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Tag: naf

  • 2019 elections: NAF commences airlift of electoral materials for INEC

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has commenced airlift of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) electoral materials across the country for the conduct of Saturday’s elections.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    “The airlift includes day and night missions, during which both sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials are conveyed in batches, with NAF C-130 Hercules aircraft from Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, to airports across the country.

    “The materials are duly delivered by the C-130H aircraft crew to teams of INEC and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) officials, together with security personnel waiting at the various airports,” he said.

    Daramola recalled that the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, had expressed the readiness of NAF to avail INEC its transport aircraft to enable expeditious movement of electoral materials, as done in the past.

    “It is pertinent to state that the transport aircraft are deployed solely to provide airlift support to meet INEC’s logistics requirements, in fulfilment of NAF’s constitutional role of providing military aid to civil authority,” Daramola said.

  • NAF holds route march ahead general elections

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Saturday in Lagos assured residents of its commitment to secure the nation as well as ensure security of lives and property during and after the general elections.

    The Air Officer Commanding, NAF Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abdulganiyu Adebisi, gave the assurance during the route march organised for its officers and men at the Sam Ethnam Base in Ikeja.

    “The essence of the exercise is not to win prize but to foster espirit de corps and physical fitness of individuals through active participation in exercise of this nature.

    “It is important that we remain both physically and mentally fit to carry out our responsibilities as the defenders of our nation’s territorial integrity and encourage the spirit of sportsmanship in our personnel.

    “Let me use this medium to re-emphasise that you must all be of good conduct in the forthcoming general elections if you go out to vote.

    “Don’t be found wanting of any act that constitutes a breach of electoral law as you exercise your franchise,” he said.

    Adebisi further urged the personnel to carry out their duties as directed and remain good ambassadors of NAF.

    On the election, Adebisi said the command would work in synergy with other security agencies within the state to ensure free, fair and credible elections.

    “Lagosisans should rest assured that there will be adequate security coverage for people to go out and cast their vote in a peaceful and calm environment,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 200 officers, Air Men and Women, participated in the exercise which saw them march through the base to the Murtala Muhammed Airport axis and back to the base.

    NAN

  • NAF acquires 22 Aircraft to fight Boko Haram, others

    The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar Wednesday said a total of 22 aircraft were recently added into the inventory of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to support various on-going military operations across the country, particularly the fight against Boko Haram Terrorists.

    According to Abubakar, as at July 2015, the aircraft serviceability status of the Nigerian Air Force was below 60 percent, but as at date, the aircraft serviceability status has improved beyond 80 percent.

    Abubakar made the remarks while declaring open the NAF Finance Training Workshop with the theme “Strenghtening the NAF Finance Specialty for Efficient Service Delivery in Support of NAF Operations”, at the NAF Headquarters, Abuja.

    The Air Chief who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal M A Mohammed said the NAF has been able to deploy its platforms in support of military operations through prudent management of resources.

    He added that the NAF was not only striving to improve on the present status, but has complied with measures put in place by the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure transparency and accountability in governance.

    “In line with the anti-corruption drive of Mr. President, Commander-in-Chief, the Nigerian Air Force has complied with measures put in place by the Federal Government to aide transparency in government’s financial transactions such as the Treasury Single Account, Government Integrated Financial Management Information System, as well as the ongoing biometric data capture for the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System, just to mention a few”, Air Marshal Abubakar stated.

    He further said: “The recent feats achieved by the Service cost a lot of money. For the Government to continue providing the necessary funds to support Nigerian Air Force operations, it behoves on you to continue to maintain high level of integrity as finance personnel in the management of these public funds.

    “It is pertinent to state that despite a decline in governmental allocation, the Nigerian Air Force alongside sister Services have been able to achieve commendable successes in counterinsurgency and the fight against armed banditry plaguing various regions of the Country.

    “The Nigerian Air Force has been able to effectively deploy its platforms to these areas in support of sister Services. This much was achieved through prudent management of resources allocated to the Service and strict compliance with procurement laws”

    In his remarks at the event, the Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, said deficit financing of the nation’s budgets over the years have remained a challenge in tackling various commitments of government, stressing that five major countries of the world that topped security and military spending have continued to increase their budgets for security and military because of increasing security challenges.

    Malam Idris who was represented by Alhaji Mohammed K Usman said: “It is a known fact that in recent years, our nation is faced with obvious security challenges that, if not because of the tenacity of the Government, the situation would have been so unnerving and overwhelming especially if one weigh in paucity of funds and our other politico-economic challenges.

    “If the situation is juxtaposed against other contending sectors yearning for attention in terms of provision of social services and infrastructure, then the monster in the challenge of security funding cannot be more unveiled. The Nation must therefore deeply think and come up with appropriate funding template that would provide stability towards the delicate balancing of national priorities.

    “Our national Appropriation had been majorly deficit- budgeted for so many years now. This simply means that the revenue projections were lower than the projected expenditure; therefore Government had to depend on borrowings in order to, substantially part-finance the annual Appropriation over the years.“

  • Crashed helicopter not from presidential air fleet

    The Nigerian Air Force says the Augusta AW139 Helicopter involved in a mishap in Kabba, Kogi, on Feb.2 while conveying Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, does not belong to the Nigerian Air Force or from the Presidential Air Fleet (011 PAF).

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

    He said that some unscrupulous individuals had even circulated a video showing the crash landing of a military helicopter from an unrelated incident.

    “The NAF wishes to state categorically that the helicopter that crashed in Kabba does not belong to the NAF or 011 PAF.

    “The owners/operators of the civilian helicopter, Messrs Caverton Helicopters, have already issued a statement on the matter.

    “In addition, the military Dauphin Helicopter, painted in desert camouflage colour, seen in the video circulating on social media does not belong to the NAF and should not be misrepresented as belonging to the NAF,” Daramola said.

    He called on the public to disregard such erroneous information and the misleading video.

    “NAF joins the nation in thanking God for sparing the life of the Vice President as well as other passengers and crew members involved in the mishap.

    “We pray for the safety of the Vice President and that all his take-offs will culminate in an equal number of safe landings,” Daramola said.

     

  • NAF honours fallen heroes, others in Abuja

    NAF honours fallen heroes, others in Abuja

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has honoured five officers who died in the line of duty in 2018 with the posthumous gallantry award.

    NAF, during the Chief of Air Staff annual award 2018 organised by the service in Abuja, also and honoured others who made remarkable contributions to the Service.

    Those honoured with the post humous gallantry awards are: Flight Lieutenant Perowei Jacob – Pilot in Command; Flight Lt- Kaltho Paul Kilyofas – Co-Pilot; Sgt. Auwal Ibrahim – Flight Technician; Lance Corporal Adamu Nura and Aircraftman Meshack Ishmael, both Gunners.

    The gallant officers died in combat in the NAF Mi-35M Helicopter crash on Jan. 2 in Borno while providing close air support to troops of 145 Battalion in Damasak, Borno.

    Other Officers honoured in the Senior Officers Category are: Wing Commander Mohammed Umar, Sqn. Ldr. Sunkanmi Akinbohun and Sqn.Ldr. Ubong Sunday.

    Sqn.Ldr. Bello Baba-Ari, who died during air display rehearsal for the 58th independence anniversary was also honoured with a posthumous award.

    The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, said the NAF would not fail to recognise sacrifices of colleagues who, in the course of duty, paid the supreme price.

    “We will not fail to recognise the sacrifices of our colleagues who, in the course of duty to this great country, paid the supreme price.

    “Let me assure you that their sacrifice is not in vain as it has further spurred us to remain focused and ever determined to realise a secured, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

    “To the families of our deceased colleagues, be rest assured that you are not forgotten; the NAF will continue to provide necessary assistance and support in appreciation of the sacrifice of your loved ones.’’

    Abubakar urged the awardees not to rest on their oars.

    “To the awardees, I will like to remind you that you cannot afford to lose steam or ‘rest on your oars.

    “Though this award is in recognition of your contributions towards the actualisation of NAF key objectives, it also comes with a burden of responsibility.

    “I therefore urge you to keep up the good work and do not relent.

    “To the many other personnel that are not in the limelight at this very moment, your contribution to the progress of the Service is not unnoticed,’’ Abubakar said.

    For his part, the Secretary to the Federal Government, Mr Boss Mustapha, said President Muhammadu Buhari would continue to provide the necessary support and encouragement to the Nigerian Air Force.

    “I am also pleased that the Chief of the Air Staff has thought it expedient to recognise the officers and airmen who paid the supreme sacrifice in the course of safeguarding our dear nation,’’ he said.

    Mustapha was represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama.

    Other categories of the awards are Junior officers’ category which has two awardees – Flight Lieutenant Ibrahim Gambomi Goni and Flying Officer Jeremiah Dogonzo.

    Squadron Leader Fredrick Oyenusi emerged as the Best Overall in Order of Merit and received the revered Armed Forces Command and Staff College Tie of Merit for attaining a “B” Grade, which was last obtained over 2 decades ago.

    He also won the Tie of Merit and Best Commandant’s Research Paper and Best Director’s Research Paper.

    Various categories of personnel, including the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs), were also honoured.

     

  • Photos: NAF bury slain personnel

    Photos: NAF bury slain personnel

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Tuesday buried the remains of five crew members, who died in the NAF Mi-35M Helicopter that crashed in combat on January 2 in Borno State.

    The helicopter crashed while providing close air support to troops of 145 Battalion in Damasak, Borno.

    The late crew members are: Flight Lieutenant Perowei Jacob – Pilot in Command, Flight Lt- Kaltho Paul Kilyofas – Co-Pilot, Sgt. Auwal Ibrahim – Flight Technician, Lance Corporal Adamu Nura – Gunner, and Aircraftman Meshack Ishmael – Gunner.

    The News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) reports that the remains of the officers were laid to rest at 11:20am at the National Military Cemetery Abuja, with full military honours, amidst wails and tears by family members, wives, relatives and sympathisers.

    Wreaths were also laid by the Chief of Air Staff, Sadique Abubakar, the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali and the wives of some of the officers.

    The air chief also presented the national colours to the families of the deceased crew members.

    NAN also reports that the burial ceremony was attended by representatives of the Service Chiefs, among other dignitaries.

    The late officers were honoured with 21 gun salute (Firing of Volley) as well as the Last Post.

    Mr Abubakar, an air marshal, in his remarks at the internment ceremony said that the late officers died for the peace and unity of Nigeria.

    “These gallant heroes lost their lives in the pursuit of the peace which we all enjoy and often take for granted. We salute the courage of these young men, whose lot it became to give their lives for this purpose.

    “The loss of these courageous and professional gentlemen must spur the rest of us not only to rededicate ourselves in the service of our Nation, but also to expose and fight all agents of destabilization and extremism in our society.

    “We must throw in everything we have to this fight to ensure that our departed colleagues did not die in vain.

    “We must do everything possible to bring the ongoing insurgency in the North East to a speedy end that is favourable to our nation.

    “I am indeed deeply touched and saddened by the price which our patriots had to pay in this needless fight against insurgency.

    “Our departed heroes fought that we live in a safe and secure Nigeria where the freedom of worship and association of one and all are guaranteed under one indivisible nation,” he said.

    He consoled with the families of the deceased, noting that “I know Nigerians everywhere join me in praying for you as you shoulder this heavy burden of grief.

    “May time ease the soaring pain of today and please note that the entire nation shares this grief with you.

    “There can be no better consolation than the knowledge that the nation grieves with you on the loss of these amiable and patriotic Nigerians, who paid the supreme price in the course of their duty to the fatherland,” he said.

  • Helicopter crash: NAF to bury two NAF pilots, crew on Tuesday

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has fixed Tuesday, January 8, for the burial of five crew members who died in the NAF Mi-35M Helicopter that crashed in combat on January 2 in Borno.

    The helicopter crashed while providing close air support to troops of 145 Battalion in Damasak, Borno.

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

    He said the burial, which would be with full military honours, is scheduled to take place at the National Military Cemetery, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Road, Abuja by 9.00 a.m.

  • JUST IN: Two pilots, three crew members die in NAF helicopter crash

    Five crew members, including two pilots and three personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, have been confirmed dead in the helicopter crash which occurred in Damasak, Borno State, late on Wednesday.

    The deceased are identified as; Flight Lieutenant Perowei Jacob, pilot in command; Flight Lieutenant Kaltho Kilyofas, co-pilot; Sergeant Auwal Ibrahim, flight technician; Lance corporal Adamu Nura, gunner, and Aircraftman Meshack Ishmael, gunner.

    The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, confirmed their deaths in a release on Thursday, noting that their remains had been deposited in Maiduguri, Borno State.

    An attack helicopter of the NAF deployed in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents had been reported to have been lost in combat.

    The NAF had said the aircraft was lost around 10.30pm on Wednesday, noting that the helicopter was providing close air support to troops of 145 Battalion at Damasak in Northern Borno State.
    Northern Borno is a vulnerable area where the Islamic State of West African Province fighters were attempting to overrun military bases, with attacks on Metele, Buni Gari and Baga in the latest attempted invasion on December 26 and 27, 2018.

    The NAF’s spokesman, Daramola, had said, “A Nigerian Air Force helicopter was lost in combat while providing close air support to troops of 145 Battalion at Damasak in Northern Borno State. The mission was part of the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.

    “The incident occurred about 7:45pm on January 2. Details of the cause of the crash are still scanty. As soon as the details of the crash are known, they will be made available to the public.”

    More details later…

  • NAF fighter jet crashes during operation against Boko Haram in Borno

    NAF fighter jet crashes during operation against Boko Haram in Borno

    A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Helicopter was lost in combat while providing close air support to troops of 145 Battalion at Damasak in Northern Borno State.

    The mission was part of the ongoing counterinsurgency operations in the North East.

    The incident, occurred about 7:45 pm today, 2 January 2019. Details of the cause of the crash are still scanty. As soon as the details of the crash are known, they will be made available to the public.

    Meanwhile, Ibikunle Daramola, the Air Commodore Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force had previously released a statement on how the NAF aircraft destroyed terrorists meeting venue.

    1. The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has destroyed a building being used as meeting venue by Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters near Baga in Northern Borno State.

    The attack was conducted yesterday, 1 January 2019, after series of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions confirmed that the building was being used as an assembly point by the terrorists.

    Consequently, the ATF dispatched a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet aircraft to attack the building.

    A direct hit was recorded on the target leading to significant damage to the structure and neutralization of the occupants.

    2. You are requested to please disseminate this information through your medium for the awareness of the general public.

    It would also be highly appreciated if the attached short video clip, which is now declassified, is shown to the general public for them to witness parts of the attack.

    Thank you for your usual support and cooperation. IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA Air Commodore Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force

  • Murder: Police, NAF intensify probe, grill Badeh’s security aides, domestic staff, others

    Murder: Police, NAF intensify probe, grill Badeh’s security aides, domestic staff, others

    Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have intensified investigations into the murder of a former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh.

    The concerned security agencies have been cross-examining the security detail and workers of the former CDS.

    A top military source who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter on Friday said that the security detail attached to the former CDS underwent “very strict confidential interrogations” even as the mobile phones and contacts of the former CDS were reportedly being analysed.

    The NAF also said late on Thursday that it had made “substantial progress” in arresting the killers of Badeh, confirming that the former CDS was given the full compliments of security personnel commensurate with his status as a four-star general in the Armed Forces of Nigeria, until his death.

    This confirms the report that security men were with Badeh on Tuesday when he was shot dead at Tudu-Uku on Gitata-Keffi Road while returning from his farm located in the Panda Development Area of Karu Local Government Area of the state.

    The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said the Air Force was working closely with other relevant security agencies to determine the circumstances surrounding Badeh’s death with a view to ensuring that the perpetrators were brought to justice.

    Daramola said, “We wish to state categorically that the driver is alive and recuperating extremely well at one of our NAF Hospitals. Substantial progress has already been made in the ongoing investigation and details would be communicated at the appropriate time.

    “You expect that the security detail have some questions to answer in this matter. They have to explain everything they saw and everything they heard. It is a highly confidential matter but other people are being interrogated as well,” he noted.