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FIGHT AGAINST INSURGENCY: NAF WINGS 4 NEW PILOTS, TRAINS 139 IN LAST 5 YEARS, CERTIFIES 2 COMBAT RATED PILOTS

In furtherance of its capacity building efforts to tackle various internal security challenges in the Country, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has graduated another set of 6 pilots in tactical and basic flying. The combined graduation ceremony, which took place today, 29 September 2020, comprised 2 pilots of the Tactical Flying Course 24 (Batch B), and 4 student pilots of the Basic Flying Course 19 (Batch A). Among the graduands awarded Limited Combat Rating Certificate after completing the Tactical Flying Course on the Alpha Jet aircraft during today’s ceremony was the first female fixed-wing fighter pilot in the history of the NAF, Flying Officer Kafayat Sanni.

In his remarks at the graduation ceremony, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who was also the Guest of Honour, noted that human capacity development, being one of the Key Drivers of his Vision, has received much attention since he assumed office as the Twentieth Chief of the Air Staff. "This is evident in the number of personnel that have been trained in various courses, both locally and overseas. Indeed, today’s graduation brings the total number of new pilots winged since 2015 to 118, and by the end of 2020, the NAF would have completed the training and winging of 139 pilots, which is a glowing testament to the efficacy of our capacity building initiatives. These pilots have continued to add value to the efforts of the Service in dealing with security challenges in the North East, North West and other parts of the country" he said. The CAS further stated that, while a good number of NAF officers were undergoing various pilot training courses outside the country, the indigenous training institutions had continued to play a crucial role towards the attainment of the NAF’s capacity building initiatives. He expressed satisfaction that 403 Flying Training School, Kano and 407 Air Combat Training Group, Kainji, where the graduands were trained, had continued to set the pace in the provision of high-quality fighter pilot training.

While encouraging the 4 newly winged pilots, the CAS reminded them that they cannot afford to rest on their oars at this time, as the feat they had achieved also comes with a burden of responsibility with so much expected of them, not only by the NAF but indeed the Nigerian people, whose scarce resources were used to train them. He therefore urged them to continue to give their best to the Service and the Nation. While addressing the operational pilots, Air Marshal Abubakar, stated that their 18 months was deliberately made tedious with series of training sorties and several tactical maneuvers executed to the high standards expected of NAF fighter pilots. According to him, “all these were aimed at giving you the requisite skills to prepare you for the tasks ahead. I must emphasize that, now that you have earned your Limited Combat Rating, you will be required to work harder and fly with more precision in order to meet up with the expectations of Nigerians in the various operational theatres. There shall be no hiding place for armed bandits or terrorists in any of our forests" he assured.

The CAS expressed particular delight that Flying Officer Sanni, who was decorated with her pilot wings as the first female fixed-wing fighter pilot in the history of the NAF on 15 October 2019, had made history yet again, by successfully completing the Tactical Flying Training on the Alpha Jet aircraft. He noted that Flying Officer Sanni and her colleagues were now better trained and prepared to be deployed for combat missions in the ongoing counter-insurgency air operations in the North-East and other parts of the country. “You will go down in the history of our Nation as the first female fixed-wing fighter pilot to undertake combat missions in defence of our freedom and sacred values. You will be undertaking combat missions to assert our right to our territory and protect the lives and property of our people", the CAS added.

Air Marshal Abubakar further noted that the NAF’s ability to effectively and efficiently project Air Power has also been significantly enhanced by the Federal Government’s support in the areas of platforms acquisition and reactivation as well as training and approval to expand NAF's field units. He therefore appreciated the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari for his unflinching support to the NAF. The CAS also appreciated the National Assembly, especially the Chairmen and members of the Senate and House Committees on Air Force for their continued support to the Service.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chief of Training and Operation, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) James Gwani, noted that the graduation of the pilots further lends credence to one of the Key Drivers of the CAS’ Vision, which is “Human capacity development through robust and result oriented training for enhanced professional performance”. He added that the graduation of the pilots would undoubtedly further enhance the NAF’s capacity for effective, efficient and timely employment of air power in response to Nigeria’s national security imperatives.

While giving the highlights of the 2 courses, the Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command (AOC ATC), AVM Musa Mukhtar, stated that the Basic Flying Course 24B, which commenced in March 2019, comprised 2 phases; the ground academics and flying training phases. He noted that the ground academics phase lasted 14 weeks, covering subjects such as Aerospace Physiology, Aircraft System and Aircraft Operation Orders, amongst others. Areas covered in the flying training phase, which required each student to fly an average of 130 sorties, included General Handling, Instrument Flying, Navigation as well as Night and Formation Flying. He remarked that the Tactical Flying Course 19A, which lasted 18 Months, was also conducted in 2 phases, the Conversion and Tactical phases, covering Air to Ground Weapons Delivery Theory, Tactical Deliveries and Mission Planning, amongst others, with each trainee flying 35 and 40 hours in each phase, respectively.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force
29 September 2020

Redemption1:
calm down, I'm not complaining, I've been serving Job for years, was just trying to say the things sarham changed, none of my coursemate is scared of job, I met major gen MT Ibrahim during my days as a clown so no need to be scared of job, just wanted to share my own story that's all

Mentioning this officer names on the thread or online might put these officers into unwarranted mess has the military his an highly disciplined and regimented profession.
Please it’s not advisable mentioning there names here or any other online platform.
Thanks!

Tobiloba2407:
Cadet if you know what's good for you, you will dash from this group.

Dude take it easy.
Let him express his views and why should he dash out “from this group” ! His that a threat or what ?

Governor Zulum Has Yet Escaped Another Life Threatening Attack On Baga-Monguno Road yesterday

NA BTR-4E

An Air Commodore is crossed the sword today, One of the most decorated sword party I've witnessed !

#PressRelease #DHQUpdate

OPERATION HAIL STORM 2: AIR TASK FORCE NEUTRALIZES SCORES OF TERRORISTS, INFLICTS MASSIVE DAMAGE TO THEIR CAMPS AT TONGULE, BONE AND ISARI MUSA IN BORNO STATE

1. Air strikes being executed in Borno State by the Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE under subsidiary Operation HAIL STORM 2 have continued to yield tangible results. The latest of these include the massive destruction of Boko Haram Terrorists’ (BHTs’) Camps and neutralization of scores of their fighters in a night attack at Tongule on 24 September and daytime raids at Bone and Isari B Musa on 25 September 2020.

2. The strike on Tongule was undertaken after surveillance missions revealed continued assembly of the terrorists within the settlement at nighttime. Accordingly, the Air Task Force dispatched Nigerian Air Force (NAF) helicopter gunships for a night attack on the location, with their barrage of rockets neutralizing several of the terrorists.

3. Bone, a settlement along the Yale-Kumshe axis, on the other hand, was attacked by a force package of NAF fighter jets and helicopter gunships after credible intelligence reports established that the location served as a staging area from where the terrorists launch attacks. The NAF attack aircraft engaged the location in multiple bomb and rocket runs, destroying several of their structures and neutralizing scores of terrorists. Similarly, at Isari B Musa several terrorists, who were observed both within and in bushes surrounding the settlement, were taken out as the NAF attack aircraft took turns in engaging the target area.

JOHN ENENCHE
Major General
Coordinator
Defence Media Operations
Defence Headquarters
26 September 2020.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PQ_SmNCZZw

GENERAL COURT MARTIAL SENTENCES MWO OYEBANJI, 3 OTHERS TO 21 YEARS IMPRISONMENT, REDUCTION IN RANK

Four executive members of the 151 Base Services Group (151 BSG) Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Makurdi, who were standing trial before a General Court Martial (GCM), sitting at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base, Makurdi for criminal misappropriation of over N41,000,000.00, were, on 24 September 2020, awarded various sentences. The 4 NAF personnel, who were arraigned before the GCM for Misappropriation of Cooperative Funds, amongst other offences, include Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) Sherifi Olawoore, Flying Officer (Fg Offr) Ademola Adekoya, Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Michael Oyebanji and Warrant Officer (WO) Paul Atteh. The personnel were sentenced based on their levels of involvement.

Delivering his judgement, the President of the GCM, Air Commodore Nazib Aliyu, pronounced the 4 accused personnel guilty of various charges. Flt Lt Olawoore was tried for negligently performing his duty as the President of the Cooperative, found guilty and awarded 6 months loss of seniority. In the same vein, Fg Offr Adekoya was tried for negligently performing his duty as Secretary of the Cooperative. He was found guilty and awarded one year loss of seniority.

MWO Michael 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 reduction in rank to Corporal and ordered to refund all monies misappropriated. In the same vein, 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 awarded 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. Meanwhile, the GCM has ordered the release of WO Atteh from detention.

While pleading in mitigation, the Defence Counsel urged the Court to show leniency, describing the Accused Persons as first-time offenders. The sentences were announced as being subject to confirmation by the Appropriate Superior Authority. However, it is within the rights of the Accused Personnel to appeal the judgment of the GCM, if they are dissatisfied.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force
26 September 2020

#NA
#SNIPERS
#TRACKERS

#NA
#CION
#E.O.D guys

1. In continuation of aggressive clearance operation to stamp out banditry and other criminal activities in North Central zone of the country, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE and 117 Guards Battalion recorded appreciable successes against criminal elements. Troops while on joint clearance operation on 25 September 2020 around Mararaba Udege in Nasarawa State raided a suspected kidnappers' camp along Bakonu road in Nasarawa Local Government Area. In the course of the operation, 3 kidnapped victims were rescued while 2 kidnappers were killed in action. Rescued victims have been reunited with their families.

2. In another development, following credible intelligence on the possible regrouping of some elements linked to late Gana at a hideout around Kwaghaondo village in Chanchanji council ward of Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, troops of Sector 2 conducted a dawn raid operation at the identified hideout. The gallant troops made contact with the armed militia elements who opened fire and fled as troops closed in on their position. Troops swiftly responded with superior firepower which led to the killing of 2 bandits while one AK 47 rifle, one magazine and 15 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition were recovered. Currentlty troops have continued to dominate the area with aggressive patrols and ambushes to deny bandits freedom of action.

3. The Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies remain committed, resolute and determined to curtail the activities of insurgents, bandits and other criminal elements in the country. Members of the general public are requested to always continue to provide timely information on the activities of criminals in their various localities to the nearest military and other security agencies location for prompt action.

JOHN ENENCHE
Major General
Coordinator
Defence Media Operations
Defence Headquarters
26 September 2020.

In case you don't know, Turkey is developing not just one but two new attack helicopters. The new project is T629, a new 6T heli which will fulfill the gap between 5T ATAK 1 and future 10T ATAK 2.

Pictures of russian made Mil Mi-171 helicopters of the Angolan Air Force.

General Buratai Tours Army Super Camps, Inspects Troops' Accommodation & Construction Works at the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Maiduguri

1. In furtherance of his operational tour to theater of operation in the North East, the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen TY Buratai was at the Army Special Super Camp Chabbal in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State on Friday the 25th of September 2020. While at the camp, he addressed officers and men, after which he had durbar with troops where operational, logistical and administrative issues were discussed. He earlier on Thursday, the 24th of September 2020, visited Army Super Camp Ngamdu where he inspected the construction and renovation works as well as facilities at the camp. During the visit to the Super Camp Ngamdu, General Buratai was represented by the Chief of Training and Operations Army in company of the Commander Engineer Corps and Theatre Commander Operation LAFIYA DOLE Major Generals NE Angbazo, JS Malu and F Yahaiya among other senior army officers.

2. Gen Buratai applauded the troops for their resilience, patriotism and commitment in the war on terror in Nigeria. He directed them to be more courageous and bold to end the war. He said, "The whole country is hopeful that you should achieve results, you must bring this war to an end very soon". You are better trainned, equipped and motivated to do the nation proud, and so you must be more courageous and bold to end terrorism in Nigeria".

3. Encouraging the troops further, he reiterated, " The Nigerian Army is not in the North East Theatre of Operation for Crowd Dispersal or Peace keeping Mission. We are here for war and so you must be perpetually in war mode if you want to succeed".

3. In a related development, the Chief of Army Staff also commissioned a 40 bed capacity accommodation for soldiers on escorts and guards duty at the Flag Staff House Annex in Maiduguri today.

4. General Buratai also inspected ongoing construction works at the Nigerian

ugo4u:
.

Troops Angry As Nigerian Army Fails To Recognise Other Soldiers Killed With Colonel Bako


http://saharareporters.com/2020/09/24/troops-angry-nigerian-army-fails-recognise-other-soldiers-killed-colonel-bako?fbclid=IwAR0guYFXkIklTfX39-btdQws9Yq5GJpy0JSoMAzrCWyiESY3d97pjyDNJYA

The new Nigerian Navy hydrographic survey vessel, NNS LANA, launched today at Les Sables D'olonne, France

Lurker4Long:
With reference to the picture below, it's a good thing the BH/ISWAP filth has not mastered the use of mortars.

God forbid; it will be disastrous

#CION

Concl

Photos

NAF SUCCESSFULLY REACTIVATES 12 OPERATIONAL SUPPORT EQUIPMENT AS CAS COMMISSIONS PROJECTS, DELIVERS STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP LECTURE TO PARTICIPANTS OF COURSE 6 AFWC MAKURDI

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is continually striving for high serviceability rates of its aircraft and associated equipment, whilst conserving foreign exchange by enhancing in-country maintenance capabilities, to enable it effectively project Air Power in response to Nigeria’s national security imperatives. Pursuant to this strategic outlook, the NAF has successfully reactivated 12 units of previously moribund Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE). The repaired equipment include 6 x Jaguar aircraft Ground Power Units (GPUs), one Eagle towing vehicle for Headquarters Air Task Force Maiduguri, one GPU for 115 Special Operations Group (115 SOG), Port Harcourt and another GPU for 305 Special Mobility Group (305 SMG), Calabar. Others include one 15-ton Henley forklift, one 3.6-Ton UNIMOG crane and a Jaguar aircraft hydraulic cart. The equipment, which were reactivated locally by 131 Engineering Group (131 Engr Gp) Makurdi, through the Unit’s Research and Development (R&D) efforts, were commissioned today, 23 September 2020, by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

While in Makurdi, the CAS also commissioned a newly reactivated One Million litre Bulk Fuel Installation (BFI) Facility, which had been upgraded with additional functional and safety features, including an automatic sprinkler system for enhanced fire safety. The CAS equally unveiled Fire Tender and Runway Sweeper vehicles reactivated by the 101 Air Defence Group (101 ADG) and inspected ongoing R&D projects, including a handheld single rocket launcher and 6-tube rocket launcher, being jointly executed by the 131 Engr Group and the 633 Central Armament Depot (633 CAD) Makurdi before commissioning a newly constructed Runway Supervision Unit (RSU) at the Makurdi Airfield.

Speaking during the commissioning and functional demonstration of the reactivated equipment, a visibly delighted CAS, stated that he was excited with what had been achieved by 131 Engr Gp. He said it had always been his belief that, with a bit of effort, most of what may have been discarded as Beyond Economic Repair (BER) could be brought back to serviceable status. According to him, “at this time of scarcity of resources and increased competition for those scarce resources, the best we can have is what we have witnessed here today”. He expressed excitement that some of the equipment would be deployed to the North East and other conflict areas to support the conduct of air operations. He further noted that the local reactivation of the equipment had saved the NAF, and indeed the Nation, huge amounts of foreign exchange, which ordinarily would need to be sourced to buy such equipment from abroad. He added that the NAF would continue to leverage R&D as well as innovative technologies to enhance its operations, while continuing to seek collaborative partnerships. Air Marshal Abubakar therefore commended the Commander 131 Engr Gp, Air Commodore Pam Chollom, and all personnel of the Unit for their hard work and dedication to duty. While encouraging other Units to take a queue from 131 Engr Gp, the CAS also applauded the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command (AOC TAC), Air Vice Marshal Olusegun Philip, for his leadership in ensuring the realization of the various accomplishments.

In his welcome remarks, the AOC TAC stated that the event was a landmark occasion and a manifestation of the sterling leadership qualities of the CAS, which had been the major motivation for the achievements recorded by the Command. The reactivation of the equipment, he noted, would add value to the NAF’s maintenance efforts not only in Makurdi but also in other NAF Units across the Country as the equipment would come in handy for the conduct of maintenance activities on the F/FT-7Ni aircraft and the soon to be inducted JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter aircraft. The AOC appreciated the unwavering support of the CAS to Units under TAC and also commended the Commander 131 Engr Gp and his personnel for their hardwork and dedication to duty, while encouraging them to not to rest on their oars.

Earlier on, the CAS had delivered a lecture to participants of Course 6 of the Air Force War College (AFWC) in Makurdi, as part of the Strategic Leadership Module of the Course. In the lecture‪, titled “Nigerian Air Force Operational Challenges and Future Prospects”, Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted the achievements of the NAF in the past 5 years in areas of expansion of its organizational structure, comprehensive human capacity development, aircraft acquisition and maintenance as well as robust logistics support and R&D. The CAS also highlighted some of the operational challenges encountered while enumerating strategies to overcome them and discussing future prospects. ‬

‪The AFWC was established in 2016 to develop the capacity of senior officers of the rank of Wing Commander and equivalent in the effective employment of Air Power and efficient utilization of Air Power concepts and strategy while preparing them for higher leadership positions‬.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force
23 September 2020

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_Ld4WjDQcI

#NAF S.O.F

AIRING OF DOCUMENTARY: “NIGERIAN AIR FORCE CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT: BUILDING AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE CAPABILITIES FOR ENHANCED NATIONAL SECURITY”

In furtherance of the capacity building initiatives of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, as well as in compliance with Presidential Executive Order No 5, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has progressively built local capacity for the conduct of major aircraft maintenance activities, including Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) of various aircraft types in its inventory. As a result, the Service has reactivated over 20 erstwhile unserviceable aircraft and in the process raised the serviceability of operable platforms from about 35% in 2015 to the current level of over 80%. Please watch the compelling documentary, titled “Nigerian Air Force Capacity Development: Building Aircraft Maintenance Capabilities for Enhanced National Security”, that highlights these achievements. It will be aired on TVC (Available on DSTV Channel 418, GoTV Channel 45 or via other TVC authorized platforms) on Wednesday, 23 September 2020, from 9pm to 9.30pm. Thank you for your continued interest in the NAF.

Video link- https://www.facebook.com/1684425015103776/posts/2706341986245402/?app=fbl

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NAF IMMORTALIZES LATE FIRST COMBAT HELICOPTER PILOT, FLYING OFFICER TOLULOPE AROTILE, AS CAS COMMISSIONS INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS IN PORT HARCOURT

In fulfillment of its promise to honour the memory of Nigeria's first female combat helicopter pilot for her invaluable contributions to the fight against armed banditry and other criminal activities in the Country, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) today, 22 September 2020, immortalized late Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile. The newly renovated and remodeled Pilots’ Crew ‘Room’ at the 115 Special Operations Group (115 SOG) Port Harcourt was named after the late officer who died on 14 July 2020 at the age of 24. The Pilots’ Crew Room houses an Operations briefing room, computer room/library, pilots’ life-support room and lounge as well as a kitchen, dining room, changing room for pilots on standby and several rest rooms. The facility was provided to ensure a conducive environment which would enable pilots to more effectively plan and execute assigned missions.

Speaking during the ceremony, which also featured the commissioning of a newly constructed Block of 18 x two-bedroom flats for Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) as well as a water project, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, stated that immortalizing late Flying Officer Arotile was done, not only to honour her memory but also to further inspire young girls in Nigeria to study, work hard and pursue their dreams and legitimate aspirations with pride and honour. “It is gratifying to note that, since late Tolulope’s demise, many young Nigerian girls have indicated their interest to join the NAF. Besides, no fewer than 12 other female officers, who have undoubtedly been motivated by her inspirational life and the unprecedented and exemplary contributions by other female and male pilots, are currently undergoing flying training, both within and outside the Country, to become NAF pilots”, the CAS said.

Air Marshal Abubakar noted that immortalizing late Flying Officer Arotile also addressed another area of the NAF’s policy thrust which is the commitment to assure personnel that their sacrifices would never be in vain. According to him, the policy has been sustained through the immortalization of personnel who paid the supreme price in service to the Nation. “The objective has always been to acknowledge their contributions towards securing our Country, while making sure that they and their sacrifices remain forever fresh in our minds and indeed in the minds of Nigerians”, he added. The CAS, who expressed excitement to see some of her colleagues who were at the commissioning to celebrate her memory, noted that late Flying Officer Arotile lives on in the hearts of those coming after her. He encouraged more young girls to aspire for career opportunities in the NAF as he said “there is no limit to what they can achieve”.

While expressing his happiness with the performance of the Commander as well as officers and men of the Unit, Air Marshal Abubakar stated that 115 SOG had continued to play a significant role in the NAF’s efforts at tackling insecurity in different parts of the Country. He noted that pilots, engineers, technicians and other support staff of the Group, deployed along with their helicopter gunships, had continued to contribute their quota towards winning the fight against insurgents in the North East as well as against bandits and other criminals in the North West and North Central. The 115 SOG, he said, had also continued to play a key role in dealing with illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism in the South South, working in synergy with sister Services and other security agencies.

The CAS recalled that, over the years, 115 SOG had built in-house capacity and shown its capability in the conduct of the first-ever life extension maintenance on 2 x Mi 35P helicopters. Similarly, he said, the Unit, working with technical partners, was able to reactivate 3 x EC-135 helicopters locally. While charging the aircrew and other personnel in Port Harcourt to continue working harder to deal decisively with the enemies of the Nation, the CAS urged them to utilize the new facilities and other welfare projects with a high sense of responsibility.

Air Marshal Abubakar expressed his profound gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, for his continued support to the NAF towards the achievement of its desired Air Power goals. He noted that the President’s overwhelming support to the Service was a testament to the fact that the whole Nation stands by the NAF in the fight against all enemies of the Country. “We therefore pledge to remain resolute in the conduct of our operations until peace is restored to every troubled part of the Country”, he said.

In his welcome address, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Tactical Air Command (TAC), Air Vice Marshal Olusegun Philip, noted that the CAS had proved beyond doubt that the welfare of NAF personnel was his topmost priority, as evidenced by his commitment to the provision of infrastructure for their comfort and optimum performance. While thanking the CAS for his constant support, the AOC reassured him of the firm resolve and dedication of personnel to the fight against terrorism, banditry and illegal oil bunkering. “I promise you that we will continue to give you the desired results in all our present and future operations”, the AOC said.

Also present at the ceremony were Branch Chiefs and Directors from the NAF Headquarters as well as the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army and other senior military officers. One of the key feature of the event was the presence of some NAF’s female pilots, including Flight Lieutenant Blessing Liman, the first female to be winged as a pilot in the NAF, as well as Flying Officers Genevieve Nwaogwugwu, Olubunmi Ijelu, Kafayat Sanni, first fixed-wing fighter pilot in the NAF, and Chinelo Nwokoye, NAF’s second-ever combat helicopter pilot.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force
22 September 2020

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Borno Governor, Zulum donates house, N20m to late Col. D. C. Bako’s widow, orphans

Borno Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum on Tuesday announced a donation of a befitting house and 20 million Naira to the widow and orphans left behind by late Col. Dahiru Chiroma Bako who died from wounds sustained while battling boko haram. Insurgents ambushed the Commander’s troop on Sunday morning.

Col. Bako, described by Zulum as a fallen warrior, was Commander of 25 Task Force Brigade of Operation Lafiya Dole in charge of Damboa and surrounding axis in southern Borno. He died at a military hospital in Maiduguri on Monday.

Zulum, at the burial of the late Commander in Maiduguri on Tuesday, paid glowing tribute and announced house and cash donation to family of the deceased.

"Indeed it is a very sad moment, this is not a loss to the family of Late Col. Dahiru Chiroma Bako alone, not to the Nigerian Military, it is a loss to Borno and indeed Nigeria."

"Col. Bako was a gallant and dogged military officer, under whose watch Damboa was never defeated. He is humble and committed in discharging his duties, he is part of the success recorded in degrading boko haram insurgency in Borno State."

"He has been one of the greatest in trying to stabilize not only Borno but even the neighbouring Yobe State. We will remember his contributions forever, may almighty Allah reward him, and forgive him."

"To his family, may Allah give them fortitude to bear this irreparable lost. To all the soldiers and officers of the Nigerian Military that lost their lives, may Almighty Allah reward and forgive them. The injured ones we pray for their quick recovery."

"I am reliably informed that Col. Bako did not have a house of his own. We cannot ignore the family he left behind. We share their grief and nothing can equal his life. Nevertheless, I am pleased to announce that Borno State Government will build a befitting house for the family of late Col. Bako. I was also told that the Nigerian Army under the distinguished leadership of Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has offered a scholarship to his children, we will also support the family to compliment the efforts of the military."

"For the welfare of his family, Borno State Government will relase the sum of 20 million as support for them. A cheque to the effect will be ready later today or tomorrow morning” Zulum said.

The Governor had on Sunday night expressed sadness on the news of Bako’s demise.

Zulum described the Commander as one who inspired his troops and led them in the frontline with exceptional courage which was clearly out of pure patriotism.

He had also said the death of Bako and heroes like him shall not be in vain.

Senegalese Upgraded Mi-24Vs in use in Central African republic , three choppers were posted at Bamgui. Upgrade includes a new Israeli EO sensor

NAF A29 super Tucano have now arrived at Moodys Air Force base, it appears the pandemic has not affected delivery schedule.

Credit: @jakepor21