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Tag: naf

  • More gains as NAF strikes neutralize terrorists in Borno

    More gains as NAF strikes neutralize terrorists in Borno

    The Nigerian Air Force, (NAF) has said that the Operation Hadin Kai to clear the Northeast of remnants of terrorists have continued to record series of successes.

    This was made known by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Edward Gabkwet, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Gabkwet said that one of such successful operations occurred on Jan. 5, at Parisu after terrorists were, for days, observed moving items suspected to be weapons and ammunition to the area.

    According to him, Parisu, a location near Sambisa Forest, was once a terrorist enclave deserted after its own troops had cleared the area of terrorists’ activities.

    Continuing, he said  that the convergence of terrorists within the location raised suspicion of their intent and plan, hence the directive to strike the location.

    Gabkwet noted that the result of the strikes led to a huge ball of flames from two adjacent spots within the vicinity, while some surviving terrorists were observed scampering for safety.

    “Feedback also revealed that 12 terrorists were neutralised in the strike, and their logistics destroyed, thereby degrading their ability to attack soft targets and own troops.

    “Similar strikes were also carried out at a location about 1.5Km Southwest of Tumbun Agiri within the Tumbuns in the Lake Chad region on Jan. 6.

    “Intelligence gathered over time had revealed the continuous gathering of armed terrorists in pick-up vehicles and motorcycles, hence the go-ahead to attack the location.

    “The precision strikes on the location led to the destruction of the vehicles, motorcycles as well as elimination of several terrorists,” he said.

  • NAF postpones recruitment for Trades, Non-Tradesmen/women

    NAF postpones recruitment for Trades, Non-Tradesmen/women

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has shifted the 2024 zonal attitude test for recruitment of Trades and Non-Tradesmen/women, from Jan. 6 to Jan. 13.

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

    Gabkwet urged all applicants to note that all other details remained unchanged.

    “This is to inform applicants and the general public that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) recruitment zonal attitude test for Trades and Non-Tradesmen/women, earlier scheduled for Jan. 6 will now be held on Jan. 13.

    “The NAF regrets all inconveniences this postponement may have caused applicants,” he said.

     

  • NAF decorates 22 Air Vice Marshals, 16 Commodores

    NAF decorates 22 Air Vice Marshals, 16 Commodores

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on Friday, decorated 22 newly promoted Air Vice Marshals and 16 Air Commodores with their new ranks following their recent elevation by the Air Force Council.

    The council had on Dec. 21, approved the promotion of 22 Air Commodores to the rank of AVM and 16 Group Captains to the rank of Air Commodore.

    The Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, who was represented by the Minister of State, Bello Matawalle, said that attaining general rank in any military worldwide was an enviable feat.

    Badaru said the promotion, especially to air rank, was highly desirable, motivating, rewarding and most importantly demanding.

    According to him, it is demanding because, as officers of air rank, the service expects you to lead from a more holistic and strategic perspective, having garnered experience and an enormous amount of training.

    He said the service and indeed, the entire nation, relied on the new crop of officers to utilise all the knowledge, wisdom, ingenuity and critical thinking capabilities they had gathered over the years to move the NAF to higher heights and foster a peaceful and greater Nigeria.

    The minister reminded the officers that promotion comes with greater expectations and responsibilities, urging them not lose sight of the ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry and all other forms of criminality.

    “Invariably, your mandate as Generals is to successfully execute all such operations necessary to preserve national security and territorial integrity.

    “Hence, it is expected that with your upliftment to the ranks of Air Commodore and Air Vice Marshal, you will redouble your efforts to discharge your duties so we can quickly end all security threats to our dear nation,” he said.

    Badaru said that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, had been forthcoming and remained committed to supporting the Nigerian military in general and the NAF in particular.

    “Accordingly, the government is poised to provide the Armed Forces as well as other security agencies with the necessary resources to ensure a peaceful, safe and prosperous nation,” he said.

    The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said that promotion was usually granted in recognition of hard work, commitment and diligence in most organisations, adding that the military was not an exception.

    Abubakar said that while promotion was highly desirable, motivating and rewarding, it also placed added responsibilities on those so recognised, considering the current and emerging security challenges confronting Nigeria.

    He urged them to put on their thinking caps and chart workable strategies in their quest to “transform the NAF into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the air power demands of national security in all operational environments.”

    “You will also be required to continue to display exceptional integrity, selfless service and commitment to excellence.

    “This would ensure that the NAF records outstanding results in every area of competence and translate to successes in the various theatres of operation with resultant improved security for our people across the country.

    “You must remember that we cannot afford to fall short of the expectations of all Nigerians.

    “I therefore urge you to remember that failure should never be an option so long as your determination to succeed remains strong,” he said.

    AVM Suleiman Usman, one of the promoted officers who spoke in behalf of his colleagues, said the promotion was a call for them to continue to give their very best in the service of the nation.

    Usman said they were very much aware of the enormous responsibilities expected of them in addressing the security challenges facing the nation.

    He assured of their commitment to give their best in their various capacities, to bring lasting peace to the nation.

    “Our deepest appreciation goes to President Bola Tinubu for finding us worthy of this elevations and for his unwavering support, guidance and commitment to the advancement of the NAF,” he said.

    NAN

  • NAF hits 6 illegal oil refining sites in Rivers

    NAF hits 6 illegal oil refining sites in Rivers

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), says the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe, on Dec. 23, destroyed six illegal oil refining sites in Opu Arugbana in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers.

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

    Gabkwet said the air strikes were in continuation of efforts to rid the Niger Delta region of activities of oil thieves and oil pipeline vandals.

    He said the illegal sites were sighted clustered within a radius of about 80 metres at a location about 6 nautical miles south of Opu Arugbana.

    According to him, having been confirmed to be active, authorisation was obtained to destroy the six sites, thus discouraging the criminals from continuing with their acts of illegality.

    “In spite of the festive season, air operations against criminals in the Niger Delta and other parts of the country continue unabated.

    “The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has commended the efforts of the Air Component Commanders in all the theatres of operation.

    “Abubakar, who spent the Christmas day with troops in the Northeast and currently in Katsina to fete troops, called on them not to rest until criminal activities are reduced to the barest minimum,” he said.

  • Fatal error: Army not NAF bombed civilians in Kaduna

    Fatal error: Army not NAF bombed civilians in Kaduna

    The Nigerian Army has claimed responsibility for the bombing of some community residents during a Maulud Nabiy celebration at Tudun Biriin in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The army, however, said the airstrikes were inadvertent, saying operatives were targeting terrorists.

    More than 30 residents were feared dead in the airstrikes on Sunday night while others sustained various injuries.

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) had earlier stated that it had not carried out any air operations within Kaduna State and environs in the last 24 hours, adding that it is not the only organisation operating combat armed drones in the North western region of Nigeria.

    The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Gabriel Gabkwet, had stated this in the military reaction to an incident of air strike on civilians in the state.

    Samuel Aruwan, the Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State, said in a statement on Monday that the army claimed responsibility for the unfortunate incident.

    “The Kaduna State Government has received briefings on Sunday night’s attack which left several citizens dead and others injured. In a meeting presided over by the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, which had in attendance heads of security agencies, religious and traditional leaders, the Nigerian Army explained the circumstances which led to the unfortunate and unintended attack.

    “The General Officer Commanding One Division Nigerian Army, Major VU Okoro explained that the Nigerian Army was on a routine mission against terrorists but inadvertently affected members of the community,” the statement read in part.

  • Sad! Many feared k!lled as NAF jet reportedly bombed civilian populace in Kaduna

    Sad! Many feared k!lled as NAF jet reportedly bombed civilian populace in Kaduna

    Many villagers are feared dead following a bomb reportedly dropped by a Nigerian Air Force jet during a Maulud celebration at Tudun Biri, a community within Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    Though details of the incident remain sketchy, preliminary reports indicate that about 30 people died during the incident on Sunday,December 3, around 9:00 pm.

    Residents told a national daily that the bomb struck while the villagers gathered to commemorate Maulud in the village.

    “They were celebrating Maulud (birth of Prophet Muhammad) when the jet dropped the bomb, resulting in the immediate death of more than 30 people,” a resident said.

    There is apprehension that the death toll may increase.

    When reached for comment, Samuel Aruwan, Overseeing Commissioner of the State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, did not provide casualty figures, stating that the government would address the media in a press conference at the Government House.

    “We will address the press at Government House on the situation because there would be a security meeting later. So, let’s meet by 10 am,” he said.

    NAF has also yet to speak on the incident as of press time.

  • NAF denies attacking villagers in Kaduna

    NAF denies attacking villagers in Kaduna

    The Nigerian Air Force, has dismissed claims that its aircraft accidentally bombed some villagers in Kaduna State.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, dismissed the report in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

    Gabkwet said that the NAF had not carried out any air operations within Kaduna State and environs in the last 24 hours.

    He added that the NAF is not the only organisation operating combat armed drones in the North Western region of Nigeria.

    “The news making the rounds alleging that Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft accidentally killed innocent civilians in Kaduna is false.

    “It is also important to ensure that due diligence is always exhausted by the media before going to press with unverified and unconfirmed reports,” he said.

  • Air force confirms aircraft crash in Port Harcourt

    Air force confirms aircraft crash in Port Harcourt

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that its MI-35P helicopter crashed on Friday in Port Harcourt shortly after take off.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the crash occurred at about 7.45 am shortly after the aircraft took off for an operation against economic saboteurs in Rivers State.

    According to a statement by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, five crew members were aboard the helicopter.

    He, however, said all the five crew members, who survived with minor injuries, were being treated at the NAF Medical Centre in Port Harcourt.

    “The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, is currently enroute Port Harcourt to assess the situation, see to the wellbeing of the crew and give further directives.

    “Incident of this nature is yet again a grim reminder of the dangers associated with military flying and the risks NAF pilots and technicians experience in their onerous tasks of defending our nation and deterring criminal elements from their nefarious activities,” Gabkwet said.

  • BREAKING: Suspected NAF aircraft crashes in Port Harcourt [VIDEO]

    BREAKING: Suspected NAF aircraft crashes in Port Harcourt [VIDEO]

    An aircraft, a surveillance helicopter, suspected to belong to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has crashed in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the surveillance aircraft crashed at the Port Harcourt military base on Friday morning.

    While details of the crash are still sketchy, NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet did not immediately respond to call for clarification.

    At the time of filing this report, details of any casualty were yet to be revealed. However, it was gathered that two persons and the pilot were on board.

     

    Details shortly…

  • NAF’s strikes eliminate key Boko Haram figure, several others in Borno

    NAF’s strikes eliminate key Boko Haram figure, several others in Borno

    The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, have eliminated a key Boko Haram terrorist leader,  Abu Asad and several others in air strikes on their hideout at Tagoshe on Mandara Mountains in Borno.

    The Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

    Gabkwet said the air strikes which was conducted on Friday, was one of the most successful strikes undertaken by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai in recent time.

    He said the NAF discovered a massing of terrorists in an isolated location consisting of three zinced structures amid several trees.

    He added that it was evident from the footage that the terrorists were massing up at the location for either a well-planned meeting or preparing for a major attack on troops.

    According to him, over 100 heavily armed terrorists were observed throwing banters and moving randomly around the structures which also had four troop carriers.

    “The aftermath of the air strike revealed that two out of the three structures, as well as the entire troop carriers were destroyed.

    “There are also indications that Abu Asad, a key figure in the Ali Ngulde group under Boko Haram, as well as other terrorists like Ibrahim Nakeeb, Mujaheed Dimtu, Mustafa Munzir, and several fighters were among the several terrorists eliminated in the air strike,” he said.

    The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has commended the Air Component Commander and his men for the feet.

    Abubakar urged them to continue to synergise with the Land Component while maintaining the momentum in keeping the terrorists on their toes.

    He said they must continue to justify the trust and confidence the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria have in them.

    “You must ensure that we go all out in making life unbearable for these terrorists and criminals until they surrender or are completely eliminated,” he said.