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Tag: naf

  • Boko Haram: NAF neutralises gathering of insurgents, sets structures on fire

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said on Saturday that it has neutralised and set ablaze the insurgent’s structures in Urga area near Konduga.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanua, made this known in Abuja.

    Adesanya explained that component of Operation “LAFIYA DOLE” conducted an attack on a location in Urga area close to Konduga.

    “Previous intelligence reports, gathered through Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions by NAF ISR platforms, had indicated the presence of a large number of insurgents in Durwawa settlement in the outskirt of Urga.

    “Accordingly, one Alpha Jet aircraft was detailed to carry out air interdiction on the target and overhead the location, the aircraft acquired and attacked the target twice with bombs.

    “Subsequently, Battle Damage Assessment revealed that the aerial attack set off a fire, causing damage to the insurgent’s structures within the settlement and neutralizing most of the insurgents while a few of them fled the location,” he said.

    The director explained further that the aerial attack by NAF was in furtherance of efforts at ensuring the complete decimation of the insurgents by not allowing them to continue their terrorist attacks on innocent Nigerians.

     

     

    NAN

     

  • Plateau killings: NAF deploys fighter jets to check incessant violence

    Sequel to the incessant killings and violence in Plateau State, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Thursday said it has deployed its air assets and personnel to the state to curtail the ugly trend that has claimed several lives in the state.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya said the development was in accordance with the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar in line with the directive issued by President Muhammadu Buhari to the Service Chiefs.

    Adesanya maintained in a statement that the deployment of the air assets would also prevent reprisal attacks and escalation of the crisis.

    The statement reads: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed some of its air assets and personnel to Jos, the Plateau State capital, to support Operation SAFE HAVEN to maintain peace and curtail senseless killings as well as possible spread of violence in some parts of the State.

    “The deployment was ordered by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, in compliance with the directive of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari, to ensure that an end is put to the current spate of violence and killings in the state.

    ” The deployment is also to ensure the prevention of reprisal attacks, which could escalate the conflict. The deployed NAF assets include the L-39ZA aircraft and the EC-135 helicopter, which are to provide necessary air cover to the surface forces participating in the Operation in the State.

    “It would be recalled that the NAF has always acted in aid of civil authority, whenever called upon to do so, in line with its statutory role.

    “The NAF, apart from its presence in the North East to fight Boko Haram insurgents, has also deployed its air assets and personnel in recent times to Kafachan in Southern Kaduna and Takum in Taraba State to stop incessant communal clashes.

    ” The NAF remains focused on its primary responsibility of ensuring the security of the citizenry while continuing to count on their support and understanding”.

  • Nigeria Air Force to receive fighter jets from Russia, US, UAE, Pakistan

    The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar has revealed that the Nigerian Air Force is expecting new fighter aircrafts from four countries.

    The Air Force chief disclosed this on Saturday at a lecture delivered to the Senior Course 40 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna State.

    Earlier this year, the United States reportedly agreed to sell 12 fighter jets to Nigeria at $600m.
    Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan Ali also disclosed that Nigeria will buy military fighter jets from Russia.
    The countries:

    He listed the countries as Russia, the United States of America, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.

    “Nigeria is expecting eight Mi-35M attack helicopters from Russia.

    “The country is also waiting for the Super Tucano aircraft from the United States.

    “There are five Super Mushshak aircraft expected from Pakistan, while the Yabhon Flash 20 Remote Piloted aircraft is also expected from the UAE.”

  • Secession agitation: We won’t cede an inch of Nigerian territory to any group or individual – NAF

    The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar has warned personnel of the service against getting distracted by disgruntled Nigerians calling for war in the country.

    Abubakar who gave the warning on Friday in Kaduna at the passing out of 1, 928 recruits, said the personnel must not compromise national security or engage in acts capable of bringing the service to disrepute.

    “Do not be distracted by disgruntled elements who have little understanding of what war is all about.

    “These individuals call for violence from balconies of their houses and from the comfort of their sitting rooms or when they are interacting with the press without the understanding of the tragic consequences of war.

    “The NAF will continue to protect the lives of all Nigerians and the territorial integrity of the nation.

    “No inch of Nigerian territory will be ceded to any individual or group of individuals,’’ he stressed.

    The air chief said the air personnel must also subject themselves to civil authority, guard against over zealousness and resist the temptation to brutalise civilians.

    “Your duty is to protect all Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic background or religious inclination.

    “Also, you must not succumb to any inducement or acts that would cause disaffection among fellow members of the armed forces or among Nigerians.’’

    Abubakar pledged to continuously place priority on the welfare of personnel and put more efforts to upgrade the defence capability of the service.

    He disclosed that NAF has recruited a total of 4, 163 airmen and women from July 2015 to date and expanded its training facilities to accommodate 2,500 recruits at a time as against 500 before the coming of the Buhari administration.

    The air chief told the recruits to be prepared to excel in internal security duties wherever they find themselves.

    He expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for his continuous support to NAF in meeting its operational requirements and welfare of personnel.

    “I want to assure Mr President of our unalloyed loyalty and total commitment to his administration’s aspiration for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.’’

     

  • NAF begins personnel’s trial over UNIOSUN crisis

    A panel set up by the Nigerian Air Force to investigate the cause of the crisis between the University of Osun State, UNIOSUN Ipetu Ijesa, and some air force men in the area has submitted its report.

    One airman indicted in the report but whose name is yet to be disclosed has reportedly been prosecuted as ordered by Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

    The NAF panel disclosed that the crisis was caused by the air force personnel who clashed with some cult members and gangsters from UNIOSUN.

    Some air force personnel had allegedly invaded the institution on May 24, beating up and injuring some students and lecturers in a crisis which lasted for about three days.

    NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, who also did not disclose the identity of the indicted air force personnel, said the panel had been given more time to make a fuller report on the incident.

    He said, “We assure the public that any NAF personnel found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the appropriate laws. The NAF Board of Inquiry into the incident has submitted its report to the NAF Headquarters, Abuja.

    “There were, however, certain fundamental issues, which the report did not adequately address, and necessary directives have been issued for the report to be further enriched.

    “Notwithstanding, the report revealed that an airman of the NAF, who was allegedly relating with cultists and gangsters from UNIOSUN, was indeed involved in the fracas.

    Consequently, the CAS has directed that appropriate charges be immediately preferred against the airman, in compliance with the provisions of the Armed Forces Act CAP A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.”

  • Just in: Nigerian Air Force helicopter crashes into water

    An Agusta 106 Light Utility Helicopter belonging to the Nigerian Air Force has suffered a technical mishap, crashing into the water in a yet-to-be-identified location in the northeast.

    The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, who confirmed the incident on Thursday, said there was no loss of lives, adding that the pilots ditched the aircraft to minimise damage.

    TheNewsguru.om learnt that efforts were on presently to recover the helicopter.

    “The Chief of the Air Staff has immediately directed the constitution of a board of inquiry to determine the exact cause of the incidence.

    “Members of the board are already in Maiduguri to commence work,” Adesanya added.

  • NAF rubbishes coup rumour, says it is loyal to Buhari’s govt

    NAF rubbishes coup rumour, says it is loyal to Buhari’s govt

    The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has debunked speculations making the rounds, that it is planning a coup to overthrow power from the President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government.

    The service in a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, made it clear that there was no plan whatsoever to destabilize governance in the country.

    The statement released on Thursday said: “​The attention of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been drawn to a mischievous allegation by an online media organization of the NAF’s involvement in the planning of a purported coup d’état to take over the reins of government.

    “The NAF considers it most ridiculous that anyone in his/her right senses, especially in 21st Century, could still be fixated on the possibility of effecting a change in government in Nigeria in any way other than through the ballot box.

    “It will be recalled that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar had on 18 May 2017, while commissioning new residential accommodation for personnel at NAF Base, Bill Clinton Drive Abuja, emphatically pledged the loyalty of the NAF to the President and Commander-in-Chief as well as to the Nigerian Constitution. It is imperative to state that the earlier stance of the NAF on the unfortunate coup rumours has not changed.

    “The NAF is a highly professional and apolitical Service that is focused on ensuring the territorial integrity of Nigeria as well as facilitating a safe and secure environment for Nigerians to prosper while conducting their legal businesses.

    “The strong belief of the NAF in democratic values was also demonstrated during the recent Gambian crisis. The NAF was the first and only air force that ensured the will of Gambians was not subverted by promptly deploying its fighter aircraft, in addition to its transport aircraft to airlift needed troops and logistics, in readiness to preserve the country’s democracy, in line with the Federal Government’s directives.

    “It is therefore inconceivable that the same NAF would be involved in any way in any attempt to dismantle the political structure in Nigeria.

    “It appears some individuals with unknown intentions are bent on further spreading the malicious misinformation and hence, the need for the NAF to react.

    “The Chief of the Air Staff would like to assure Nigerians as a whole of the unalloyed loyalty of all NAF personnel to the President and Commander-in-Chief as well as to the Government of Nigeria as democratically constituted.

    “We therefore appeal to those peddling these false stories to cease, as they are constituting a source of distraction to NAF personnel, who are sacrificing on a daily basis to ensure the security of Nigeria.”

  • UNIOSUN fracas: NAF sets up committee, vows to deal with erring officers

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says its attention has been drawn to reports that some of its personnel were involved in a fracas on the campus of the University of Osun (UNIOSUN) at Ipetu Ijesha, Osun State.

    Olatokunbo Adesanya, Director of Public Relations and Information, in a statement on Wednesday, said while the NAF highly regrets the entire incident, it was not a reflection of what the military arms stood for.

    “The NAF is a highly professional force that does not condone or encourage the violation of anyone’s human rights”, he said.

    “The general public is invited to kindly note that the NAF has already commenced formal investigations into the reported unfortunate incidence.

    “At the end of the investigations, Nigerians are assured that any NAF personnel found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the appropriate laws”, he added.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that for the second time in a week, officials of NAF on Wednesday stormed the students’ hostel, assaulting and brutalising many of them.

  • Malabu Oil: We’ll resist attempts by NASS to summon Jonathan – NAF

    Malabu Oil: We’ll resist attempts by NASS to summon Jonathan – NAF

    The Niger Delta Advancement Front, NAF has said it will resist any attempt by the National Assembly to ridicule former President Goodluck Jonathan by summoning him to appear before its committee over the controversial Malabu oil deal.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the controversial deal involved the OPL 245 oilfield which was bought by the Italian oil giant ENI and Shell in 2011.

    Speaking on behalf of the group, the National President, NAF, Dr. Ikiomasi Wakama, said members of the Front from the Niger Delta region would resist any attempt to make Jonathan appear before the House of Representatives saying its witch-hunt and a deliberate attempt at ridiculing the ex-Nigerian leader.

    Wakama, in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, said, “As much as we believe in the unity of Nigeria, we must not also be the only ones to be paying the price because we can assure the National Assembly that we will resist every attempt to make Goodluck Jonathan appear before it.”

    He said the summons was a vilification of Jonathan and stressed that it would be resisted.

    “We condemn in all fullness the continued vilification of Goodluck Jonathan and the various attempts at undermining a good man who did his best for the country in service and strengthening our democracy and unity as a nation.”

    NAF noted that a Nigerian court had on January 26, 2017, given an order ceding control of OPL 245 to the Federal Government pending investigations into the $1.1bn deal.

    The statement added that on March 17, an Abuja Federal High Court reversed its seizure of the oil block, with the judge stating that the forfeiture order was irregularly filed.

    NAF also noted that in February this year, ENI’s board of statutory and watch structure commissioned an independent United States law firm to carry out forensic investigation into the 2011 transaction between ENI and Shell and the Nigerian Government for the acquisition of OPL 245 licence in Nigeria.

    The investigation, according to the group, examined new materials and more information filed by prosecutors in Milan and Nigeria as part of closure of the findings in December 2016.

    NAF said, “The law firm, however, confirmed the conclusion reached by previous investigations in 2015, stating that there was no evidence of corrupt conduct in relation to the transaction, thereby exonerating former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    “So the question is ‘who is after Goodluck Jonathan?’ Against this background, we therefore see a calculated grand plan of deliberate mischief from the House of Representatives to continue to malign Jonathan and his government on a matter that competent courts and international investigators have carefully studied and given a clean bill of health.”

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that in a separate reaction on Monday, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) in a statement supported the decision by the House to summon Jonathan to appear before it and give personal accounts of what he knows about the deal.

  • How we accidentally bombed IDP camp in Rann – NAF

    The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has explained that the Internally Displaced Persons Camp (IDP) camp in Rann, Borno was bombed due to “communication gap.”

    Abubakar, who stated this while speaking to journalists also confirmed that the committee set up to investigate the incident has submitted its report.

    “The report has been submitted, but I would not let you into the findings of the report. This is because we are forwarding it to the Defence Headquarters and from there to the Ministry of Defence.

    “But one thing I want to say is that it is a very tragic incident. It has happened and it is something that is associated with war.

    “Even recently, some foreign powers also bombed friendly forces mistakenly. What is important to us is to pray for the families of the deceased and support them. And this is what we have been doing.

    “Usually when a thing like this happens, you find out that there is a communication gap somewhere. It is left for us to find out: Why did that communication gap exist? What can we do to ensure that it does not come up again?,” Abubakar said.

    He vowed that anyone found culpable in the incident will not be spared.

    Abubakar added: “If there are very glaring cases of people who are negligent, we will not hesitate to be very decisive to deal with that situation.

    “We have interacted with a number of Non-Governmental Organisations in that area. We have advised them that any time they are going for outreaches, they must give us a notice. We have suggested that they use the Red Cross insignia. This must be done so that anybody flying over will see the insignia and know that these are outreach gatherings and not Boko Haram.

    “No matter what, we have always double-checked our intelligence and will ensure that we do so before deploying airplanes. We are working on that so we do not have this situation again.

    “We have flown over 7,000 hours for over eight years and this is the first time we are having the Rann incident. I am not justifying the bombing. It was tragic, but war in itself is tragic.”

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that over 200 persons reportedly died in the accidental bombing of IDPs that occurred in January.