NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Communities’ involvement key to countering terrorism threats – Centre
Defence/Security

Communities’ involvement key to countering terrorism threats – Centre

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By Monday Ijeh

The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre – Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka says active involvement of communities and other stakeholders is key to countering terrorism threats.

Laka said this at the opening of the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) stakeholders meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said the meeting was at a pivotal juncture in the review of NACTEST as the terrorism threat landscape continues to evolve in complexity and scale.

The coordinator said the responses to the threats must also be adaptive, collaborative, and forward-looking.

Laka added that the approach had been anchored on two fundamental pillars, the whole-of-government and the whole-of-society approach.

According to him, the whole-of-government approach underscores the need for seamless interagency coordination.

“In the context of the recent crisis, the Ministry of Education has done an excellent job in providing a comprehensive and effective approach to counter-terrorism.

“It is only through this unity that we can effectively identify vulnerabilities, disrupt terrorist networks and prevent attacks before they occur.

“Terrorism is not just a security threat, but also, a social and ideological one.

“Therefore, countering it requires the active involvement of communities, civil society organisations, religious and traditional leaders, and the private sector,” he said.

He said the idea was to build trust, strengthen social cohesion, and actively counter extremist narratives at the grassroots.

Laka said the initial draft of the revised NACTEST had been successfully developed.

He urged the participants to carefully review the draft strategy, provide constructive feedback, and take responsibility for implementing the recommendations that fall within their mandate.

The coordinator said the goal was to ensure that the implementation of the strategy serves as a practical and dynamic framework that drives real and measurable impacts in counterterrorism efforts.

In his remarks, Commodore Ahmad Madawaki, Director of Policy and Strategy at the NCTC-ONSA, stated that NACTEST had provided a critical framework for counter-terrorism since its introduction in 2014.

“As the threat landscape evolved, it became clear that a review was necessary to ensure that our strategy remained effective and relevant.

“To support this review, we engaged in extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including our international partners.

“We had the privilege of collaborating with renowned international partners to leverage their expertise and best practices,” he said.

According to him, these interactions enriched our understanding of emerging trends and innovative approaches to countering terrorism. (NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Eid-el-Kabir: Wike assures tight security in FCT
Religious

Eid-el-Kabir: Wike assures tight security in FCT

1,183 total views today

 

By Philip Yatai

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has assured residents that security agencies are working around the clock to ensure the safety of lives and properties during the Eid-el-Kabir holidays and beyond.

Wike made the statement in his Eid-el-Kabir message to FCT residents in Abuja on Thursday.

He emphasised that the FCT Administration would continue to maintain close collaboration with security operatives to keep Abuja safe and secure.

“I am proud to say that Abuja remains the safest city in the country, and we are doing everything possible to keep it that way.

“As we gather with family and friends in celebration, let us not forget the less privileged among us.

“Let the spirit of Eid inspire us to share, uplift, and show kindness to those in need.

“As you join millions around the world to celebrate this sacred occasion, we are reminded of the profound values embodied in Eid-el-Kabir, sacrifice, obedience, and unwavering faith, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim,” he said.

The minister urged residents to reflect on the deeper meaning of submission to the will of Allah and to recommit themselves to compassion, generosity, and unity.

According to him, the celebration is not only a spiritual milestone but also a time to renew the collective commitment to peace, tolerance, and mutual respect.

He commended the Muslim community in the FCT for their enduring contributions to the growth and peaceful coexistence within the territory.

“Your values and sense of community are integral to our shared progress,” he added.

The minister also noted that President Bola Tinubu, through his “Renewed Hope Agenda,” had been working tirelessly to ease the burdens faced by the people.

He highlighted the commendable progress made by the FCT Administration in infrastructure development, security enhancement, and social welfare interventions.

“These efforts are all aimed at improving the quality of life for every resident of the FCT.

“We owe the rapid development of the FCT to the unwavering support President Tinubu has given to the FCTA.

“Therefore, I urge you to use this occasion to pray that the Almighty grants Tinubu good health and more guidance to lead the nation to greater heights.

“In the coming days, we will begin commissioning a plethora of completed projects across the territory in celebration of Tinubu’s second year in office.

“These are critical projects aimed at advancing healthcare, education, agriculture, transportation, and more sectors within the FCT.

“They stand as visible proof of our commitment to delivering tangible, impactful change and building a capital city that reflects the hopes and aspirations of all Nigerians,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Sallah: CAN chairman urges leaders to deepen sacrifices for Nigeria’s security
Religious

Sallah: CAN chairman urges leaders to deepen sacrifices for Nigeria’s security

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By Sarafina Christopher

The Christian Association (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the FCT has urged all Nigerians in positions of authority, particularly the political leadership, “to make a double sacrifice to secure Nigeria just as Muslims offer sacrifices in obedience to God during Sallah”.

The Chairman of the association, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, gave the advice in a Sallah message to the Muslim faithful as they join other parts of the world to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.

“This season, which honours Prophet Ibrahim’s total obedience and willingness to sacrifice for the sake of God, is a timely call for both leaders and citizens to demonstrate renewed faith, unity, and responsibility towards our nation.

“In this spirit, Northern CAN encourages those in positions of authority, particularly the political leadership, to make a double sacrifice to secure Nigeria just as Muslims offer sacrifices in obedience to God during Sallah,” he said.

The further advised the political elite to act in consonance with their constitutional obligation and moral responsibility in the interest of every Nigerian.

“Our leaders must likewise act in obedience to their constitutional duty and moral responsibility to protect the lives and dignity of every Nigerian.

“The country is groaning under the weight of insecurity, economic distress, and social disillusionment.

“Nigerians are living in fear, and this climate of uncertainty is what gives room for enemies of peace to perpetrate evil without restraint.

“It is no longer enough to issue statements or make promises.

“The government must urgently remedy the conditions that have cast doubt on its commitment to the people.

“Let the leadership act decisively so that Nigerians will no longer have reasons to question or complain,” Hayab added.

According to him, the time has come for the Federal Government to take steps aimed at restoring public confidence and healing “our national wounds”.

“CAN calls on Nigerians to use this solemn period to pray for the peace and unity of the country, while also reaching out to the less privileged in the true spirit of Eid.

“We urge all religious and community leaders to continue fostering peaceful coexistence and to avoid making statements or taking actions capable of deepening our division.

The CAN chairman expressed warm greetings and heartfelt felicitations to the Muslim Ummah on the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir, as well as a joyful and spiritually rewarding Eid-el-Kabir. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

COAS backs Early Voting Bill for military, security personnel
Defence/Security

COAS backs Early Voting Bill for military, security personnel

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede has declared his support for the early voting bill introduced by the Senate for military and security personnel deployed during elections.

Oluyede expressed the support of the army for the bill at a meeting with the Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (APC-Katsina state) in Abuja on Thursday.

He said that the job of the army on Election Day in collaboration with sister security agencies, was to create an enabling environment for Nigerians to exercise their franchise freely.

According to him, the army has been doing very well in support of the lead agency which is the Police and they have not had time to exercise their own franchise.

“The bill is actually long overdue, it is a laudable effort by the senator and we appreciate you; you have all our support for all the bills.

“As an army, we will support you as much as possible and for the programmes you have highly noted, be sure we will be well represented,” he said.

The chief, however, urged the crafters of the legislation to put measures in place to avoid impersonation and to enhance communication among security agencies and other essential workers.

He commended the senator for all the support for the army and the legislative support

Earlier, Yar’Adua said that the aim of the visit was to solicit the support of the army for three bills currently under consideration in the National Assembly.

He said that the bills generally seek to strengthen the army forces and deepen its democratic participation in the country.

“The bills are, the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, the Arm Forces Trust Fund Amendment Bill and the Arm Forces Act Repeal and Reenactment Bill.

“I am here basically to seek your support and the partnership in the passage of the bills,” he said.

The senator said that the Electoral Act Amendment Bill was necessary to address the number of eligible Nigerians that are disenfranchised because of essential duties.

According to him, we have close to two million Nigerians who work on election day from the military, INEC staff, Ad hoc staff, NYSC corps members, security agents, journalists and election observers.

Yar’Adua recalled that during the 2023 general elections, the Nigerian Army deployed 95 per cent of its personnel for election related security issues.

He said that together with the Department of State Security (DSS) the military deployed 93,495 personnel.

The lawmaker said that the police deployed 310,973 personnel, the NYSC deployed 200,000 corps members while the National Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) deployed 81,000 personnel.

He said the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) deployed 21,000 personnel, the Nigerian Correctional Centre (NCC) deployed 11,336 officers, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) deployed 350 operatives while National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) deployed 9,447 personnel.

Yar’Adua said that when the numbers are put together and added to the number of election observers, it would be enough to determine the outcome of an election.

He said that the wide disenfranchisement raised concerns given the declining voter turnout saying that in 2015, voter turnout was 4.7 per cent, in 2019 it dropped 34.7 per cent and in 2023, 27. 3 per cent.

“To allow early voting for military personnel , it is not only a matter of fairness, it is a necessary step to restore confidence, engage young Nigerians and uphold the principle that says those who defend our democracy should not be excluded from it.

“I wish to encourage the Nigerian Army to collaborate with INEC in identifying eligible personnel to vote,” he said.

On his part, the Coordinator, Centre for Legislative Engagement, YIAGA-Africa, Dr Sam Ogwuche said that the bill was apt and timely.

He said that election is the hallmark of democracy and all Nigerians should be able to vote as it is a civic responsibility.

He said that YIAGA-Africa and many other stakeholders at the forefront of canvassing for increased citizen participation were in support of the bill. (NAN) 

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Eid-el-Kabir: CP orders visibility policing, intelligence-led raids in FCT
Defence/Security , General News

Eid-el-Kabir: CP orders visibility policing, intelligence-led raids in FCT

186 total views today

Raids

By Monday Ijeh

The Commissioner of Police (CP) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Ajao Adewale, has ordered heightened visibility policing and sustained intelligence-led raids on black spots in the territory ahead of the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh,  disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.

Adeh said that the CP gave the order during a strategic security meeting with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and heads of Tactical Teams in the command.

Adewale said the meeting was to ensure a safe and secured FCT ahead of the forthcoming Inspector General of Police (I-G) Award Night, the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and the June 12 Democracy Day commemoration.

He said the focus of the meeting was to fine-tune operational deployments, reinforcement of professionalism and accountability in policing efforts during the period.

“You must strengthen security within your respective Areas of Responsibility (AORs) and ensure heightened visibility policing, particularly at all strategic entry and exit points into the city.

“This is in anticipation of the arrival of very senior police officers and other dignitaries from across the country for the I-G’s event,”he said.

The CP ordered the deployment of Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) teams to sweep worship and recreational centres ahead of expected events.

He directed the senior police officers to sustain intelligence-led raids on identified black spots known for illicit drug activities in a professional manner, devoid of abuse.

The CP warned the officers against any form of extortion and urged the officers to be smartly dressed, disciplined, and courteous in their interactions with the public.

“You must not be involved in civil disputes, particularly land-related matters and your continuous raids on identified spots must not serve as a cover for harassment or illegal financial demands.

“You must reinforce the standing order that bail is free; any officer found requesting money for bail will be dealt with in accordance with established disciplinary procedures,”the CP said.

He ordered the DPOs to ensure strict supervision and accountability of all personnel under their command, adding that searching of mobile phones without appropriate legal authority was prohibited.

The CP ordered all officers to be camera-friendly, approachable, and uphold the image of the force and ensure swift and efficient response to distress calls.

He ordered crackdown on vehicles bearing fake or fraudulently acquired diplomatic number plates and urged the DPOs to initiate youth engagement programme.

Adewale said the idea was to foster close collaboration with local communities to promote community policing and crime prevention. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Bayo Sekoni

Consider national interest in reporting security challenges- IMPI chair
Politics

Consider national interest in reporting security challenges- IMPI chair

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By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Chairman of the Independent Media and Policy Initiative, IMPI, Dr Omoniyi Akinsiju, has urged the media in Nigeria to be more circumspect in reporting the security situation in the country.

 

According to him, this is because more attention is paid to challenges in the war against banditry and terrorism than the gallant efforts being made by the security agencies and government to stem the tide.

 

He disclosed this in a paper titled “Importance of the media in information gathering and disclosure in the face of security challenges” at the 6th Timeline Awareness Initiative Lecture/Awards in Lagos.

 

Akinsiju said that national interest should be the uppermost considered when the media is reporting security issues about the country.

 

He cited studies on the role of the media in peacebuilding to support his position.

 

“Researchers of conflict situations in Nigeria have noted that for different reasons and in different ways, media coverage of Boko Haram and the bandits have been similarly destabilising of the Nigerian state.

 

“In short, the perception is that the media approach to reporting news on conflict and organised crime in Nigeria has tended to make things worse by generally helping to weaken the state’s response to those issues.

 

“Perhaps, this was the spectacle agitating the mind of Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Mohammed Idris, when he publicly appealed to journalists to not give “undue attention” to bandits and other criminals terrorising the country by reminding journalists that “bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and pirates are waging not only a physical battle but also a psychological war to undermine the morale of the Nigerian military.”

 

Akinsiju noted that a similar view was expressed during the last administration at the height of the war against insurgency in North East Nigeria

 

“Three years before Mr Idris raised the alarm over the nature of media reporting of banditry and other criminalities in the country, his immediate predecessor, Mr Lai Mohammed, had suggested that the media in Nigeria reported bandit attacks more than the success recorded by the government and security forces.

 

“Thus stressing the need for the media to provide “positive coverage of the successes” to encourage the affected states, security agencies, and the federal government.”

 

He used the developed countries as an example of jurisdictions where the adversarial style of reportage is jettisoned when national interest is involved.

 

“The received wisdom on this question is the Western-style liberalist perspective, which holds that the media should take an adversarial stance against the state to hold the government accountable and safeguard the rights of citizens.

 

“But when the issue pertains to the state itself, as distinct from the government of the day, such as an existential threat or a challenge to the dominant ideologies of democracy and capitalism, or even of rivalries between states in international affairs, the media will adopt subtle, sometimes so subtle approaches to doing news in ways that stand by the state,” the IMPI chairman added.

 

He said that this should be the benchmark of the relationship between media practitioners and the military authorities in conflict situations across the country.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

JEE report rates FCT high on immunisation coverage  
Health

JEE report rates FCT high on immunisation coverage  

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Joint External Evaluation (JEE) Report, an Assessment of Health Security Capacities at sub-national level has rated FCT high on immunisation coverage.

Ms Nsikak Inman, Senior Officer, International Health Regulation (IHR), revealed this at the Dissemination of the FCT JEE Report, in Abuja on Monday.

Presenting the report, Inman said that the FCT was rated high on vaccination coverage as part of a state-level programme, as well as vaccine access and delivery.

She added that FCT equally did well in the surveillance system and reporting network and protocol under surveillance and reporting.

She, however, added that the Administration needs to improve on use of electronic tools and surveillance data analysis.

Other areas of strength include case management capacity for health security related events and Emergency Operations Centres capacities, procedures and plans.

Inman also said that best practices observed during the assessment include multi-sectoral representation and participation, transparency, commitment and state ownership.

Others, she said, were available human resource strategy and annual human resource gap analysis.

She however identified some gaps that need to be addressed, particularly suboptimal collaboration across relevant sectors and secretariat departments and agencies.

“There are also inadequate policies, strategies, guidelines and plans to improve health security in FCT.

“Inadequate laboratory capacity should also be addressed while budget allocation for epidemic preparedness should include animal and environmental sectors,” she said.

She explained that the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in its capacity as the IHR National Focal Point, supported state governments in assessing and identifying gaps in the health security core capacities.

She added that working with the FCT Administration, the assessment was conducted from Feb. 19 to 21, 2024, using the adapted evaluation tool for the assessment of subnational level health security capacities.

She equally said that the benchmarks for strengthening subnational health security in Nigeria to validate the self-assessment.

Earlier, the Director-General, NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, said that dissemination of the report marks a new beginning in the renewed commitments to building a stronger, more resilient health security system for the FCT.

Represented by Dr Fatima Saleh, Director, Surveillance NCDC, said that the FCTA has shown ownership and leadership, vital for a collective health security.

“The JEE is a critical component of the IHR 2005 monitoring and evaluation framework, which provides clear evidence of the strength, the gaps in our public health preparedness and response capabilities.

“It is not an end in itself; but a tool for action, a mirror that reflects where we stand today and a map that guides us where we must go,” he said.

Responding, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, welcomed the reports and reiterated the FCTA’s commitment to do better.

Fasawe, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Baba-Gana Adam, noted that the indicators of the reports would help the FCTA to plan on how to improve on areas of weakness.

“So, we assure you that by our next report, you will see the action plan that will be done, and evidence provided to deliver and improve on our health security capabilities,” she said.

Also, the FCT Epidemiologist, Dr Lawal Ademola, emphasised that the FCT has the capacity to detect, respond, and prevent all public health concerns.

“The JEE is just a tool that is used globally to assess our strength so that we can see the gaps and work together to strengthen where those gaps are,” he said.

Speaking on the FCT performance on immunisation coverage, Dr Ruqayya Wamako, Executive Secretary, FCT Primary Healthcare Development Board, attributed the feats to the emphasis on disease prevention in the FCT,

Wamako said that the most diseases were vaccine preventable as the first level of defence, stressing that “when children are well immunised, they won’t have diseases that are vaccine preventable”. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Minister wants tractors to replace armoured tanks to boost food security  
Defence/Security

Minister wants tractors to replace armoured tanks to boost food security  

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Federal Government aims to shift from military equipment to agricultural tools, specifically replacing armoured tanks with tractors and machine guns with milking machines, to bolster food security.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Dr Abubakar Maiha, this known during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Counter Terrorism Centre – Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA) and International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on Friday in Abuja.

This initiative, he said, focuses on modernising the livestock sector and increasing food production through technology and precision farming. 

He said the collaboration between NCTC and IITA was a noble framework for integrating ex-combatants into the normal society to support President Bola Tinubu’s agenda on food security.

According to him, once people are productively engaged, they will not be available for recruitment into violent crimes no matter the enticement.

“This is what we are looking at and our vision today in the country we want Nigeria’s countryside to be the symbol of what we want.

“We use tractors to replace armoured tanks, and we want milking machines to replace machine guns because they have no place in our countryside.

“This is what the ministry is driving, and we are going to work with NCTC-ONSA and other MDAs in terms of empowerment of women and youths,” he said.

In her remarks, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Iman Suleiman -Ibrahim, commended NCTC and IITA for the innovative partnership in advancing Nigeria’s peace and security through inclusive and sustainable approaches.

Suleiman-Ibrahim said that agro-business, allied with the empowerment project, was a vital step in addressing the root causes of violent extremism, particularly amongst vulnerable populations, which includes women, youths, and families at risk.

She emphasised that empowering women and marginalised groups was essential for sustainable peace and development in the country.

According to her, family units, particularly women, are central to community resilience and affirmed commitment to ensuring women’s active participation in livelihood programs through integration and community development initiatives.

Also, Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, represented by his Deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, said it was incumbent on levels of government to support the initiative for collective good.

Sule said the North Central region in particular was faced with associated security challenges with attendant consequences on its agriculture and other facets of human development.

He said that application of kinetic approach alone in the fight against insecurity was not sufficient in addressing the peculiar security challenges.

He said that the MOU which targets on enhancing food security and agricultural development would have a better and more sustainable synergy in addressing the nexus between food security, agriculture, and counterterrorism in the country.

On his part, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Bukarti Tijani, said that Borno alone had over 200,000 repentant terrorist Combatants.

He said the situation had brought to fore the importance of the MoU while looking at non-kinetic approaches to bring more terrorists to voluntarily surrender.

This, according to him, is to ensure that after surrender, communities being resettled would have livelihoods in agriculture as relative peace has come to the region.

“So, the state governments in the Northeast region are battling with their finances to settle and also to find livelihoods,” he said. (NAN) 

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Wike announces plans to overhaul FCT transport’s sector  
Metro

Wike announces plans to overhaul FCT transport’s sector  

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says plans have been concluded to introduce reforms in the FCT transportation sector to improve safety and comfort.

Wike said this in Abuja on Friday, after he inspected the completed Kugbo and Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminals in preparation for inauguration to celebrate President Bola Tinubu second year in office.

The minister also inspected the completed access road to Giri District, which is also ready for inauguration.

Wike said that there would be a lot of reforms, adding that a lot of things would happen in the transportation sector in the FCT.

He said that a committee was already working on the reforms, which would be ready before the bus and taxi terminals would be inaugurated.

“Obviously a lot of things will happen in the transport sector in the FCT. There will be a lot of reforms

“Because as part of security measures, we must know those involved in taxi business and what colour to use, so that if anything happens, we will be able to identify them.

“Just be assured that we are doing everything possible to strengthen our transportation system,” he said.

The minister added that the FCT Administration was working to remove a lot of motor parks on the road.

Speaking of the quality of the project, Wike expressed satisfaction with the delivery of the project, adding however, that he has pointed out some areas that needs to be corrected.

He commended the contractor, which he said had done his best, and promised to continue to support local contractors to give the best to Nigerians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Kugbo and Mabushi and Central Area Bus and Taxi Terminals were constructed as part of efforts to improve the transportation system in the FCT.

While that of Kugbo and Mabushi terminals were ready for inauguration, the one at central area is under construction.

The minister also revealed that two additional terminals would be constructed, one each in Bwari and Gwagwalada. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Wings of Pride: Celebrating Nigerian Air Force at 61
Features

Wings of Pride: Celebrating Nigerian Air Force at 61

276 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Since its establishment on April 18, 1963, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has played a vital role in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its airspace, and contributing to regional stability.

By many accounts, the NAF has demonstrated remarkable commitment to its mission, with personnel displaying exceptional bravery, skill, and professionalism.

From counter-insurgency operations to humanitarian assistance, the NAF has consistently risen to the challenge, putting the nation’s interests above all else.

The NAF has played a crucial role in supporting ground troops in the fight against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups, and has also provided critical support during natural disasters, evacuating citizens and delivering aid to affected areas.

It has contributed to regional stability through its participation in peacekeeping missions and joint exercises with neighbouring countries.

As the NAF celebrates its 61st anniversary, it continues to modernise and adapt to emerging challenges.

The acquisition of new aircraft, upgrade of existing platforms, and investment in cutting-edge technology are some of the initiatives aimed at enhancing the NAF’s operational capabilities.

At the event commemorating NAF’s 61st anniversary, it showcased a lot of breakthroughs in platforms procurement and advancement in Research and Development (R&D) efforts as well as induction of the first batch of the newly acquired Agusta 109 Trekka Helicopters by President Bola Tinubu.

The president, who was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, said he was very emphatic on assumption of office that security would be a top priority of his administration, as neither economic prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence.

He said the induction of the new combat helicopters marked another milestone in his unwavering commitment to strengthen the nation’s armed forces, particularly the Air Force towards a more secure Nigeria.

Tinubu said the acquisition was made alongside orders like the Diamond 62 Surveillance Aircraft, the T-129 Attack Helicopters, the King Air 360 aircraft, as well as others that will be delivered in the coming months.

“Let me use this opportunity to assure you all that my administration will continue to support the Nigerian Air Force and indeed other security agencies by giving due attention and priority to fleet modernisation as well as training and welfare of our men and women in uniform.

“As your commander-in-chief, I understand that a well-equipped military is essential not only for securing our nation but also for preserving our democracy.

“A democratically stable Nigeria is fundamental to our national progress and regional peace and the defence of democracy requires a military that is well-prepared, well-trained and well-equipped,’’ he said.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said the dynamic security landscape of the nation demands an agile, well-equipped and responsive air force capable of rapid deployment across multiple theatres.

He said the reality underscored the need for continuous investments in modern platforms to bolster the Nigerian Air Force’s capacity to deliver air power across all spectrums of warfare.

Abubakar said the successful acquisition of the Augusta Westland 109 Trekka helicopter was a significant leap in our modernisation efforts of the NAF.

The air chief said the helicopter was designed to operate in challenging environments, providing critical support to both military and civil operations, including disaster relief and humanitarian missions.

“By inducting this platform into the NAF, the service is further strengthening its multi-domain operational capability, making us more responsive and efficient in the protection of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

“It is noteworthy that from 2024 to date, NAF has received a total of nine brand-new aircraft into its inventory, comprising four C-129 attack helicopters, three King Air 360 aircraft, as well as the two Agusta 109 trekker helicopters being inducted.”

Abubakar said the NAF was poised to receive 49 more aircraft within the next two years, in line with Mr President’s firm commitment towards Nigerian security.

He said the 49 aircraft being expected included 10 additional A-109S trekkers, 12 AH-1 Zulu attack helicopters, 24 M-346 attack and ground attack aircraft, and three Kata 295 medium airlift aircraft.

According to him, the acquisitions will significantly bolster precision strike, ground attack, and air mobility capabilities, to support counter terrorism, and counterinsurgency operations.

In the area of building local capacity through research and development, the air chief said the NAF was optimising strategic partnerships in artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicle research and development, small arms and rocket developments, as well as radar enhancements.

He said that NAF’s various research and development institutions, such as the Air Force Institute of Technology, were partnering with universities and government institutions towards accelerating their research and development capabilities.

“As part of efforts to optimise our employment of NAF platforms, we have recorded research and development breakthroughs, such as revalidation of the Alpha Jet aircraft ejection seats, retrofitting of unserviceable 68mm rockets, and the development of a test kit for determining the specific impulse of pyro cartridges, amongst several others.

“Also, just two weeks ago, I inaugurated a research committee tasked with initiating the local production of the C-5 57mm rockets integral to some of our attack platforms.

“These achievements highlight our shift towards self-reliance and resilience in defence technology,’’ he said.

During the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU), with Lagos State University and a local defence firm, EPAIL Nigeria, the CAS expressed the desire of the NAF to pursue locally driven solutions in addressing the nation’s security challenges.

According to him, in a rapidly changing world, the ability to continue to anticipate, rapidly adapt and innovate is imperative for the transformation of the NAF into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the air power demands of national security in all operational environments.

Abubakar said the NAF had since 2015, flown over 8,000, conducted more than 80,000 sorties with only few verified incidences of collateral damage.

He said it represented an occurrence rate of less than 0.005 per cent, an exceptional record by global standards, particularly within the complexities of asymmetric warfare.

The CAS said that in the few instances where civilian casualties were reported, the NAF had promptly conducted investigations, accepted responsibility with deep regret, and taken necessary corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.

According to him, the service has proactively invested in advanced technologies and robust protocols aimed at preventing civilian casualties.

In his remarks, the Vice President, Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN), Ade Ogundeyin, commended the NAF for its continuous efforts in modernising air operations, enhancing research and development, and fostering civil military cooperation.

Ogundeyin said that DIAN was established to promote local industry, defence manufacturing, and enhance Nigeria’s military industrial capabilities, aimed to advance indigenous defence technology through innovation and strategic partnerships.

He said that by fostering partnerships between defence industries and institutions, research bodies, and the academia and private industries, Nigeria was positioning itself for self-sufficiency in aerospace technology and defence manufacturing.

Available data indicates that the NAF has contributed to UN peacekeeping operations, providing air support and transportation services to peacekeeping troops in addition to its internal security operations over the years.

By participating in global and regional security initiatives, the NAF has demonstrated its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s interests and contributing to international peace and security.

The NAF’s global ranking is 54th in terms of airpower, according to the Global Firepower Index 2025 while ranking third in Africa, behind Egypt and Algeria, with a firepower index of 0.5771.

As part of measures to mitigate civilian casualties during air operations, the NAF also unveiled the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plans Document during the NAF Day 2025 Seminar.

The seminar was part of activities marking NAF’s 61st anniversary in Abuja.

Experts are of the view that with continuous training of its personnel, systematic upgrading and acquisition of modern combat equipment, the NAF will continue to prove its mettle in protecting Nigeria’s airspace. (NANFeatures)

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria

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