Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Tag: NAF

UPDATE: No foul play found in Arotile’s death, says NAF
Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Sunday ruled out foul play in the death of the country’s first female combat helicopter pilot, Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, who was knocked down by the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) driven by an old schoolmate at the NAF Base in Kaduna.
She was 24.
Giving details of its preliminary investigation, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said: “The death of Flying Officer Arotile was caused by blunt force trauma to the head and significant bleeding resulting from being struck by the vehicle.”
Daramola said NAF would have waited for the conclusion of the investigation before releasing its details but “the NAF, in sensitivity to public concerns occasioned by the spread of false information, appreciates the imperative to provide more clarity at this very difficult moment”.
He said being a civil case, the matter will be handed over to the police “with a view to further investigating and charging the suspects to court in accordance with extant laws”.
The NAF spokesman said the driver of the vehicle that killed the pilot, Mr. Nehemiah Adejoh, does not have a valid driver’s licence.
He said Adejoh will be charged to court at the end of investigations.
Daramola said: “The Nigerian Air Force, being a highly professional and disciplined organisation, will not join issues with any individuals or groups regarding the spurious allegations of ‘foul play’ espoused in some quarters. Suffice it to say that Flying Officer Arotile was a pride of the NAF in whom the service had invested massively in terms of resources, time and energy.
“Consequently, it is ludicrous for anyone to even remotely insinuate malevolent intent on the part of the service against one of its most prized assets.”
The NAF spokesman recalled how the Squadron Pilot at the 405 Helicopter Combat Training Group (405 HCTG), Enugu, attached to the Air Component of Operation Gama Aiki in Minna, Niger State, died on July 14.
“On July 14, 2020, at 10.55 a.m, the late Flying Officer Arotile received a phone call from her colleague, Flying Officer Perry Karimo, a fellow helicopter pilot from the 405 HCTG, who wanted to discuss arrangements for their return to Enugu, requesting that she comes to the Base so that they could work out the modalities.
“Subsequently, around 10.58 a.m, the late Arotile placed a call through to Squadron Leader Diepiriye Batubo, the Group Operations Officer (GOO) of 405 HCTG, who was in Minna at the time, to clarify issues regarding her deployment. It must be highlighted that the call from Flying Officer Karimo as well as the one to the Squadron Leader Batubo both took place before 11 a.m, over five hours before the incident, which led to her death,” Daramola said.
He said the NAF did all it could to save her life.
“Flying Officer Arotile was subsequently taken to the 461 NAF Hospital, Kaduna, for treatment, while Mr Folorunsho (one of the occupants of the vehicle) who is also an Accident and Emergency Nurse at the St. Gerard Catholic Hospital, Kaduna, administered first aid.
“Flying Officer Arotile was confirmed dead by the on-call doctor at the 461 NAF Hospital at 4.45 p.m on July 14, 2020, as a result of the head injuries,” he added.
Daramola urged Nigerians to avoid speculations about Arotile’s death, saying: “It is of absolute importance that the memory of this fallen hero and our precious child is not tainted by the propagation of misplaced sentiments and wild shenanigans.”
July 20, 2020
BREAKING: NAF reveals driver that knocked Arotile, female combat pilot
The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has revealed the identity of the driver that killed Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot, Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile in an accident last week.
It said the driver, Nehemiah Adejoh, does not have a valid driving licence.
Arotile was knocked down by a vehicle driven by her old schoolmate who was excited to see her at the NAF Base in Kaduna.
Briefing journalists on the outcome of the preliminary investigation, Director Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said the disclosure of the findings became necessary to address wrong insinuations and false conspiracies peddled on the social media.
He said the investigations have revealed that there was was no foul play in the pilot’s death as was wrongly insinuated.
Details shortly…
July 19, 2020
She was our shining star – Air Force boss mourns Tolulope Arotile

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has said he is heartbroken over the death of Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile who he said: “was one of our young shining stars.”
Arotile, who hails from Kogi State, died on Tuesday following head injuries sustained from an accident at the NAF Base in Kaduna.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Chief of Air Staff recalled how he met her at the Minna Airport, saying the late Arotile was eager to help in the restoration of peace in the North Central region of Nigeria.
According to Air Marshal Sadique, her death is a big loss to the Nigerian Air Force and the entire country.
“I was heartbroken when I received the sad news of the death of Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile yesterday in Kaduna. Tolulope, who was winged in October 2019, as the first female Nigerian Air Force combat helicopter pilot, was one of our shining young stars,” he said.
“I recall meeting her at the Minna Airport, while on an operational visit, after one of such missions and seeing her eagerness to contribute towards the restoration of lasting peace to the affected areas. Her death is a huge loss to the Nigerian Air Force family and indeed the entire nation.”

He, therefore, condoled with the family of the late Flying Officer, asking God to grant her soul eternal rest.
“On behalf officers, airmen, airwomen & civilian staff of Nigerian Air Force,” the CAS added, “I once more condole with the family of late Flying Officer Arotile over this irreparable loss & sincerely pray that the Almighty God grants her soul eternal rest.”
July 15, 2020
NAF 1st female combat helicopter pilot dies in road accident
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced the death of Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, who died on July 14, as a result of head injuries sustained from a road traffic accident at NAF Base Kaduna.‬
Late Arotile was the first female combat helicopter pilot in the NAF.
Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
“It is with great sorrow that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) regretfully announces the unfortunate demise of Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, who died on July 14, as a result of head injuries sustained from a road traffic accident at NAF Base Kaduna.‬
“Until her death, ‪Flying Officer Arotile, who was commissioned into the NAF in September 2017 as a member of Nigerian Defence Academy Regular Course 64, was the first ever female combat helicopter pilot in the Service.‬
“During her short but impactful stay in the Service, late Arotile, who hails from Iffe in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, contributed significantly to the efforts to rid the North Central States of bandits and other criminal elements by flying several combat missions under Operation GAMA AIKI in Minna, Niger State.
” The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on behalf of officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of the NAF, commiserates with the family of late ‪Flying Officer Arotile‬ over this irreparable loss.
” We pray that the Almighty God grants her soul eternal rest,” he said. (NAN)
July 15, 2020
NAF unveils indigenous emergency ventilators
Nigerian Air Force NAF yesterday said it has unveiled two emergency ventilators produced by a team of researchers from the Air Force Research and Development Centre AFRDC, and Air Force Institute of Technology AFIT, Kaduna, in partnership with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University ABU, Zaria, in furtherance of its drive to provide indigenous solutions to tackle the COVID-19 Pandemic.
It explained that the emergency ventilators tagged ‘NAF E-Vents’, were unveiled by the Chief of the Air Staff CAS, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, in Kaduna.
“Before today’s unveiling ceremony, the prototype E-Vents had been subjected to successful animal testing using both canine and porcine test subjects. The objective of the animal testing was to demonstrate the capacity of the Ventilators to support recovery of patients with respiratory diseases, including Acute Lung Injury and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. The tests were also necessary to validate the effectiveness of the ‘Assist Ventilation Mode’, where the ventilator detects a breath from a patient being treated and synchronizes the equipment with the patient’s breathing.
The NAF E-Vents, which are intended for use when conventional invasive respiratory support resources have been exhausted, were found to deliver very satisfactory performance in air volume control and assist control modes and are now ready for human testing and further certification by relevant agencies,” Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigeria Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement.
Chief of the Air Staff CAS, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar said the devastating effects of the COVID-19 require that ingenious and proactive steps be taken in order to protect lives and avert any form of national tragedy.
Represented by the NAF Chief of Standards and Evaluation, Air Vice Marshal Remigius Ekeh, the Air Chief noted that the NAF had continued to vigorously pursue a robust and result-oriented Research and Development (R&D) policy with emphasis on the provision of indigenous technological solutions.
“Our modest efforts have yielded results and positively impacted our operations,” the CAS added.
He noted that the team commenced work in early April 2020 and within 3 weeks had developed 2 prototypes.
He however emphasized that private sector investment would be required for mass production of the ventilators.
The CAS also noted that the unveiling ceremony was a further demonstration of his resolve to ensure that NAF continues to make significant contribution to the development of the country and thus become an Air Force that is the pride of every Nigerian.
Earlier, the NAF Director of R&D, AVM Paul Jemitola, said the NAF had made giant strides in the area of R&D under the visionary leadership of the CAS to the extent that R&D had become the norm in the Service.
“By investing in high quality training of personnel, innovative approaches to issues and encouraging out-of-the-box thinking, a lot of solutions to operational challenges in the NAF have been locally developed through R&D thereby saving huge resources,” he said.
He added that the culture of creativity engendered by the CAS is in line with his vision of self-reliance and self-sustenance in defence and other aspects of national life, especially at a time like this when all hands are on deck to confront the COVID-19 Pandemic.
May 29, 2020
NAF trains 94 Special Forces, 35 personnel in RTC Bauchi – Air Chief
May 25, 2020
NAF to deploy more troops in Borno
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, says the Nigerian Air Force will deploy more forces to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to strengthen the ongoing fight against insurgency.
Abubakar made this known during a working visit to the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole on Wednesday.
He also inaugurated some projects during the visit including lodges in preparation for the additional personnel to be deployed.
READ ALSO: Ondo CP confirms abduction of Army Captain
“The security challenges faced by Nigeria are obstacles to development that can only be surmounted if we remain resolute in the fight against insurgency and other forms of criminality.
“In pursuit of NAF constitutional roles, and in line with my vision for the force, I have constantly sought, not only to evolve strategies that will enable the Force to effectively and efficiently deal with prevalent security threats.
”Also to see to it that personnel welfare is given utmost priority,” the air staff chief said.
The CAS reminded the officer of the COVID-19 pandemic and urged them to follow all precautionary measures directed by medical experts to remain safe even as they fight the enemies of the State.
May 14, 2020
NAF donates palliatives to host communities on 56th anniversary
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Tuesday distributed food items and other palliatives to members of host communities of NAF Base Bill Clinton Drive Abuja, to mark its 56th anniversary.
The distribution of the items at Nuwalege, one of the host communities, was done the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who was represented by AVM Isiaka Amao, NAF Chief of Policy and Plans.
He said the palliatives was aimed at contributing toward the Federal Government’s effort to assuage the hardship occasioned by the lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Abubakar said that before the pandemic, NAF Day was usually celebrated with fanfare, lectures and other activities.
He said the fanfare and sequence of events that usually herald the occasion have been dispensed with in keeping with the mood of the nation because of the pandemic.
The air chief advised the host communities to stay safe and maintain social distancing as well as obey stipulated precautionary measures.
Earlier, Air Commodore Simon Peter, the Commander, Headquarter NAF Camp Abuja, said the week was a special one for the Service as it mark its 56th Anniversary.
“The Year 2020 is proving to be a special one that has brought with it unexpected turn of events in our socio-economic lives and as early as this time of the year everybody is wondering what the Post COVID 19 period will look like,” he said.
Peter noted that due to the prevailing circumstances, the air chief directed the distribution of palliatives to the poor and vulnerable groups in the host communities of NAF Bases nationwide.
He said for the first phase of the programme the target is about 500 families covering the Nuwalege Community and Zamani Community off Bill Clinton Drive as well as the Ushafa Community in Bwari Area Council.
“Therefore, today alone there shall be distribution of palliatives to three different communities starting with Nuwalege Community where we are right now,” he said.
Mrs Mabi Jerry, a beneficiary who is a widow with nine children at Nuwalege community, thanked the NAF for the gesture.
“I am very grateful to the Nigerian Air Force for giving me and others these items, it will help us a lot, they have done well,” she said.
April 21, 2020
Air chief assures of NAF’s commitment to security of Nigerians
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to the safety and security of Nigeria and Nigerians.
Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
Daramola said Abubakar made the commitment on Wednesday when he visited Gov. Kayode Fayemi, of Ekiti at the Government House Ado-Ekiti.
He said his visit to Ekiti was to assess the site for the proposed International Agro-Allied Cargo Airport being developed by the Ekiti Government.
”The NAF, working in synergy with other security agencies, will continue to do everything humanly possible to ensure that Nigerians remain secured, wherever they live in the country”.
The CAS said that NAF, in furtherance of President Muhammadu Buhari’s policy thrust of ensuring the security of all Nigerians, had established 13 new units across the country in the past four and a half years or there about.
He said these included Quick Response Groups (QRGs) and Wings (QRWs) as well as Detachments at Ipetu Ijesha in Osun , Gusau in Zamfara State and Owerri in Imo.
Other units, he said, were Daura and Katsina in Katsina State, Gembu in Taraba and Agatu in Benue as well as a Combat Search and Rescue Group (CSARG) at Kerang in Plateau.
” Additionally, the Federal Government’s commitment to the security of the Nation was also reflected in the fact that it had acquired 22 brand new aircrafts for the NAF in the last four and half years, with another 16 due for delivery soon.
He said these included an additional Mi-17 helicopter, which is expected to arrive in April, as well as three JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter aircraft and 12 Super Tucano attack aircraft, which would be delivered to the NAF in November and early 2022 respectively.
Abubakar said that he was excited about the Ado-Ekiti Airport project because it would further boost the ability of the NAF to project air power in the South West Zone, since the Service would be able to conduct operations from the Airport.
He equally noted that the socio-economic benefits of such a project would also have a positive impact on security as many youths would be employed and economic activities would undoubtedly receive a boost.
The CAS, therefore, assured the governor as well as the Government and good people of Ekiti of the NAF’s support towards the realisation of the project
Earlier, Fayemi, expressed delight to have the the CAS to visit Ekiti in what he termed a historic visit.
He said that he was delighted by the promptness of Abubakar’s responses to the requests made concerning the actualisation of the Ekiti Airport Project.
The governor said a manifestation of this was the fact that the CAS was in Ekiti just over a month after the first meeting was held in Abuja for preliminary discussions to solicit the NAF’s support for the project.
He noted that the proposed Airport, apart from serving as a Base to enhance the NAF’s Air Defence capability in the South West and, would of course, boost the agriculture value chain in the state.
Fayemi said the proposed International Agro-Allied Cargo Airport would therefore, undoubtedly have positive effects on the development and security of Ekiti and indeed the entire South West Zone of the country.
The Coordinator of the Airport Project, AVM Adeniyi Ojuawo (Rtd), while giving a brief on the project, highlighted that most of the necessary approvals for the take-off of the project had been obtained.
He, therefore, expressed optimism that construction work on the 3.4Km, Category IV runway, which could support all levels of civilian and military air operations, would soon commence.(NAN)
March 19, 2020
NAF says Garkida counter-attack strategic decision
Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dismissed as “misleading” insinuations that its platforms withdrew without engaging Boko Haram insurgents when they attacked Garkida community of Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa.
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, gave the clarifications while briefing newsmen on Sunday in Maiduguri.
Abubakar said the Air Force responded to the night attack amid ensuing confusion in the town.
He added that it was difficult for the pilots to identify the insurgents and therefore refrained from bombing to avoid civilians’ casualties.
He said: “It is an unfortunate incident; war is tragic, in war there are tragic events that you cannot rule out completely.
“Air Force was there but the pilot used their Rules-of-Engagement to determine whether that dropping bombs over Garkida would have killed more innocent people than the Boko Haram that attacked the town.
“After all; we can trace where the insurgents came from which is exactly what we have done in the night, the IRS platform was on top and identified where they are.
“Early in the morning our platforms attacked and neutralised them, they will never be around to kill anybody again.
“I think that makes more sense rather than you have an aircraft in the space; you are not sure who and where are the Boko Haram insurgents? Are you going to drop bombs on women and children and civilians?
“No, we do not do that – we have Rules-of-Engagement, where it is convenient to attack, we drop bombs, where we think it make more sense to hold on and get the criminals who are the real people we want to deal with to where we can deal with them without killing innocent persons.
“And that was what the pilots did and it is an excellent decision”.
Abubakar sympathised with the families and victims of the attack, assuring them that NAF had successfully neutralized the insurgents hibernating the area.
The CAS reiterated NAF commitment to end insurgency, protect lives and property as well as national territorial integrity. (NAN)
March 2, 2020