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Tag: naf

  • NAF special forces eliminate notorious terrorist kingpin in Kaduna

    NAF special forces eliminate notorious terrorist kingpin in Kaduna

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Special Forces have eliminated a known terrorist kingpin, Mustapha Abdullahi, and five members of his group in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, in a statement on Sunday, said the special forces were deployed from the 413  Force Protection Group.

    Gabkwet said the deployment followed an intelligence report received on Aug. 31, that the terrorist kingpin and his group were sighted near Sabon Gida forest along Sabon Birni Road.

    He said that their mission was with likely intent to kidnap, harm or kill innocent civilians.

    According to him, after making contact with the terrorists who were on motor cycles, the terrorists immediately opened fire on sighting the Special Forces, but were met with superior fire power by the troops.

    The troops eliminated all the terrorists and recovered five Dane guns, a locally fabricated sub-machine gun, and live ammunition, as well as assorted charms, lighters, sim cards and cell phone cases.

    “Efforts by the troops to rid Igabi, Birnin Gwari and environs of criminals and their activities remain ongoing.

    “Troops have also been commended and urged to intensify ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property,”  he said.

  • NAF strikes kill 5 terrorist commanders, 35 fighters in Borno

    NAF strikes kill 5 terrorist commanders, 35 fighters in Borno

    The Air Component of Operation ”Hadin Kai” has eliminated five key terrorist commanders, alongside more than 35 foot soldiers, in a successful air interdictions in Arina, Southern Tumbuns of Borno.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), AVN Edward Gabkwet, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Gabkwet said the terrorist commanders killed in the air strikes on Aug. 16, include; Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla (a.k.a Dan Hausawan Jubillaram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, and Bakoura Arina Chiki.

    He said the air interdiction was a decisive effort to further weaken the activities of remnant of terrorists operating in the Northeast, while also protecting innocent civilians and own troops.

    According to him, intelligence had revealed the clandestine migration of terrorists into the area from neighboring locations prior to the mission.

    “Confirmatory Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions were further conducted on Aug. 12 and Aug. 15, identified numerous terrorists and active structures concealed under trees.

    “Consequently, coordinated airstrikes were launched over the location, and the targets successfully engaged, resulting in the neutralization of several terrorists and the destruction of their structures.

    “Battle Damage Assessment after the strikes revealed that several equipment, vehicles, water vessels and a suspected medical dispensary were obliterated by the strikes.

    “Additionally, credible intelligence further revealed that five key terrorist leaders were either killed or severely injured in the strike.

    “This operation, no doubt, has significantly degraded the operational capacity of the few remaining terrorists in the region.

    “The Nigerian Air Force remains committed to supporting the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies in safeguarding the region and ensuring peace and security prevail,” he said.

  • Air strikes destroy bomb factory in Borno

    Air strikes destroy bomb factory in Borno

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai has destroyed terrorists’ Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) factory at Grazah, a location deep in the Mandara Hills in Borno.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Thursday in Abuja.

    Gebkwet said that the air interdiction was sequel to the recent attacks on innocent civilians in the state using IEDs and suicide bombers.

    He said air strikes were conducted on Aug. 2, following an intelligence which revealed the sighting of a possible IED factory and storage area for other logistics.

    According to him, for some time now, this IED factory was suspected to have been relocated, first from Gwoza to Timbuktu Triangle in Sambisa Forest and finally berthing at Grazah in the Mandara Hills.

    “Frequent relocation of IED factories has been attributed to the enormous fire power on the terrorists’ enclaves by the combined efforts of the entire security apparatus of the theatre of operation.

    “The IED factory location at Grazah had been under surveillance for weeks with various installations observed and activities of armed terrorists in the area found to be consistent with those protecting a strategic location.

    “Additionally, two gun trucks were sighted tucked under a large tree near the suspected IED factory.

    “These findings thus necessitated the need for an air strike on the location in order to destroy the suspected IED factory and neutralise the terrorists,’’ he said.

    Gabkwet said the targets were acquired and effectively destroyed, adding that the thick cloud of smoke that followed the air strikes confirmed the destruction of the IED factory and the gun trucks.

  • NAF promotes 4 senior officers to retirement

    NAF promotes 4 senior officers to retirement

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has promoted four  Group Captains with special promotion to the exalted rank of Air Commodores for exhibiting unparalleled dedication and loyalty to the service.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Gabkwet said the officers, who would also begin their retirement from the NAF forthwith, were decorated with their new ranks in the full glare of their families, friends and colleagues by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar.

    He said the promotion of the officers, conducted outside the typical promotion timeline, showcased the profound contributions they had made to both the NAF and the nation.

    Among the officers, according to him, is Air Commodore John Opara, honoured for his outstanding performance as an astute administrative officer.

    “The ceremony also highlighted the careers of two NAF Chaplains and Imam, Air Commodores Okechukwu Godson Okoye, David Ajar Ahmadu, and Tahir Bin-Isah.”

    In his remarks, the CAS, Air Marshal Abubakar, commended the officers for their extraordinary dedication and the significant impact they have made on the NAF.

    Abubakar said that Opara’s unwavering dedication and significant contributions were recognised, affirming the belief that ‘delay is not denial’.

    He described the officer as one of the few highly experienced, dynamic and versatile administrative officers who made significant and remarkable contributions to the attainment of NAF’s operational objectives.

    The CAS also said two chaplains and the Iman were responsible for fostering unity and mutual respect across different faiths within and outside the service.

    He said that their commitments to the emotional and spiritual well-being of NAF’s personnel, were acknowledged as a cornerstone of NAF’s moral strength.

    “As you embark on this new chapter of your lives, know that your legacies will endure.

    “The lives you have touched and the positive impacts you have made will continue to resonate within our Air Force family,” he said.

    The CAS also used the opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable support of their spouses, families, and friends whose unwavering love, patience, and encouragement have been crucial to the success of the officers’ careers.

    He then urged them to remember that their sacrifices have been recognised and their contributions deeply cherished, even as they transition into retirement.

    Earlier, the Chief of Administration (COA), AVM Idi Sani, said that the four officers were found worthy both in character and professionalism to have been promoted by the Air Force Council to substantive Air Commodores, after thorough and rigorous scrutiny.

    Sani said that the promoted officers’ dedication and contributions to the NAF and the nation were highlighted as key factors in their advancement.

    He added that their promotion also reflected the NAF’s commitment to recognising and rewarding excellence.

  • NAF airstrikes destroy 13 illegal oil refining sites, 7 boats

    NAF airstrikes destroy 13 illegal oil refining sites, 7 boats

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe has destroyed 13 illegal refining sites and seven Cotonou boats in Rivers, Bayelsa and Imo.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Sunday in Abuja.

    Gabkwet said the air interdictions conducted between June 18 and June 22, also dispersed five J-5 buses attempting to siphon suspected crude oil products from surface tanks.

    He said that some of the illegal sites were discovered near Imo River on June 18 with seven overhead tanks, which were later destroyed while several suspected bunkerers fled.

    According to him, air strikes were also extended to Wilcourt in Rivers on June 19, after an illegal site and canoe filled with illegally refined products as well as some gun boats

    Gabkwet said the air crew also destroyed some illegal refining sites located at about 6-km from Tunu in Bayelsa.

    He said that the air component undertook another significant strike on June 22, when the crew spotted 5xJ5 buses, probably reconfigured into mini tankers at the bank of Imo River attempting to siphon illegally refined products.

    “Amazed at this change of tactics by these economic saboteurs, the crew did not hesitate to immediately destroy the illegal refining sites feeding the buses.

    “The J5 buses were later seen dispersed with some taking cover under trees to avoid detection.

    “Air strikes against economic saboteurs and oil thieves have continued to record the expected outcomes.

    “This is  majorly due to improved intelligence, enhanced air to ground coordination, and most importantly, due to NAF’s improved agility and resilience.

    “These operations will be sustained until activities of these saboteurs are reduced to the barest minimum,” he said.

  • NAF airstrikes destroy illegal oil refining sites in Imo

    NAF airstrikes destroy illegal oil refining sites in Imo

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has said that the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe successfully destroyed two Illegal Refining Sites (IRS) situated along the banks of Imo River.

    NAF’s Director, Public Relations and Information, Edward Gabkwet, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, said the operation was carried out on Saturday.

    Gabkwet said the strike was conducted barely hours after the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, had discussions with Gov. Alex Otti of Abia on plans to set up a NAF Base in the state.

    He said the illegal sites were located near Obiaku and in close proximity to the Imo-Abia-Rivers borders.

    According to him, the sites consist of two tanks and a reservoir in one location and three tanks and two reservoirs in another location along the Imo Riverbank.

    “Observing that these sites were active, authorisation was sought and received for air strikes on the targets.

    “Subsequently, air strikes by the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe were conducted, which destroyed the 2 sites as well as the surface tanks and reservoirs.

    “Building on these successes, air operations under Operation Delta Safe, will be intensified, especially within the areas of interest, as part of efforts to curtail the activities of criminal elements.

    “The successes recorded in destroying these IRS bring to fore the necessity of a NAF Base in Abia, which Gov. Otti and Air Marshal Abubakar both agreed was long overdue,” he said.

    Gabkwet said that NAF’s continued efforts in all ongoing operations underscored its commitment to maintaining aerial dominance over the Nigerian skies, while collaborating with surface forces towards the safety and security of Nigerian citizens.

  • NAF airstrikes knockout terrorists’ camps in Kaduna, Katsina

    NAF airstrikes knockout terrorists’ camps in Kaduna, Katsina

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), says the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch and Hadarin Daji have eliminated terrorists’ enclaves killing scores in Kaduna and Katsina States.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Gabkwet said the air strikes by the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch on terrorists’ enclave in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State between May 30 and May 31, yielded the requisite outcome.

    He said the strikes were executed at the stronghold of the infamous terrorist, Buharinyadi, situated at Bula Forest area in Giwa LGA of the state.

    The strikes, he said, prompted by painstaking Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (IRS) operations conducted in the targeted vicinity where several clusters of thatched roofed huts within compounds were observed amid thick vegetation.

    Gabkwet said the surveillance also confirmed a substantial presence of armed terrorists loitering around the huts and over 13 motorcycles seen tucked under a large umbrella tree.

    He added that a targeted exploitation of multiple sources revealed that the terrorists at the location were responsible for most of the attacks and kidnappings in several communities within Birnin Gwari, Igabi and Giwa LGAs.

    “Accordingly, the Air Component dispatched its available air assets to strike the location.

    “Overhead the location, scores of the terrorists were sighted and subsequently struck, bringing effective and maximum damage on the targets and their equipment.

    “Following a tip that some of the surviving terrorists had relocated 500 meters west of the interdicted location, a follow up strike was immediately conducted, with a post-strike Battle Damage Assessment revealing the neutralisation of several terrorists and their hideouts engulfed in flames,” he said.

    The NAF spokesman said that similar air strikes were also carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji on June 2, at Zango Hill in Kankara LGA of Katsina State.

    He said that intelligence revealed that the location which had a cluster of huts and zinc roofed structures with multiple human and livestock movements, was being used by a terrorists’ kingpin, Alhaji Iliya and his cohorts.

    Gwabket said that air interdiction was conducted over the location to decimate the terrorists, destroy their weapons and mobility.

    “After the strike, Battle Damage Assessment footages and feedback received revealed that the strikes were successful as several terrorists were eliminated and their structures engulfed in flames.

    “The NAF, in collaboration with surface forces, will continue to sustain domination of the battlespace through extensive situational awareness, constant patrols, and targeted interdiction of terrorists’ safe havens within its various Areas of Responsibility.

    “Still, a whole of society approach remains a key factor in the ongoing efforts to minimise the threats posed by criminal elements,” he said.

  • NAF kills several terrorists in Borno, Niger in airstrikes

    NAF kills several terrorists in Borno, Niger in airstrikes

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Components of Operations Hadin Kai and Whirl Punch in the North East and North Central  killed several terrorists in airstrikes in Borno and Niger.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Sunday in Abuja.

    Gabkwet said the air components had continued to obliterate terrorists and destroy their structures, equipment and mobility, thereby limiting their ability to attack ground troops and innocent Nigerians at will.

    In the North East he said the air interdiction was on May 3 authourised and conducted over Chinene, a location tucked inside the Mandara mountain.

    Terrorists had been observed to be emanating from various locations and assembling ostensibly for a meeting.

    According to him, seven gun trucks were also observed parked under trees within the same location.

    Gabkwet said the aircraft bombarded the assembly area and tree coverings and destroyed their weapons and mobility.

    He said that Battle Damage Assessment revealed that the strikes were successful as several terrorists were neutralised and logistics destroyed.

    According to him, similar airstrikes were conducted same day by the air component of Operation Whirl Punch in a pre-emptive air strikes over terrorists hibernating at Allawa village, near Shiroro town in Niger.

    The NAF spokesman said the mission was conducted following credible intelligence which revealed the migration of terrorists into the village after the mass exit of locals for fear of their safety.

    He said the terrorists had, on May 1, stormed the deserted Allawa community in Shiroro Local Government Area and torched the Central Primary School.

    “In the evening of the same day, another group of terrorists also arrived at the location, wielding AK-47/49 rifles after invading Galapai village in Galadima Kogo District of Shiroro.

    “Accordingly, to prevent further occupation as well as pursue the terrorists from the location, the air component scrambled a formation of its platforms to attack the location.

    “On arrival at the location, several terrorists were sighted and engaged effectively.

    “Furthermore, following credible intelligence as well as detailed aerial observation, which confirmed the presence of their cache of arms hidden inside Allawa Forest, the air component further carried out air strikes at the location,” he said.

    Gabkwet also said that the NAF carried out air strikes North of Arugbana and Temakiri in the Niger Delta, where illegal refining sites were observed and destroyed.

    According to him, through this action, the capabilities of oil thieves to continually sabotage and destroy oil pipelines were minimised.

  • NAF strikes terrorists in Niger, economic saboteurs in N/Delta

    NAF strikes terrorists in Niger, economic saboteurs in N/Delta

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Components of Operations Whirl Punch and Delta Safe on Saturday, knocked out terrorists’ hideouts in Niger and illegal oil refining sites in the Niger Delta.

    The Director Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Gabkwet said the air strikes hit the enclaves of notorious terrorist kingpin, Mallam Umar and several other commanders located in Alawa Forest in Shiroro area of the state.

    He said that there was extensive intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance in the targeted area, which revealed clusters of huts amidst dense vegetation, with significant presence of armed terrorists.

    According to him, the targeted terrorists were responsible for the recent attacks on ground troops at Bassa and detonation of multiple Improvised Explosive Devices along Pandogari-Alawa road in Shiroro.

    “Accordingly, the Air component promptly deployed its air assets to decisively eliminate the terrorists, resulting in effective and maximum damage to the targets.

    “A post-strike Battle Damage Assessment later confirmed the neutralisation of several of the terrorists and the destruction of their hideouts, with positive consequences on their ability to attack surface forces as well as innocent civilians within the area,” he said.

    Gabkwet said that similar air strikes were executed against economic saboteurs siphoning crude oil from mutilated pipelines, thereby destroying the environment and ecosystem.

    He said the surveillance over Ke, Egbema, Akaso Krakama, Krikama and Military Council Valley revealed retinue of illegal refining sites which were effectively destroyed.

    According to him, a Cotonou boat fully loaded with crude oil was also observed at Akaso Krakama about to depart southwards and was destroyed.

    “At Krikama, several cooking sites were observed and destroyed as well.

    “In all, 18 illegal refining sites and three cotonou boats were destroyed.”

    Gabkwet said the strikes have substantially weakened the potency of terrorist elements in the Northwest and oil thieves in the Niger Delta regions.

    He assured that NAF would continue to collaborate with other security agencies through extensive situational awareness patrols and targeted interdiction of criminals’ safe havens.

  • Airstrikes neutralised 30 terrorist fighters in Borno – NAF

    Airstrikes neutralised 30 terrorist fighters in Borno – NAF

    The air component of Operation Hadarin Kai (OPHK) has executed a precision airstrike on the hideouts of ISWAP terrorists, silencing over 30 of their fighters within Kolleram village along the shores of Lake Chad.

    In a statement signed by the Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force on Tuesday in Abuja, AVM Edward Gabkwet, said the airstrikes conducted on April 13 were a decisive blow against terrorism in the North-East.

    He said the operation yielded significant success as the battle damage assessment post-strike conducted revealed the neutralisation of over 30 terrorists.

    Gabkwet said that among those neutralised were some senior commanders of the insurgents including Ali Dawud, Bakura Fallujah, and Mallam Ari.

    “Additionally, numerous vehicles, motorcycles, and logistical assets were destroyed, severely hampering the terrorists’ operational capabilities.

    “Intelligence gathered after the air strike further indicated that the aerial bombardment effectively obliterated a key facility within the Kolleram enclave, which served as a hub for the terrorists’ food processing activities, including grinding machines.

    “The success of these airstrikes underscores NAF’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of Nigerian citizens.

    “By neutralising key terrorist figures and destroying their logistical infrastructure, the operation has significantly degraded the capabilities of the ISWAP group in the region.

    “These airstrikes complement the ongoing efforts of ground forces in the Lake Chad flank and represent a crucial step forward in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria,” he said.