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BokoHaram: Nigerian Army Kills 81 Terrorists In Sambisa Forest Axis In Borno
By Dauda R Pam Maiduguri
The Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force (NAF) troops have killed 81 Boko Haram terrorists in the Sambisa Forest axis just as one soldier also paid the supreme price from landmine attack during a land and air offensive encounter.

The feat was achieved with the support of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) as troops of sector1 made up of 21&26 brigades that cleared many villages occupied by the terrorists in the Sambisa axis affecting, Garin Bello, Kwoche, Lawanti, Alfa Bula Hassan and Alfa Cross among others.

NAF aircraft engaged the fleeing terrorists with sorties from the air, just as
sources confirmed that the fleeing terrorists continued to wreak havoc and razing villages in their escape routes.

According to the source, troops on ground encountered stiff resistance from the terrorists who laid Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along the troops’ axis of advance.

“The relentless troops destroyed the terrorists’ camps and recovered gun trucks and weapons as NAF aircraft continued to provide close air and interdiction support to the ground forces

“Regrettably, a soldier paid the supreme sacrifice with 4 other soldiers wounded in an improvised explosive devices incident.”

The Chief of Army Staff, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole, has since sent a message of encouragement to the troops through, Major General Farouk Yahaya, who praised the gallantry of the troops and urged them to sustain it.

The Theatre commander paid glowing tribute to the fallen hero and urged the troops to honour him by dealing with the terrorists ruthlessly without mercy.

Meanwhile, a large number of fleeing Boko Haram terrorists,it was gathered, have invaded Zira and Gur villages in Biu South Local Government Area of Borno State.

They stormed the communities at about 4:30pm on Sunday, on motorcycles and gun-trucks and set ablaze many houses, while residents scampered for safety but their exploits were cut short by NAF gun-ships that destroyed them from the air.
February 16, 2021
NAF Air troops foiled ambush, kills dozen bandits in Kaduna
By Gabriel Udeh, kaduna
Troops of the 271 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Detachment Saturday, 13 February 2021, foiled an ambush by a group of over 100 armed bandits at Ungwan Laya near Birnin Gwari local government in Kaduna State.
The gallant troops were able to fight their way through the ambush, killing dozens of bandits in gun duel in the process in Kaduna on Saturday.
A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information NAF, Air Vice Marshal ibikunle Daramola however lamented that some NAF personnel paid the supreme price during the operation, while a few others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
“Unfortunately, some NAF personnel paid the supreme price during the operation, while a few others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The injured personnel are currently receiving treatment at the NAF Hospital in Kaduna.
“The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, on behalf all officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of the NAF, commiserates with the families of the fallen heroes and prays that the Almighty God grants their souls peaceful repose.
“The CAS, who visited the injured personnel in the hospital this evening, has urged all NAF personnel to remain resolute and continue to work assiduously, in synergy with sister Services and other security agencies, to rid the Northwest of all criminal elements”, it stated..
February 14, 2021
Niger to Collaborate with Nigeria to Combat Insurgency in Border Areas
By Dauda R Pam MAIDUGURI
The Chief of Air Staff of Niger; Col. Amirou Abduolkader, is to collaborate with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to fight against the incessant insurgency within the border areas of the two states.
The Niger chief of the Air staff hinted this to Reporters in MAIDUGURI at the Air Task Force, ATF, Operation LAFIYA Dole in a joint efforts to end Bokoharam terrorism on the border regions of lake chad.

Recall, the two countries share borders in the Lake Chad region, where insurgents are hibernating to launch attacks in communities on the shores of the lake.

He called for a synergy with Nigeria in collaborative joint combatant aerial border patrol especially in insurgency affected communities which include, Diffa, Bosso, Damasak, Malam Fatori, Gashigar and Gudumbali, the council headquarters of Guzamala in Borno state.

“My visit to the Maiduguri Air Force base was to reinforce the cordial relationship between the two countries’ militaries,” he said.

“Our relationship has been very good. We need to put our effort together to face the challenge we have.

“We need to go further to improve joint aerial coordination between our air and ground forces for maximum results.”

He commended the NAF for its activities in containing bandits and insurgents along the border areas of two countries and that Niger is committed to work with Nigeria to ensure security and sustain peace in both nations.

Responding, the Air Task Force Commander, Air Commodore Abubakar Abdulkadir thanked Abduolkadar for the visit to the Maiduguri air force base.
January 29, 2021
NAF personnel, 30 bandits die in Zamfara gun battle
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has lost one of its Special Forces (SF) personnel in a gun battle in Zamfar State.
The troop died as troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised 30 bandits near Yar-Katsina in Bungudu Local Government Area.
Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, AVM Ibikunle Daramola, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
The soldiers responded when scores of bandits and a large number of rustled livestock were spotted heading towards Kekuwuje Yar-Katsina Road.
They chased the bandits and cornered them at the Maje Riverline.
Aircraftman Sunday Enwa lost his life.
Three others, who sustained gunshot wounds during the operation, were evacuated for medical treatment.
Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar has commiserated with his family.
He prayed that God grants Enwa’s soul peaceful repose.
Abubakar urged NAF personnel to remain resolute and continue to work with other security agencies to rid the North-West of all criminal elements.
January 19, 2021
China trains over 70 Nigerian Air Force personnel
More than 70 personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) are currently in China on a special training.
They have been in the Asian country for four months and will return next week.
The contingent will be deployed to activate the 203 Combat Reconnaissance NAF Base in Gombe State.
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, made the disclosure on Tuesday when he visited Governor Inuwa Yahaya.
Abubakar stressed that the NAF Base in the state was strategic in the fight against insurgency, banditry and other criminal activities in the north.
“We are very excited that we are going to have this unit activated”, the CAS said.
He noted that additional Special Forces units would be stationed to protect NAF assets.
Abubakar assured that the military arm, in collaboration with other services, would continue to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty
December 30, 2020
Nigeria, US agreement on supply of aircraft intact – NAF
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said that the agreement between the United States of America and the Federal Government for the supply of 12 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft is still intact.
It was reported that the agreement for the supply of the aircraft, which were already paid for, was under threat due to bad runway at the 407 Air Combat Training Group (407 ACTG), Kainji.
But Director of Public Relations & Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, in a statement, dismissed the reports as incorrect, adding that the US Government has assured of its commitment to deliver the aircrafts.
According to the statement, “the attention of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been drawn to media reports insinuating that the subsisting contractual agreement between the Nigerian Government and the United States of America (USA) for the supply of 12 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, for which payment has been made, is in jeopardy due to “bad runway” at the 407 Air Combat Training Group (407 ACTG), Kainji.
“The NAF wishes to state that the reports, which were purportedly drawn from remarks made by the Vice Chairman Senate Committee on Air Force while briefing the Senate Appropriation Committee on the 2021 NAF Budget proposal, were clearly taken out of context”.
The statement added that, “for the avoidance of doubts, it is necessary to state that the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft project is on track to be delivered on schedule and in accordance with the Terms of the Contract.
“Currently, six of the expected 12 aircraft have been produced and are presently being employed for conversion training of six NAF pilots who are in the USA, along with 26 NAF engineers, technicians and logisticians, who are also undergoing various trainings on the aircraft as part of the provisions of the Contract. Another set of 35 personnel are also scheduled to join them early next year. In addition, a team from the USA is currently in Kainji overseeing the construction of critical infrastructure provided in the Contract ahead of the delivery of the aircraft.
“Meanwhile, the about 40-year old 407 ACTG Kainji Runway, which has been in use for more than the number of years estimated as its lifespan, has been earmarked for resurfacing. In this regard, the National Assembly, through the Senate and House Committees on Air Force, as well as the Federal Government are working assiduously to secure funding for the resurfacing.
“The United States Government, on its part, has also assured of its commitment to delivering the 12 aircraft within the agreed timelines, while the NAF will continue to work to emplace necessary infrastructure to ensure that the aircraft can be effectively utilized immediately they arrive the Country.
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November 30, 2020
Nigerian Airforce Promotes Spokesman, 106 Officers
The Nigerian Air Force Council has approved the promotion of its spokesman, Ibikunle Daramola, and 106 other senior officers.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, Public Relations and Information, Wing Commander Bassey Okon.
16 Air Commodores were promoted to the rank of Air Vice Marshal (AVM), 31 Group Captains promoted to the rank of Air Commodore, 27 Wing Commanders promoted to the rank of Group Captain and 33 Squadron Leaders promoted to the rank of Wing Commanders.
Besides the spokesman, the Managing Director NAF Holdings, Uchechi Nwagwu and Kurotimi Obidake were also promoted.
Others promoted to the rank of AVM include Air Commodores Abraham Adole, Tajudeen Yusuf, Sani Rabe, Nanjul Kumzhi, Kabiru Aliyu, Akanbi Salami, Kabir Umar, Barisi Keenam, Sunday Ogba, Abiola Amodu, Pam Chollom, Mfon Ekpoh and Garba Abubakar.
Among those promoted from the rank of Group Captain to Air Commodore are Garba Jibia, Adebayo Bamidele, Christopher Akpa, Ekele Odekina, Emmanuel Iduh, Sylvester Eyoma, Sampson Eyekosi, Osichinaka Ubadike, Patrick Edem, Garuba Bello, Mukhtar Umar, Olujames Salami, Nosiru Folaji, and Emmanuel Ukpong. Others promoted to the rank of Air Cdre include David Dickson, Celestine Akubue, Tiyanu Kamla, Yayirus Lapips, Zakari Dangaji, Musa Abdullahi, Francis Ankeli, Abdullahi Madaki, Ugochukwu Ariahu, Mada Yushau, Ekongubong Akpabio, Isaiah Taiwo, Ali Tanko, Babatunde Bolarinwa, Ayodele Famuyiwa, Gbolahan Oremosu, and Ikechukwu Ogbodo.
Meanwhile, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has congratulated the newly promoted senior officers, urging them to see the elevation as motivation to re-dedicate themselves towards more effective and efficient service delivery.
The newly-promoted senior officers would be decorated with their new ranks at a later date.
November 28, 2020
Air Force officer bags 21 years imprisonment over fraud
An Air Force officer identified as Michael Oyebanji has been sentenced to 21 years in prison after sitting before a General Court Martial at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base in Makurdi.
The Master Warrant Officer (MWO) and three other Air Force officers were sentenced based on their levels of involvement in the fraudulent misappropriation of funds of the 151 Base Services Group Multipurpose Cooperative Society funds.
While Flt Lt Olawoore was tried for negligently performing his duty as the President of the Cooperative and awarded a six-month loss of seniority after being found guilty, Fg Offr Adekoya was tried for negligently performing his duty as Secretary of the Cooperative and awarded a one-year loss of seniority after being found guilty.
WO Paul Atteh, who was tried for negligently performing his duty as the Treasurer of the Cooperative as well as for the Making of False Documents and Criminal Breach of Trust, was found guilty of all 3 charges. He was punished with a reduction in rank from WO to Sergeant, in the first instance, and then eventually reduced to the rank of Corporal. He is also required to pay a fine of N1,000,000.00.
Oyebanji, who was the Vice President of the Cooperative, was tried on a 46 count charge, including; Criminal Breach of Trust, Theft, Criminal Conspiracy, Criminal Misappropriation, Making of False Documents and Conduct to the Prejudice of Service Discipline, contrary to Sections 114 and 103 (d) of the Armed Forces Act Cap A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and Sections 312, 287, 96 and 309 of the Penal Code Cap P3 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
He was found guilty on all 46 counts and subsequently sentenced to serve 21 years imprisonment, cumulatively, as well as a reduction in rank to Corporal and ordered to refund all monies misappropriated.
President of the GCM, Air Commodore Nazib Aliyu who pronounced the four accused personnel guilty of various charges, has also ordered the release of WO Atteh from detention.
Air Force spokesman, Ibikunle Daramola said the sentences were announced as being subject to confirmation by the Appropriate Superior Authority. It is however within the rights of the Accused Personnel to appeal the judgment of the GCM if they are dissatisfied.
September 27, 2020
Land Dispute: NAF, Benue Community Embrace Peace
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
The Lingering Land tussle between the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and Ugondo community in Makurdi Local Government area of Benue State has been resolved amicably for development to thrive.
Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, who briefed journalists shortly after a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government house said that he decided to broker truce between the duos for peace to reign.
Ortom explained that the aforementioned land dispute in question commenced since 2015 when members of the host community sought to be allocated 900 hectares of the portion of the land out of the 4000 hectares illegally acquired by the Nigerian Air Force.
According to the Governor after painstaking efforts the NAF agreed to cade 250 hectares of the disputed land to its host community instead of the 900 which the people earlier requested.
He hinted that efforts are being stepped up to ensure a harmonious co-existence between the two group, stressing that the people had lived peacefully in the past, hence the need for them to sustain it.
Continuing he maintained that ″since 2015, we have been looking for ways to resolve the matter. We appreciate God for bringing solution to the land dispute”. He contended that plans are underway to complete the demarcation of the land between the two groups.
Ortom implored the Nigerian Air Force to be alive to its responsibilities by providing social amenities for members of the host community as part of its corporate social responsibilities.
The Governor also commiserated with the Nigerian Air Force over the demise of Flying Officer, Tolulope Arotile who died on June 14th after she was hit by a car on reverse by an excited former class mate of the deceased.
July 24, 2020
NAF, Others pays final respects to Arotile
The remains of Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile have arrived at the military cemetery on Airport Road as the funeral rites commenced.
At the burial to pay final respects to Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot are members of her family; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin; Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello and his wife; House Committee Chairman on Air Force, Bala Ib’n Nalla, amongst other dignitaries.
See photos:
July 23, 2020