air Force’s expanding technical capabilities and strategic independence,” he said.

    Ejodame said the AFIT Governing Council also confirmed the appointment of retired AVM Paul Jemitola, as a Professor of Aerospace Engineering.

    He said that Prof. Jemitola, the immediate past Commandant of AFIT, was widely respected for his expertise in multidisciplinary and multi-objective aircraft design optimization.

    “He holds a Master’s degree and PhD from Cranfield University and was the lead designer of the NAF UAV project.

    “He is a chartered engineer in the United Kingdom and currently serves as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos,” he added.

    The NAF spokesman said the conferment of the professors was a testament to the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, to prioritise technological advancement through education, capacity-building and R&D.

    He quoted CAS as saying, “we will continue to invest in the empowerment of our flagship training and capacity development institutions to progressively minimise dependence on foreign expertise”.

    Ejodame said the approach reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to academic excellence and R&D to cultivate homegrown expertise capable of meeting evolving national security and aerospace challenges.

  • NAF eliminates scores of terrorists in massive airstrikes

    NAF eliminates scores of terrorists in massive airstrikes

     

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has in a milti- wave airstrikes eliminated scores of suspected terrorists at Warawara, near Wajiroko, and Chinene in the Mandara Mountains area of Borno.

    This is contained in a statement by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Group Capt. Kabiru Ali, on Thursday in Abuja.

    Ali said the NAF had sustained its counterterrorism operations tempo in the North-East, executing decisive airstrikes in multiple waves on Wednesday and dealing a severe blow to insurgent activities.

    He said that the NAF, guided by painstaking Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, identified a number of terrorists stockpiling logistics and planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) around Wajiroko.

    According to him, surveillance later tracked their movement to a concealed location housing a gun truck, ammunition stockpiles, and fuel reserves.

    In response, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) executed multiple waves of air interdiction missions.

    The first wave struck the terrorists’ logistics hub, destroying gun trucks and critical supplies.

    ”The other followed with sustained rocket and cannon attacks, ensuring the complete annihilation of terrorist’s assets.

    Later that day, NAF aircraft targeted another terrorist enclave at Chinene in the Mandara Mountains.

    Intelligence reports indicated that insurgents had relocated there following a previous air raid on Degbewa on March 16.

    ”Overhead reconnaissance confirmed the presence of active structures, prompting the execution of strikes that set terrorist hideouts ablaze.”

  • NAF kills scores of terrorists in multi-wave airstrikes

    NAF kills scores of terrorists in multi-wave airstrikes

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has in a milti- wave airstrikes eliminated scores of suspected terrorists at Warawara, near Wajiroko, and Chinene in the Mandara Mountains area of Borno.

    This is contained in a statement by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Group Capt. Kabiru Ali, on Thursday in Abuja.

    Ali said that the NAF had sustained its counterterrorism operations tempo in the North-East, executing decisive airstrikes in multiple waves on Wednesday and dealing a severe blow to insurgent activities.

    He said that the NAF, guided by painstaking Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, identified a number of terrorists stockpiling logistics and planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) around Wajiroko.

    According to him, surveillance later tracked their movement to a concealed location housing a gun truck, ammunition stockpiles, and fuel reserves.

    ”In response, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) executed multiple waves of air interdiction missions.

    ”The first wave struck the terrorists’ logistics hub, destroying gun trucks and critical supplies.

    ”The other followed with sustained rocket and cannon attacks, ensuring the complete annihilation of terrorist’s assets.

    ”Later that day, NAF aircraft targeted another terrorist enclave at Chinene in the Mandara Mountains.

    ”Intelligence reports indicated that insurgents had relocated there following a previous air raid on Degbewa on March 16.

    ”Overhead reconnaissance confirmed the presence of active structures, prompting the execution of strikes that set terrorist hideouts ablaze.”

    Ali added that the fleeing insurgents were subsequently engaged and neutralised, further crippling their operational capacity.

    According to him, battle damage assessment and corroboratory intelligence confirmed the neutralisation of scores of terrorist fighters.

    He said the airstrikes also destroyed four terrorist gun trucks, two Toyota Hilux vehicles, and several makeshift shelters, forcing the insurgents to abandon their positions degrading their operational capabilities.

    ”These successful air interdiction missions underscore the NAF’s unwavering commitment to neutralising insurgents, disrupting their logistics, and denying them safe havens.

    ”With sustained pressure on terrorist elements, the NAF remains resolute in its mission to restore peace and security in the country,” he said.

  • NAF neutralises over 20 as airstrikes hit terrorists’ camps in Katsina

    NAF neutralises over 20 as airstrikes hit terrorists’ camps in Katsina

    Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, has neutralised over 20 terrorists in airstrikes that decimated notorious bandit hideouts in Unguwar Goga Hill-Forest in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    This is contained in a statement by the Deputy Director, Public Relations and Information, Group Capt. Kabiru Ali, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on Saturday in Abuja.

    Ali said that the airstrikes, executed in the early hours of Thursday, preceded careful and actionable intelligence.

    He said that the NAF advanced purposeful lethality destroyed the fortified camps of notorious bandit kingpins, Gero (Alhaji) and Alhaji Riga; thus, neutralising over 20 terrorists, with additional casualties reported in the surrounding rocky hills.

    According to him, the airstrikes have decisive impact on the criminals, even as the assessment of the full extent of the damage is still ongoing.

    “Riga and Gero were key enablers of banditry, sheltering terrorist elements responsible for relentless ambushes along the Funtua-Gusau Road, particularly between Yankara and Sheme villages.

    “Their elimination marks a major breakthrough in the ongoing military campaign to restore peace in the North-West.

    “The NAF, in coordination with ground forces, remains relentless in its mission to eradicate all threats and dismantle bandit strongholds,” he said.

  • Minister of Power condemns NAF attack on Ikeja DiSCO

    Minister of Power condemns NAF attack on Ikeja DiSCO

    The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu has  condemned the attack by personnel of the  Nigerian Air Force on the headquarters of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) on Thursday.

    A  statement issued by Mr Bolaji Tunji, the Special Adviser, Strategic Communications to the Minister of Power in Abuja on Friday, said that the attack left several injured, facilities and equipment vandalised.

    Tunji quoted the minister as saying: “the attack calls for concern in view of the ramifications” , adding that the current democratic practice had appropriate channels for conflict resolutions rather than resorting to self help.

    He said that the attack on the facilities of Ikeja Electric, one of the nation’s critical power distribution companies by NAF was unfortunate and a matter of grave concern.

    ”This unfortunate incident has also raised serious questions about the need for restraint, dialogue, and the use of appropriate democratic channels in resolving conflicts,” he said.

    According to him, the power sector is the lifeblood of the nation’s economy and a cornerstone of national development and any attack on its infrastructure is an attack on the progress and well-being of our people.

    He said that the facilities of Ikeja Electric, which serve millions of Nigerians, were designed to ensure the efficient distribution of electricity to homes, hospitals, schools, and industries including military installations.

    Adelabu said that the incident had set back efforts to achieve stable and uninterrupted power supply adding that it was a blow to the collective aspirations of our nation.

    He said that no grievance, no matter how legitimate, justified the destruction of public infrastructure as such actions were counterproductive and only serve to exacerbate the challenges faced as a nation.

    ”We must always remember that violence and destruction are not the answer to our problems. Instead, we must embrace dialogue, understanding, and the rule of law as the only viable means of resolving conflicts.

    “I call on all parties involved to exercise restraint and to seek peaceful and democratic means of addressing all issues that may have led to this unfortunate incident.

    ”Our democracy provides us with the tools and institutions necessary to resolve disputes without resorting to violence.

    ”We have the judiciary, the legislature, and various regulatory bodies that are empowered to mediate and adjudicate conflicts.

    “It is imperative that we utilise these channels to ensure that justice is served and that such incidents do not recur,” he said.

    The minister urged the Nigerian Air Force  to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and to ensure that its operations are conducted with utmost regard for the welfare of civilians and public infrastructure.

    According to him, the military is a vital institution in our nation, and its role in maintaining peace and security cannot be overstated.

    ”However, it is equally important that all actions taken by our armed forces are proportionate, targeted, and in line with the principles of democracy and the rule of law,” he said.

    Adelabu also commended the staff and management of Ikeja electricity distribution company for their resilience in the face of provocation.

    He said, “Your comportment in the face of this adversity are a testament to your dedication to serving the Nigerian people.

    ”The  ministry of power is ready to support you in any way possible to ensure that normalcy is restored as quickly as possible”.

    The minister enjoined stakeholders in the power sector to work together in harmony by  prioritising  collaboration over conflict, dialogue over discord, and unity over division.

    He said that the challenges faced in the power sector were significant, but they are not insurmountable adding that with a shared commitment to the common good it can be overcome.

    Adelabu called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in their commitment to peace, unity, and progress.

    “Let us reject violence and destruction in all its forms and embrace the values of democracy, dialogue, and mutual respect.

    ”Together, we can build a nation where conflicts are resolved through appropriate channels, and where the aspirations of all citizens are realised,” he said.

  • NAF neutralises bandits in devastating airstrikes

    NAF neutralises bandits in devastating airstrikes

    The Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma has neutralised scores of bandits and dismantled their logistics base in a series of airstrikes at Alawa Forest in Shiroro LGA of Niger.

    This is contained in a statement on Wednesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, AVM Olusola Akinboyewa.

    He said the operation was carried out on Tuesday, following credible intelligence and confirmatory aerial surveillance efforts that indicated an influx of armed terrorists into the forest.

    “These criminals were linked to widespread violence, including two Improvised Explosive Device attacks on 19 December 2024 in Bassa, Shiroro LGA, which sadly claimed some innocent lives.

    “In response, NAF launched a three-day sustained air operation, code-named ‘Konan Daji’, to degrade the terrorists’ capabilities and render the forest uninhabitable for them.

    “To this end, the air component dispatched a formation of fighter aircraft to execute air interdiction missions in the area.

    “Upon arrival, the jets swiftly engaged the identified targets with precision strikes.

    They neutralised numerous armed fighters and destroyed their logistics base, as confirmed by multiple secondary explosions,” Akinboyewa said.

    According to him, NAF, in close coordination with ground forces, remains resolute in its commitment to maintaining operational dominance across the region.

    He said sustained efforts were underway to eliminate all criminal elements from Alawa Forest and surrounding areas, ensuring lasting peace and security for communities in Niger and beyond.

    Akinboyewa said the successful operation was a significant blow to the bandits and a major achievement for NAF in its efforts to combat terrorism and insecurity in the region.

  • NAF denies responsibility for wellhead explosion in Rivers

    NAF denies responsibility for wellhead explosion in Rivers

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), says it is not responsible for the explosion at the NNPC wellhead in Buguma Community in the Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers.

    The Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Olusola Akinboyewa, gave the clarification in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

    Akinboyewa described as misleading, the report by certain media outlets suggesting that the NAF might be responsible for the explosion.

    He urged media outlets to exercise due diligence by verifying facts before publishing, rather than relying on assumptions.

    ”Contrary to the allegations made by the Buguma Community spokesperson, who speculated that the fire may have been caused by aging oil facilities, illegal oil bunkering, or NAF operations, we wish to clarify the situation.

    ”The wellhead had been leaking crude oil due to prolonged illegal activities in the area.

    ”Video recordings from previous missions confirm that the wellhead have been leaking for an extended period, resulting in the accumulation of gas and flammable liquids in the surrounding environment.

    ”High-Definition (HD) video recordings from the NAF platform, including footage from December 2024, clearly show the wellhead spilling oil and the barge already burnt before its arrival at the location.

    ”The onboard camera system ensures transparency and accountability by capturing and documenting all activities, eliminating any possibility of indiscriminate firing at civilians or destroying assets, as falsely alleged,” he said.

    The NAF spokesman said that the NAF, always ensured due diligence before engaging any target to ensure that only illegal refining sites and equipment were destroyed.

    According to him, the safety of innocent civilians and the protection of critical infrastructure remain a top priority for the Service.

    He assured the public that NAF, would remain steadfast in its mission to protect the nation’s critical infrastructure and combat crude oil theft, while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and respect for human life.

  • NAF expresses ‘worry’ over alleged airstrike misfire over death of civilians in Zamfara

    NAF expresses ‘worry’ over alleged airstrike misfire over death of civilians in Zamfara

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has expressed worry over reports that its airstrikes on terrorist hideouts, including areas linked to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, led to the death of civilians in Zamfara State.

    Recall reports had said the airstrike on the Tungar Kara community under the Gidan Goga district of Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State, on Saturday evening, mistakenly hit members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG), local vigilantes and residents, leaving at least 16 people dead.

    A lawmaker representing Maradun II Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Maharazu Salisu Gado Faru, who confirmed the report had described the airstrike as an accident, stating that it targeted local vigilantes who mobilised to counter the bandits.

    In a response to the incident, NAF spokesperson AVM Akinboyewa in a Sunday statement titled, “NAF Conducts Decisive Air Strikes in Zamfara, Investigating Vigilante Casualty Reports.” said its operations were usually conducted with caution for human lives.

    While confirming an investigation is underway to ascertain the truth of these claims, Akinboyewa emphasised that no credible evidence supports reports of civilian casualties.

    “The Nigerian Air Force, the recent airstrike at Tungar Kara in Zumi Local Government Area of Zamrafa State, dealt a decisive blow to bandits terrorising villages in the area.

    “However, while the operation successfully eliminated several bandits and led to the recovery of some kidnap victims, the NAF views with great concern reports of the loss of civilian lives on the course of the operation.

    “A responsible and professional custodian of airpower for the security of the nation, the NAF believes in the absolute value of the life of every Nigerian.

    “Accordingly, a comprehensive investigation is in progress, to ascertain the veracity of the report, the outcome of which will be duly communicated to inform and reassure the public.

    “Please be rest assured that, while our mission in the North West remains to combat banditry and restore peace, the safety and well-being of all Nigerians are of utmost importance.

    “We will therefore, work closely with relevant authorities to unravel the facts and take appropriate steps, as part of our unwavering commitment to prevent, minimise and mitigate any harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure in the course of our operations,” the statement said.