September 12, 2024

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Defence/Security

NAF, US officials meet over AH-1Z attack helicopters delivery

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has begun the first Programme Management Review (PMR) meeting with officials of the United States Government and Bell Textron Company to discuss progress made so far on the supply of the AH-1Z attack helicopters 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 meeting followed assurance that the delivery dates for the AH-1Z attack helicopters purchased by the Federal Government was on track.

He said the US officials gave the assurance when the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, AVM Sayo Olatunde, met with officials of the US Government and Bell Textron Company.

According to him, the 5-day meeting, which began on Tuesday at NAF Headquarters is majorly aims at reviewing the progress made so far regarding the manufacture of the aircraft, ensuring smooth transition and providing technical guidance to the service.

“This collaboration demonstrates the assurance and strong partnership between Nigeria and the US in enhancing the country’s air power capabilities,” he said.

Speaking during the meeting, AVM Olatunde said the PMR meeting underscores the impending delivery of the fighter helicopters to boost NAF’s close air support and ground attack capabilities while also enhancing its modernisation efforts.

He also said that the AH-1Z Helicopters, when inducted into NAF Order of Battle, would bolster its firepower and operational capabilities, particularly in counterterrorism and counter insurgency operations.

Earlier, the US Government AH-1Z Programme Management Office team leader, Mr Kevin Stone, said the collaboration between NAF and the US military was a testament to their shared commitment to regional stability, peace and security.

Stone added that the successful implementation of PMR was expected to have a significant impact on Nigeria’s ability to tackle security challenges and ensure the safety of its citizens. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Defence/Security

Air Chief tasks NAF personnel to enhanced safety culture

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has tasked safety officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to ensure enhanced safety culture in all its activities and operations.

Abubakar said this at the NAF Safety Review Board Meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said the actions or inactions of personnel could either help to propel or break the accident chain sometimes experienced in the course of NAF activities or operations.

Abubakar also called for the emplacement of appropriate actions to break the accident chain, so as to enshrine a good safety culture that transcends all levels in the NAF.

According to him, it is vital to thoroughly examine all the safety issues arising from the meeting and come up with objective and innovative ideas to enhance safety in the Service.

“While we all know that safety is a collective responsibility, this board is primarily accountable for safety administration in the NAF.

“Accidents are the results of a sequence of events, beginning with deliberate decisions taken and NAF cannot afford to pay lip service to issues relating to safety,” Abubajar said.

He said the Service regarded safety as one of its core functions, and reiterated commitment towards developing, implementing and reviewing policies to ensure that all activities were conducted in a safe and conducive environment.

According to him, NAF will intensify efforts to enhance safety as it continues its transformation into, “an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments”.

He assured that more interesting and auspicious days were ahead for the NAF in view of the Federal Government’s commitment to equip it with modern platforms.

“The need for a proactive and enhanced safety culture is thus critical in ensuring that their usage are maximised”.

The Chief of Standards and Evaluation, AVM Micheal Onyebashi, said the board, being the apex body of the NAF Safety Management Structure, organised the biannual meeting to deliberate on major policy, resource allocation and regulatory issues relating to safety.

Onyebashi said the board was required to give direction and guidelines that would ensure the entrenchment of a healthy safety culture in the NAF.

According to him, the NAF has since commenced the introduction of safety education at all NAF entry points and training institutions as directed in the last safety board review.

He said the board also leveraged the online learning infrastructure at the Air Warfare Centre, to sustain an appreciable level of safety education across the NAF.

Onyebashi said there was need for the board, commands and units to work assiduously towards ensuring safety standards were maintained in all NAF activities, especially with the induction of additional platforms.

He urged the board to proffer strategies and ideas that would enable the NAF to experience continuous improvement in safety in all its operations.

In a paper presentation entitled: “Senior Managers’ Role in Organisational Safety Management System,” Dr Iteke Chukwunonso of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), said that managing safety entailed managing risks reactively and proactively as well as predictively controlling risks to an acceptable level.

He said that safety management should have a business like approach and be woven into the fabrics of an organisation until it becomes a part of their culture.

He commended the NAF for its exceptional safety standards and enjoined its leadership to continue to retain the responsibility and accountability for safety.

Chukwunonso also emphasised the need for NAF leadership to promote open reporting through non punitive disciplinary policies while encouraging incentives for promoting safety. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Terrorists
Defence/Security

NAF airstrikes destroy several top terrorist leaders’ camps in N/W

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence Headquarters says the Air Components of the crisis operations have in the last one week, destroyed several terrorist camps operated by notorious terrorist commanders, Bello Turji’s and Halilu in Zamfara and Katsina States.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known on Thursday in Abuja, while briefing newsmen on the operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Buba said the camps, which were newly discovered were acquired through Intelligence Surveillance and Recognisance (ISR), adding that they were targeted and engaged with rockets and cannons.

He said the feedback had revealed that several of the terrorists, including some of the commanders were indeed neutralised as a result of the air strikes.

“But at this time we do not have report of the death of Bello Turji and Halilu,” he said.

Buba said that similar air interdiction was conducted on June 8, overhead a terrorists’ enclaves in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State following confirmatory ISR.

According to him, Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and their structures destroyed.

He added that on June 6, the air component of Operation Whirl Punch conducted air interdiction on a senior terrorist commander enclave at Tsaunin Doka in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

According to him, battle damage assessment and feedback from locals revealed that several terrorists with high profile commanders were eliminated and their logistics destroyed.

“Similarly, on the same day, confirmatory ISR indicated terrorist activities in a terrorists’ camp within Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger killing several terrorists,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Defence/Security

Welfare: NAF rewards 9 Air Warrant Officers with Hilux vehicles

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, on Tuesday rewarded nine Air Warrant Officers (AWOs) for their hard work and dedication to the service of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the officers were presented with JMC pickup Vehicles by the Air Staff Boss.

Abubakar, while presenting the vehicles said that he believed that human resources were the most vital inputs in any organisation.

He said this was necessary because they direct the use of available resources in pursuit of set organisational goals.

He said it was in recognition of that fact that one of the key enabler to his Command Philosophy was ”Maintaining a Highly Motivated Force by Enhancing Welfare and Infrastructural Renewal”.

”It is in fulfilling this key enabler that we are gathered here today on the auspicious occasion of the presentation of vehicles to our deserving AWOs, who remain huge assets to the NAF.

”Our AWOs are a selected breed of distinguished SNCOs on whom the service places the onerous task of maintaining regimentation and discipline as well as upholding military ethics and traditions among airmen/airwomen across the NAF.

”The selfless service and exemplary lifestyle of these distinguished gentlemen who also serve as mentors to their subordinates remain quintessential to the efficiency and effectiveness of the NAF.

”It is in recognition of this gallant service that we are gathered here today to honour these deserving gentlemen who have been very instrumental to our successes as a service,” he said.

The CAS commended the AWOs for their untiring efforts towards ensuring that the NAF got the desired support from their subordinates, which, according to him, had really enhanced the capacity of NAF to meet its constitutional mandate.

He said the presentation of the vehicles was a testament to the commitment of the NAF to motivate its personnel.

He implored the AWOs not to rest on their oars in rendering any support required of them by the NAF, assuring them that his leadership would continue to prioritise their welfare and that of their subjects.

”I firmly believe that the effectiveness of a fighting force is determined by the morale of its troops.

”To this end, I will request the AWOs to always communicate the yearnings of their subordinates to appropriate superior authority for use by HQ NAF in crafting impactful policies,” he added.

NAN also reports that the CAS inaugurated a recreational garden and park as well as six state-of-art sewage treatment plants, lift stations and sewer infrastructure at the NAF base and valley estate, Asokoro.

He said the projects were executed with sole motive of enhancing the welfare of personnel and their families in line with his desire to maintain a highly motivated force.

He added that it was in a bid to provide personnel with standard infrastructural facilities that the NAF valley estate was conceived from inception to have central sewage systems.

This, according to him, is with the aim of providing residents with clean and healthy living conditions devoid of the health hazards posed by poorly handled sewage products.

”To this end, the NAF invested heavily in the central sewage project in this estate which has today become a model facility,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries of the vehicle, AWO Pere Menone, said the presentation of the vehicles marked a historic moment for them in their career as military men.

Menone appreciated the CAS for the recognition and the motivation, adding that the event had given them hope that there was reward for diligence and hard work.

He urged the younger personnel to imbibe the spirit of hard work, dedication, diligence and loyalty to be able to reach the peak of their career. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker and Abiemwense Moru

Defence/Security

Air power, key to countering terrorism in sub-Sahara Africa – CAS

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says air power has emerged as the means of choice in addressing threats of violent extremism, terrorism, and insurgency in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Abubakar said this at the opening of the 3rd African Air Forces Forum, organised as part of activities to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF@60) on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, it is widely acknowledged that Sub-Saharan Africa faces a multitude of national security challenges, including violent extremism, terrorism, and insurgency.

“In addressing these threats, air power has emerged as the means of choice due to its unique characteristics of speed, lethality, and ubiquity.

“Therefore, this gathering of African Air Chiefs could not have come at a better time than now when the yearning for collaboration towards peace and stability on the continent is at its peak.

“Accordingly, the all-important issue of partnership in aerospace innovation to sustain our air power capabilities, to protect and advance our Defence and Security interests would form the crux of our discussions in this forum,” he said.

The CAS said the forum was a regional platform for advancing air force capabilities and building pillars of bilateral and multilateral partnerships among the air forces of African countries.

He said the forum would offer a unique opportunity for air forces to showcase their technological innovations that contribute to enhance Africa’s aerial defence and security capabilities.

According to him, the theme, “Leveraging Strategic Partnerships in Aerospace Innovations for Regional Security” was carefully coined to reflect a critical aspect of their collective efforts in securing their respective countries and by extension, the continent.

Abubakar said the symposium would facilitate the cross-fertilisation of ideas and the introduction of the latest aerospace and defence systems and technologies in the efforts to provide enduring solutions to Africa’s security challenges.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, for his unflinching support, adding that his visionary leadership had inspired transformative advancements not only in the NAF and all aspects of the national development.

He added that the presence and willingness of the participating air chiefs to share their insights and perspectives had significantly strengthened their collective security.

This gathering, according to him, would undoubtedly deepen our friendships across Africa and around the globe.

Lt.-Gen. Jia Zhigang, Deputy Commander of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Air Force, said that 60 was a magic number in China and a complete cycle symbolising a perfect ending as well as a fresh beginning.

Zhigang wished NAF continuous growth and flourishing with constant development and endless glories.

He said that similarities in history had drawn China and African countries closer in a fight against imperialism, colonialism and racism, adding that the China-Africa relations were on the fast lane.

According to him, people with conscience call for peace and countries with foresight join hands to cope with intertwined turbulence and uncertainties.

“This forum is themed as “Leveraging Strategic Partnerships in Aerospace Innovations for Regional Security”, answers the call of time and presents the responsibilities of airpower that has far reaching significance.

“PLA Air Force highly appreciates this forum for its contribution to regional peace.

“We look forward to working with our counterparts across the world to exchange security concepts, strengthen military to military cooperation, and contribute to world peace with concerted efforts in recent years,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that more than 20 Air Chiefs and other top officers from about 35 Air Forces from Africa, Europe, Asia and America, were in attendance.

There were also more than 40 exhibitors in military technologies and innovations at the event. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Defence/Security

CAS warns against encroachment on NAF lands

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has warned communities and institutions against encroaching on the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) lands across the country.

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

Abubakar said he recently discussed issues related to NAF land encroachment by some communities in Benue, when he visited Gov. Hyacinth Alia of the state.

He said the warning was in view of the fact that such encroachment had negative consequences on national security.

The CAS expressed concern that even though NAF had built a fence to contain encroachment at the western boundary of its base in Makurdi, encroachment had persisted at the eastern boundary.

Abubakar raised alarm about the potential loss of 1,537.8 hectares of the 4,486 hectares of NAF land in Benue, representing about 34 per cent of the land originally allocated for establishment of the base in 1977.

“It is important to note that the 4,486 hectares of land currently serving as the home base of Tactical Air Command in Makurdi was allocated to the NAF in 1977 as depicted by the Signature Plan signed by the then Governor, Col. Abdullahi Shellenge.

“The siting of NAF Base at the location was to meet set operational and strategic National Security objectives.

“Ceding such a significant portion of NAF land would limit the required space for medium, and long term infrastructural development necessary for future operational readiness and capability development.

“These are in addition to immediate security and safety concerns that are apparent with such boundary reduction,” he said.

The CAS said that encroachment on NAF land over the years had resulted in protracted disputes between the NAF and its neighbouring communities.

“Previous efforts to resolve these disputes have failed to achieve desired results,” Abubakar said.

The CAS, however, said a tripartite committee comprising the representatives of the Benue government, NAF and affected communities had been set up to seek lasting solution to the problem.

He expressed the commitment of NAF to tackling communal clashes, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality in Benue and other parts of the country.(NAN (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nabilu Balarabe/Joseph Edeh

Aviation

NAF installs airfield landing aids in Kaduna base

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has begun installation of Instrument Landing System (ILS) with its accompanying equipment such as localiser, glide slope and Distance Measuring Equipment in Kaduna airfield ahead of its 60th Anniversary celebration.

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

Gabkwet said the installation was sequel to the 60th Anniversary celebration of the NAF scheduled to hold in Abuja and Kaduna from May 23 to May 25.

He said the system had been backed up with a solar system powered by a 10 KVA  inverter with 28 batteries on both sides, to forestall any power interruption.

According to him, the successful implementation of the ILS unlocks a myriad of possibilities for aircraft operations at the airfield situated within the NAF Base Kaduna, which is expected to witness an increase in flying activities in the weeks to come in preparation for the anniversary.

Gabkwet said that with the new ILS, pilots could now execute precision ILS approaches, enabling safe landings even in adverse weather conditions with limited runway visibility.

He said the installation was also significant for NAF student pilots, adding that it would eliminate the need to seek alternative airfields for practicing ILS approaches and streamline their flying training experiences.

“Moving forward, the completion of the project’s second phase, encompassing the installation of solar landing lights and precision approach indicators, will no doubt augment the airfield’s capabilities.

“Upon fruition, aircraft will be empowered to conduct operations during low visibility conditions and at night, propelling the airfield towards 24-hour operational readiness while also serving as a beacon of excellence in aviation training and safety in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.

Gabkwet said the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, was at the NAF Base on Tuesday to inspect the installation and ongoing projects critical to the successful hosting of the anniversary.

He said that some of the ongoing projects included the renovation of the parade ground, construction of 72- flat accommodation for student pilots and repair of aircraft shelters that would serve as exhibition stands during the anniversary. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Folasade Adeniran

NAF Alpha jet
Defence/Security

Military air strikes kill dozens of terrorists in Katsina, Borno

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Component of Operations Hadarin Daji and Hadin Kai have in different air interdictions killed dozens of terrorists in Katsina and Borno during the weekend.

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

Gabkwet said the streak of successful air strikes denied terrorists freedom of movement aimed at targeting soft targets, especially innocent civilians.

He said that one of such strikes were carried out on April 5, at a terrorist enclave located in the North West of Yartsamiya Village in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina.

According to him, a set of 11 armed terrorists were sighted moving toward a mountainous area at the location.

“Soon after, two separate sets of terrorists joined the first set of terrorists, and all were observed heading towards the same direction towards the mountainous high ground.

“The need not to let the opportunity of neutralising the terrorists thus became imperative.

“Subsequently, the terrorists were effectively engaged by NAF aircraft in several passes with several neutralised and the few survivors scampering in disarray,” he said.

Gabkwet said the air strikes by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai had in the early hours of Saturday at Grazah in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno, also yielded the requisite outcome.

He said the previous intelligence had revealed that Grazah, previously known as a hideout for terrorists, was converted into a logistics storage hub and an area for fabricating their Improvised Explosive Devices and other ammunition.

According to him, recent intelligence also revealed significant terrorists’ activities consistent with terrorists’ behaviour around some makeshift structures at the location.

“Consequently, air interdiction was conducted at the location with Battle Damage Assessment footages and feedback received revealing several terrorists neutralised.

“These operations, carried out deep into terrorists’ enclaves, will continue as these areas are believed to aid their recruitment, training and nurturing of potential terrorists.

“Attacking their logistics hubs also help in reducing their ability to carry out massive attacks, especially on innocent civilians and troop’s location.

“The provision of timely information/intelligence by the populace has also been key to the successes recorded and will remain so if sustained,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Maureen Atuonwu

Defence/Security

NAF committed to welfare of deceased personnel families

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), to the welfare and wellbeing of families of the fallen heroes.

Abubakar gave the assurance during the Nigerian Air Force Officer’s Wives Association (NAFOWA) Medical and Humanitarian Outreach to the Widows of NAF Fallen Heroes, on Saturday in Abuja.

He said the Service was duty bound to ensure that the contributions and sacrifices of the deceased personnel was not in vain.

The CAS said that NAF had instituted a Group Personal Accident Insurance Policy, as part of measures to support families of the fallen heroes and wounded warriors, in addition to the Ministry of Defence Group Life Policy for all personnel.

According to him, the policy insures all personnel against accidents, injuries and deaths whenever such tragedies occur, so that they could confidently perform their duties knowing that healthcare and welfare were adequately taken care of.

“Additionally, I would like to remind this audience that the children of all personnel who die on active service are entitled to NAF educational sponsorship up to higher institution level.

“Widows are therefore encouraged to take advantage of this policy for education of their children.

“Be rest assured that NAF will continue to honour the memories of our departed colleagues and take care of their families as much as possible.

“Just as NAFOA is demonstrating to us today, I also want to take a moment to appreciate our wives and children who stand steadfastly beside us in all situations.

“I salute your resilience and pray that their efforts shall never be in vain,” he said.

The CAS lauded President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support which boosted the operational effectiveness of the Service.

He assured that NAF would continue to work assiduously in synergy with sister services and other security agencies to address security challenges in the country.

“Permit me to also inform all good citizens of our great nation that they can rest assured that NAF is resolute in its commitment to ensuring peace and stability in all parts of the country”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NAFOWA humanitarian activities include medical outreach to members of the NAF family and widows of the fallen personnel.

The association also distributed food items including rice, semovita, pasta, palm and vegetable oil, beans and cash to 100 widows.

The President of NAFOWA, Mrs Rakiya Abubakar, said the association would extend the gesture to all widows of NAF fallen hroes resident outside Abuja through its branches.

She further sought the support of philanthropists and organisations to put smiles on the faces of the families of the gallant personnel who paid the supreme price. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Rabiu Sani-Ali

Defence/Security

NAF trainer aircraft in minor accident – Spokesman

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The  Nigerian Air Force (NAF),  says its Super Mushshak trainer aircraft was involved  in a minor mishap at about 2.35 pm on Thursday,  with no casualty.

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

Gabkwet said the accident, which occurred at about 3.5 nautical miles from Kaduna Military Airfield, involved two pilots who were returning from a routine training flight.

He said that both pilots came out of the accident unscathed.

According to him, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, had since directed  preliminary investigations to ascertain  immediate cause of the accident. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

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