₦airaland Forum

FIGHT AGAINST INSURGENCY RECEIVES BOOST AS NAF TAKES DELIVERY OF ANOTHER MI-171E HELICOPTER

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) today, 2 December 2020, took delivery of a second Mi-171E Helicopter acquired by the Federal Government from Serbia. The Ilyushin 76 Strategic Airlifter aircraft that brought the brand new helicopter touched down at NAF Base Makurdi at exactly 3.15pm today. The Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command (AOC TAC), Air Vice Marshal Olusegun Philip, received the new aircraft on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar. A combined team of NAF personnel and technical support staff from the equipment vendor were also on hand to assist in offloading the new aircraft, some parts of which came in crates. In addition, officials of the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Immigration Service were present to ensure necessary documentation.

The new aircraft is the second of 2 Mi-171E helicopters procured by the current Federal Government Administration and brings to 23 the total number of brand new aircraft acquired since 2015. The new aircraft will undoubtedly boost NAF's contributions in the fight against insurgency, armed banditry and other criminal activities in the country. The newly-received aircraft will now be assembled in Makurdi by a team from the equipment vendor, assisted by NAF technicians, prior to test-flying and formal induction into the NAF.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force
2 December 2020

OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE: AIR TASK FORCE DESTROYS TERRORISTS’ LEADERS’ DWELLINGS, NEUTRALIZES SEVERAL FIGHTERS AT YALE, SAMBISA FOREST IN BORNO STATE

In continuation of the air interdiction missions being conducted as part of subsidiary Operation WUTAR TABKI 2, the Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has destroyed some dwellings of Boko Haram Terrorists’ (BHTs’) leaders and neutralized several of their fighters in separate air strikes executed in the Sambisa Forest area as well as at a settlement about 1.7 Km East of Yale, both in Borno State. The air raids were undertaken on 30 November 2020 after credible Human Intelligence reports and series of aerial surveillance missions had indicated that some of the BHTs that carried out recent attacks against innocent civilians were harboured in makeshift structures under the dense vegetation of the Sambisa Forest while others were tracked to the settlement East of Yale.

Accordingly, the Air Task Force dispatched Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets and helicopter gunships to attack the 2 locations. The attack aircraft, while taking turns to engage the targets, delivered lethal bomb and rocket strikes, resulting in the destruction of some of the structures as well as the killing of several terrorists.

JOHN ENENCHE
Major General
Coordinator
Defence Media Operations
Defence Headquarters
1 December 2020.

TERRORISM: FG SIGNS MoU WITH CHINA ON MILITARY AID.
.......AS DEFENCE MINISTER ASSURES ON PROPER UTILISATION OF AID.

The Federal Republic of Nigeria is deepening bilateral Military Cooperation with the People 's Republic of China in the fight against terrorism in the Country.

This followed the Signing of Protocol on China's provision of Military assistance gratis to Nigeria at a brief ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters Abuja.

The Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Bashir Salihi (rtd) thanked the Acting Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Mr. Zhao Yong on behalf of the Federal Government.

General Magashi noted that the China's provision of Military Assistance is timely pointing out that it will be a force multipliers for the troops in counter terrorism Operation in the North East Nigeria.

He said the gesture is well appreciated considering the fact that terrorism is a global security challenge and fighting it requires the Cooperation of all countries to jointly defeat it.

The Minister of Defence therefore appealed to other friendly countries to emulate the support of China to Nigeria so that collectively terrorism can be totally defeated in the country sooner than anticipated.

Leader of the 3-man China's delegation, Acting Ambassador Chinese Embassy, Mr Zhao Yong supported by the Defence Attache to Nigeria, Senior Colonel Liu Yongxuan while Signing the MoU assured the Minister of continous strong Military bilateral Cooperation with Nigeria.

They noted that the gratis to Nigeria on government to government basis in the areas of diplomatic exchanges, Defence procurement and capacity building through training will be reinforced in joint cooperation to fight terrorism in the country.

The Nigeria-China diplomatic relation dates back to 1971 and has since been cordially consummated by both countries with Signing of various MoUs.

They include provision of Military Aid gratis in 2013, 2016 and Acquisition of Defence Equipment in 2019 among others.

Signed
Mohammad Abdulkadri
Special Assistant to the Minister of Defence on Media and Publicity.

#PressRelease #DHQUpdate

OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE: TROOPS OF OPERATION FIRE BALL NEUTRALIZE BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS RECOVER ARMS DESTROY TERRORISTS LOGISTICS WAREHOUSE

1. Operation FIRE BALL, a subsidiary operation under Operation LAFIYA DOLE which is meant to clear the remnants of the Boko Haram/ Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists from their identified enclaves in the North East region has steadily continued to record significant results within the theatre of operation.

2. Consequently, on 27 November 2020, troops of Army Super Camp 11 Gamboru-Ngala conducted a clearance operations at some suspected BHT/ISWAP criminals hideout at Garal Village and Bulankesa Village. The gallant troops made contact with the terrorists. The highly motivated troops engaged and dominated them with rapid fire power. The criminals fled in disarray as several of them sustained fatal injuries. As a result of the encounter, 2 x BHT/ISWAP criminals were neutralized.

3. Relatedly, on 27 November 2020 troops of Strong Response Area Pulka conducted a robust clearance patrol at area Ashigashiya. They made contact with the criminals in their logistics base. In the ensuing gun battle 2 terrorists were neutralized while others escaped with debilitating gunshot wounds. Several bags of assorted bags of grain and other food items were recovered. Thereafter the logistics warehouse was destroyed.

4. Similarly, on 27 November 2020, troops of 27 Task Force Brigade laid in wait for some suspected BHT/ISWAP criminals around Doksa general area. Troops made contact with the criminals and engaged them with superior gun fire forcing the terrorists to flee into the Bush in disarray. In the aftermath of the encounter, 1 x BHT/ISWAP criminal was neutralized. The following items were recovered; 1x AK 47 Rifle, 2x Mobile Phones, 1x Bow and Arrow and one x Boko Haram Terrorists pass slip(Identification Pass). The recovered items is in custody for profiling.

5. The troops of Operation FIRE BALL under Operation LAFIYA DOLE are commended for their continued dedication and determination in flushing the remnants of the terrorists in their hideouts.They are also encouraged not to relent but build on the successes recorded so far.

6. The entire populace of the North East region are hereby assured of the Nigerian military high command determination to finally rout the remnants of Boko Haram/Islamic State's West Africa Province criminals from their enclaves in this zone. They are also encouraged to avail the troops with credible information that will help in the execution of the operation.

BENARD ONYEUKO
Acting Director
Defence Media Operations
29 November 2020

#NAF
#MI-35m
#9M120 ATAKA-V MISSILE

#Northeast
#CION

ZABARMARI VILLAGE: GOV ZULUM LEADS HORRIFIED KINSMEN TO BURY 43 FARMERS KILLED BY BOKO HARAM

... Death toll still uncertain

Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum was at Zabarmari early morning on Sunday, to lead kinsmen and other residents, still in shock, for the funeral of 43 farmers slaughtered by the Boko Haram insurgents.

Though the victims lived in Zabarmari is a farming community in Jere local government area, famous for rice cultivation and local processing, they were attacked on Saturday, at Koshebe village, a place in Mafa Local Government Area.

Zulum, during his visit was told that death toll was yet to be fully ascertained.

"Your Excellency, as you have seen here, 43 corpses were buried, but others have not been retrieved from the scene of the incident. Nobody can tell you the exact number of people killed. Some of the victims are still missing" a resident (name concealed, told the governor).

Zulum addressed the bereaved community.

“First of all, accept my deepest sympathy over this carnage, once again, that affects all of us and every human with conscience. I am told some persons are still missing. We have been discussing with the military since yesterday, Insha Allah the remaining people will be traced soon."

The Governor while speaking to journalists said, "It is disheartening that more than 40 citizens were slaughtered while they were working in their farmlands. Our people are in very difficult situations, they are in two different extreme conditions, in one side they stay at home they may be killed by hunger and starvation, on the other, they go out to their farmlands and risk getting killed by the insurgents. This is very sad. We are still appealing to the Federal Government to ensure recruitment of more our youths in the CJTF and hunters into the Nigerian military and the Civil Defence so that they can form part of the agro rangers that will protect farmers. We need many boots to protect farmlands and our youths understand the terrain. We will not lose hope because we have to remain optimistic about ending the insurgency” Zulum said.

lebuhsi:
I'm just feeling really bitter at the moment
Which kind of animals are this people?!

This his has a result of the present onslaught !

lebuhsi:
According to the PM, Federal troops have entered Me'kele the capital of tigray region

Thanks man !

LTGEN:
Bloomberg Africa is reporting that Ethiopia launched an offensive today.
Heavy Artillery +Tanks.
Remember this is a hilly area.

Please keep us updated

youghs:
Hmmm. This man should be careful with crowd

You have to see him always going to is office every morning, with the window of the side his sitting wind down waving to people.

His personnel securities has to be extra-courteous.

SamuelAnyawu:
LGA election ongoing today in Borno state

LG Election: Zulum casts vote amidst cheers in Mafa

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum travelled to Mafa town in Mafa local government area where he cast his vote amidst cheers from supporters.

Zulum had on Friday during a statewide broadcast congratulated all political parties for playing the game according to the rules during the electioneering campaigns.

The Governor commended the level of preparedness by the State Independent Electoral Commission (BOSIEC). Zulum also expressed his satisfaction with the massive turnout of voters.

#PressRelease #DHQUpdate

TROOPS OF OPERATION SAFE HAVEN NEUTRALIZES ARMED ROBBER IN JOS, PLATEAU STATE

1. In continuation of aggressive clearance operation to stamp out criminal activities in the North Central zone of the country, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN have continued to record remarkable successes. Troops on 25 November 2020, on night patrol came in contact with suspected armed robbers along Angul Maraban Jama'a road in Barkin Ladi, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. During the encounter, one armed robber was neutralized by own troops. Items recovered in his possession was one locally fabricated pistol while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

2. The gallant troops have continued to dominate the general area with aggressive patrols to deny bandits freedom of action. The general public is thus encouraged to continue to provide credible information to the troops operating within their localities.

JOHN ENENCHE
Major General
Coordinator
Defence Media Operations
Defence Headquarters
28 November 2020.

#NA

The Best graduand in order of merit ( the recipient of the Chief of Army Staff's Golden Award) Army War College Nigeria course 4/2020, Colonel IB Buhari picking his certificate at the graduation ceremony of the course held in Abuja.
Standing in front are the Special Guest of Honour, Honourable Minister of Defence Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) CFR (in Agbada attire) and by his right is the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai and by the left side of the Minister is the Commandant of the College Maj Gen SE Odounwa.

Pictorial Reflections of the Graduation Ceremony of Course 4/2020 of Army War College Nigeria held on Friday the 27th of November 2020 at the premises of the college Asokoro Abuja.

Tobiloba2407:
I posted something above, you all can see the problem isn't with the quality of the runway but the length of the runway, what's wrong with you all, talking about dirt runway and nose wheel?

Yeap you're right.
But I thought prop-driven aircraft needs shorter runway, our Alpha jets and once jaguar jets takes off on the runway.

#PressRelease #DHQUpdate

TROOPS OF OPERATION WHIRL STROKE NEUTRALIZES ARMED BANDITS, RECOVER ARMS AND ARREST SUSPECTED BANDITS IN BENUE AND NASARAWA STATES

1. In continuation of aggressive clearance operation to stamp out banditry and other criminal activities in the North Central zone of the country, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE have continued to record more successes. The latest was yesterday 26 November 2020. Following credible intelligence reports on the hideout of some notorious elements who were alleged to be terrorising Abaji general area of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, troops of Sectors 2 and 4 swiftly mobilized to the area to flush out the bandits. Troops made contact with armed bandits around Asogo village who on sighting troops opened fire on them and thereafter fled into the surrounding bushes. Troops promptly returned fire thereby killing 3 while one locally made pistol and 11 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition were recovered.

2. In the same vein, still on same 26 November 2020, troops of Sector 3, carried out a dawn raid on the residence of some henchmen said to be behind recent clashes between herders and farmers at Atiyagiso community in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. During the operation, troops successfully apprehended 2 suspects namely Mr Abdulkareem and Mohammed Sani who confessed their involvement in the crime following which they were handed over to the police for further action.

3. The Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies will not relent until normalcy is restored to all troubled zones. Members of the public are requested to continue to provide credible information to the troops operating within their localities.

JOHN ENENCHE
Major General
Coordinator
Defence Media Operations
Defence Headquarters
27 November 2020.

avidleo:
I would love to disagree that the tucano needs a special runway.

One of its major selling point is it's ability to land on unpaved roads/runway.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCrtwzHLNoA

Every fixed aircraft deserves a good runway, yeap they can take off on bad runways but your tyres & landing gear, fuselage etc are gradually going.

Your video doesn't debunk anything, the C130 Hercules can take off and land of bad runnways.
It translate to periodic and flight check maintenance.

Concl

More

OPERATIONAL VISIT: CAS INSPECTS ONGOING IN-COUNTRY REACTIVATION OF L-39ZA, REITERATES COMMITMENT TO ENSURING PROTECTION OF NIGERIA’S AIRSPACE

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on the ongoing in-country Life Extension Programme (LEP) on 3 L-39ZA aircraft at the 403 Flying Training School (403 FTS), Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base Kano. He stated that the fleet reactivation efforts on the L-39 ZAs in Kano as well as on the Alpha Jet aircraft in Kainji, F-7Mi aircraft in Makurdi and C-130H aircraft in Ikeja, amongst others, clearly shows that the Federal Government is doing everything humanly possible to ensure that the NAF has the required assets to protect Nigeria. Air Marshal Abubakar made this known today, 27 November 2020, while on an operational visit to Kano to assess the LEP work on the 3 L-39ZA which commenced on 6 November 2020. The LEP, which involves in-depth inspection of main and crucial components of the airframe, engine, avionics and escape system of the aircraft, is being executed by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the aircraft, Messrs Aerovodochody of Czech Republic, with support from NAF engineers and technicians.

Speaking after inspecting ongoing work on one of the L-39ZA aircraft and witnessing the ground-running of another which has been successfully reactivated, the CAS, who was accompanied on the visit by Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command (AOC ATC) and some Branch Chiefs from Headquarters NAF, stated that the ongoing work was part of the overall efforts to ensure that every asset in the NAF is mobilized, made serviceable and put to use in order to ensure the security and stability of Nigeria. “I am very excited that this morning we have witnessed the ground-running of one of the reactivated L-39ZA aircraft. We are hoping that before the end of December 2020, we would have completed the LEP on the 3 aircraft and be able to roll them out for operations. This will certainly add value to what we are doing in terms of fighting insurgency in the North East as well as armed banditry in the North West, particularly in Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna States. Apart from the L-39ZA aircraft, we are also expecting that the Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) on 2 Alpha Jets, which is currently ongoing in Kainji, would also be completed to boost the efforts in ensuring that the country is secured”, he said.

Speaking further, the CAS recalled that he had visited Makurdi a few weeks ago to assess progress on the reactivation of 9 F-7Ni fighter aircraft, the execution of which was being supported by the Federal Government. He disclosed that 2 of the F-7 aircraft would be overhauled in Makurdi, while 7 aircraft, which require high level, in-depth maintenance by the Original Equipment Manufacturer, were being airfreighted to China due to the unavailability of all the necessary maintenance and test equipment within Nigeria. He highlighted that the most exciting feature of the ongoing reactivation efforts was the fact that some of the work was being done in-country, thereby affording the Service the opportunity to build the capacity of significant number of its engineers and technicians. He observed, for instance, that the LEP on the L-39ZA was being conducted in Kano for the second time in the last 5 years. He also noted that the PDM on the Alpha Jet aircraft was also being done in Kainji for the second time, just like the F-7Ni LEP which was being done for the second time in Makurdi, in the last 5 years. “We have equally successfully carried out PDM on C-130H aircraft twice in Ikeja and we are preparing for the third one”, he added.

The CAS noted that, in addition to the reactivation of aircraft, the NAF has about 200 personnel undergoing various air and ground training courses in 9 different countries. These, he said, included 4 pilots from 403 FTS Kano undergoing training in the Czech Republic, where the L-39ZA is manufactured. He therefore expressed profound appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as the National Assembly, for their immense support to the Service. “We equally solicit the support of all Nigerians to the NAF, and indeed the entire Armed Forces, as we continue to work round the clock to ensure that our country is secured and our people can pursue their legitimate aspirations without any hinderance”, the CAS added. He also commended the AOC ATC, Air Vice Marshal Musa Mukhtar, and the Commander 403 FTS for their efforts in ensuring that the initiative of looking inwards continues to produce more capable NAF engineers and technicians, thereby consolidating inherent capabilities whilst saving the Country precious foreign exchange.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations & Information
Nigerian Air Force
27 November 2020

Xbee007:
I read the contractual agreement again and saw there was no mention of runway in it. They might need additional runway but saying we won't get the A-29 Super Tucano because of that is merely an exaggeration.

In practical terms you don't need a rough or bad terrain, there will be problems on the nose wheel, fuselage and landing gear if you always use a bad runnay.
But in a case of emergency or if need be, it can takeoff or handle a bad runway.

#,AFSF

#PressRelease #DHQUpdate

MULTINATIONAL JOINT TASK FORCE RECEIVES ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FROM EUROPEAN UNION

1. In fulfilment of its pledge to provide additional support to enhance the operational efficiency of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), the European Union (EU) has provided Command, Control, Communication and Information Systems (C3IS) equipment to the Force. In line with the agreement for implementation of this support, a training has been jointly organised by the service providers and Force Headquarters for personnel who would operate the C3IS equipment across the MNJTF Sectors. While declaring the training opened, the Force Commander, Major General Ibrahim Manu Yusuf commended the EU for the provision of the C3IS equipment, describing it as ‘most critical’ to enhancing the operational performance of the troops in the field.

2. The Force Commander expressed appreciation for the additional support, which is closely related to the recent provision of Helicopters and Petroleum Oil and Lubricants (POL) through the framework of African Union to MNJTF. The C3IS project will enable conveyance of classified messages and communication through the secured net, he added. Continuing, General Yusuf equally commended the service providers for the display of resilience and vigour in the execution of the project.

3. The Force Commander assured the EU that all the support provided will be optimally utilised in accordance with the global best practices to enhance the operational efficiency of the troops. He therefore urged the Sector Commanders, in whose custody the equipment will be, to ensure proper utilisation, maintenance and safety of the equipment.

4. To the trainees, General Yusuf implored them to pay attention and apply themselves fully to the training procedures and processes. “As the pioneer trainees, you are expected to learn and strictly understand how to operate the equipment, as you will be the one to install it at sector level”, he said. On its part, HQ MNJTF has taken steps to provide alternative power supply at the Sector HQs in order to ensure uninterrupted power supply for the communication equipment.

5. When completed, the C3IS system is expected to enable rapid deployment of strategic and operational communication capabilities within the MNJTF Area of Operation.

Signed
Colonel Muhammad Dole
Chief of Military Public Information
MNJTF
N'Djamena - Chad

NA Repelling an Attack

...We are under attack 😎 pic.twitter.com/y4rM3YlkSn

— Defense News Nigeria (@DefenseNigeria) November 16, 2020

#PressRelease #DHQUpdate

OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE: AIR TASK FORCE INFLICTS HEAVY CASUALTIES ON BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS IN SAMBISA FOREST AREA

1. The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has inflicted heavy casualties on Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State. This was achieved through multiple air strikes executed on 14 November 2020 at 2 locations - Gobara and the Sambisa ‘S’ Region - in the vicinity of the Forest that were being used by the BHTs as logistics bases as well as staging areas to launch attacks.

2. Consequently, the ATF dispatched appropriate force packages of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) attack aircraft to engage the target areas. Several BHTs were spotted under the dense vegetation of the locations as the NAF jets took turns in attacking the targets, neutralizing some of them.

3. The Armed Forces of Nigeria will not relent until all enemies of the Nation are neutralised and normalcy is restored to all troubled zones.

JOHN ENENCHE
Major General
Coordinator Defence Media Operations
Defence Headquarters
16 November 2020.

#PressRelease #DHQUpdate

TROOPS OF OPERATION ACCORD NEUTRALIZES ARMED BANDITS, ARREST SUSPECTS AND RECOVER WEAPONS IN KATSINA STATE

1. In continuation of aggressive clearance operation to stamp out banditry and sundry crimes in North-West zone of the country, troops of Operation ACCORD have recorded significant successes. Troops of Operation ACCORD yesterday 15 November 2020 while on Night patrol at Yar Tasha village made contact with armed bandits and engaged them in firefight. During the encounter, 3 armed bandits were neutralised while others escaped with various degree of gunshot wounds. Equally, 3 AK 47 rifles were recovered during the operation.

2. In another development, following credible intelligence on movement of bandits, troops conducted fighting patrol to Natsinta and Dawanna villages in Jibia Local Government Area along Katsina-Jibia road. In the course of operation, 10 suspected bandits migrating with rustled livestock were arrested. Upon interrogation, suspects claimed that they migrated from Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State to Niger Republic. Suspects were arrested with 88 cows and uncomfirmed number of sheep. Suspects are currently in custody undergoing further investigation.

3. Similarly, troops deployed at Ungwan Doka on 15 November 2020, rescued one kidnapped victim named Adamu Yahaya. Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was kidnapped at Unguwar Sa'ida village in Faskari Local Government Area. The victim has been reunited with his family. Currently, the gallant troops have continued to dominate the general area with patrols to provide security for locals and deny bandits freedom of action.

4. The Military High Command commends the gallant troops for their professionalism and encourages them to intensify the onslaught against the criminal elements in the country.

JOHN ENENCHE
Major General
Coordinator
Defence Media Operations
Defence Headquarters
16 November 2020

#N.E. FRONTLINES

#Libya- some beautiful photos from the LNA's Tariq bin Ziyad Brigade "Karama (Dignity) 2020" exercise
Even with there internal crises, this Libya military still impress me !

For The fallen officer, On 14/11/20 a NA officer Lt Cok .I. Yissuf - Ag CO 158 Bn Gubio slumped & died while addressing his troops. The remains will be buried today Sun 15/11/20 by 1000hrs at the Maimalari Military Cantonment Cemetery #Maiduguri.


May his soul R.I.P.