₦airaland Forum

My Deputy Saved Me From Death When My Convoy Was Ambushed By Boko Haram Terrorists –Buratai





http://saharareporters.com/2020/09/14/my-deputy-saved-me-death-when-my-convoy-was-ambushed-boko-haram-terrorists-%E2%80%93buratai?fbclid=IwAR2gIR9T3nQ0cLTW6Vn9HkBemtb8clUf9ugvKfY5bkMR4-0IkhH9bX3Ro7g

Zulum departs Maiduguri for Banki town at border of Chad Republic.

On his continues efforts to resettle all the IDPs, provide humanitarian support and bring back the lost glory of Borno State, Borno Governor Prof Babagana Umara Zulum has today departed Maiduguri for Banki Local Government area in Borno State to see the condition of his people with a view to providing succor.

Submarines -USNavy Sturgeon class USS Billfish (SSN-676) with Avalon (DSRV-2)

M-ATV belonging to U.S. Army Special Forces crosses a river during counterterrorism operations with the Niger Armed Forces

#CION

A rare photo from inside the October War Operations Room, 1973th of Ramadan in the Palace of Al-Tahra, where field maps appear above the famous pool table, and below are recent photos of the same hall and table

The pool hall is one of the most famous features of the Palace of Al-Tahra, where it is mediated by a pool table made of bronze ebanos wood, which was presented by Louis Philippe of France to Mohammed Ali Pasha and transferred by King Farouk to the palace, and this table is part A rare witness to destructive decisions and difficult moments in the history of the homeland, as the epic of victory took place, when President Anwar Sadat extended it with leaders crossing maps and discussed war plans, as the palace was a secret operation room for the sixth of October 73

NIGERIAN ARMY ‬RECRUITMENT

‪The online registration for 80 Regular Recruits Intake Nigerian Army (NA) for both Trades/Non Tradesmen and Women will commence on 14 September 2020. Contact our social media platforms or call 193 for further details.

#NA

On this day September 11, 2014, @NigAirForce Alpha Jet NAF/466 went down at Kauri while conducting air interdiction mission in support of ops Zaman Lafiya.

Wing Commander Chimda Hedima was KIA while Group Captain Abdulrasheed Bamidele Braimoh remains MIA.

CAPACITY BUILDING: NAF GRADUATES ANOTHER SET OF STUDENT PILOTS FROM 401 FTS, TRAINS 145 IN 5 YEARS

In its resolve to ensure availability of well trained pilots to prosecute the ongoing war against insurgency, banditry and other forms of criminality in the Country, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) today, 10 September 2020, graduated additional 29 student pilots who have completed their ab-initio flying training at the 401 Flying Training School (401 FTS), Kaduna. The graduating students, who are members of 66 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), comprising 27 male and 2 female officers, commenced training as flight cadets of NDA on 7 January 2019 as members of Student Pilots Course 46 (SP 46). With today’s graduation, the NAF has successfully graduated 145 student pilots from 401 FTS in the last 5 years.

While congratulating the graduands of SP 46 for withstanding the rigours, hard work and stress associated with the training, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, stated that his Administration’s drive to continually develop adequate capacity for effective, efficient and timely employment of Air Power in response to national security imperatives remains on course. The CAS noted that SP 46 had successfully conducted their flying training on both the Diamond 40 and Super Mushshak aircraft types, which according to him, was a positive deviation from what was obtainable in the past. The feat, he said, would not have been achieved if not for the dedication of the ground instructors, instructor pilots as well as prompt and effective aircraft maintenance and availability of aviation fuel which ensured qualitative training.

Air Marshal Abubakar enjoined the graduands to maintain the same attitude of dogged determination as they proceed to the next phase of military flying training while reminding them that there is more work to be done to earn their wings. He charged them to continue to exhibit the right aptitude and attitude as well as determination in order to improve their flying skills. "You must continually develop survival skills and be prepared to safely navigate platforms most especially at night and in all weather conditions" he added. The CAS further stated that at the inception of his Administration in 2015, 401 FTS had only 3 Diamond-40 platforms for the conduct of flying training. The grossly inadequate number and the unsuitability of the platform for aerobatics and other unusual manoeuvres, he said, significantly diminished the ability of the NAF to conduct military flying training. “Today, we have 15 platforms with a wide range of capabilities enabling quality training. This has empowered 401 FTS to train a total of 145 student pilots from the end of 2015 to date. Additionally, 24 Instructor Pilots and 15 UAV pilots have also been trained within the same period. These numbers represent the attainment of a remarkable feat that had previously eluded the NAF”, he said. The CAS therefore commended the Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command (AOC ATC), Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Musa Mukhtar, as well as the Commander 401 FTS, Air Commodore Ahmed Idris, and his entire staff for their efforts in realizing this feat.

The CAS also thanked the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, for his continued support and belief in the ability of the NAF. He noted that the timely provision of the much needed air assets as well as the resources to buy spares, aviation fuel and other consumables by the Federal Government was the most important factor that has translated into the commendable achievements recorded by the Service. Furthermore, he noted that the NAF's ability to wing 114 pilots in the last 5 years has led to a vibrant application of Air Power in combating the security challenges facing the Country. According to him, the multiplier effect has been a boost especially in the counterterrorism and counterinsurgency efforts in the North East as well as the fight against armed banditry in the North West and North Central Zones of the Country.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Commander 401 FTS, while thanking the CAS for his unrelenting support to the Unit, stated that the Course was the first of its kind to have flown 2 different platforms; the Diamond 40 and Super Mushshak aircraft during the course of their training. He said the Unit achieved such feat even when it had to contend with other demanding tasks. The Commander noted that alongside the training of student pilots, the Unit is also actively involved in airlift/VIP flights as well as Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions in support of Operations THUNDER STRIKE and HADARIN DAJI against armed bandits in parts of North-West and North-Central Zones. According to him, the student pilots began their training with ground academic phase, which lasted for a period of 16 weeks, followed by the various stages of the flying phase with all 29 of them successfully completing the course with satisfactory levels of airmanship.

One of the highlights of the colorful event, which also had the NAF Chief of Training and Operations, AVM James Gwani, as well as the Commandants of the NDA and Armed Forces Command and Staff College in attendance, was the presentation of certificates to the graduating students. Awards were also presented to graduands who distinguished themselves on the Course, with Flying Officer Ja’afar Abdulkadir bagging both the Best in Academics as well as the Best All Round Student’s Awards, while Flying Officer Nicholas Egong clinched the Best in Flying Award.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations & Information
Nigerian Air Force
10 September 2020

Oluwo palace Kuta explodes into wild jubilation as @NA chief Lt. Gen TY Buratai built age long Kuta-Ikoyi Ede bridge.


Laudable projects like this one reaffirms Gen Buratai’s vision to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its Constitutional roles.

GOVERNOR LALONG LAUDS COMMITMENT OF THE CAS TO NATIONAL SECURITY, URGES NIGERIANS TO EMBRACE PEACE AS NAF COMMISSIONS INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN KERANG

The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Right Honourable Simon Bako Lalong, has commended the visionary leadership of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, as well as his outstanding diligence in the discharge of duties, which he said would surely transform the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to become the best Air Force in Africa. “We are witnesses to the great attention the CAS has paid to the welfare and training of personnel of the NAF throughout the country. He has also ensured the acquisition of air platforms and other equipment necessary for the operations of the Force”, he said. The Governor gave this commendation today, 9 September 2020, while commissioning some infrastructure projects for NAF personnel at the 205 Combat Search and Rescue Group (205 CSARG) and the newly established Air Provost Training Centre (APTC), at NAF Base Kerang, Mangu Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State. The commissioned projects include 2 blocks of 10 x single bedroom furnished residential accommodation for airmen instructors and students of the APTC as well as an Officers’ Mess for officers of the 2 Units.

The Governor, who was also in Kerang in 2017 during the ground breaking ceremony/commissioning of the 205 CSARG Headquarters Building, noted that the establishment of the Special Operations Command (SOC) and subsequent siting of the Group in Kerang were glowing evidences of the resolve, commitment and determination of the Federal Government to ensure that law abiding citizens are secured and peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians guaranteed. He noted that the remarkable transformation that had taken place were also hallmarks of the CAS’ dynamic leadership. While highlighting that his Administration, with the cooperation of the Plateau citizens and support of the Federal Government and security agencies, had ensured the return of peace, he noted that there was need for vigilance against merchants of crises who are always scheming to take the State to the dark days. He therefore called on the good people of Plateau State and especially the Kerang Community, who generously acceded to the approval of this expanse of land for the Unit, to continue to maintain peaceful and harmonious coexistence in the interest of national security.

Governor Lalong further observed that prior to the establishment of 205 CSARG, the Plateau State Government already had a cordial working relationship with the NAF which, he said, played significant role in tackling insecurity, promoting education and delivering quality healthcare services to Plateau citizens. He added that the establishment of the Group had widened the NAF’s participation in the consolidation of peace and security of the State, particularly in the rural areas. He stated further that, as Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, he was aware of the deployments of NAF air assets and personnel not only to Plateau State and other parts of the North, but to other parts of the Country where such challenges exist. “On behalf of my colleagues, I register our appreciation to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, and the CAS for responding to our pleas promptly”, he added. While urging personnel of the Service to continue to foster the high standards of good civil-military relations with host communities for which the NAF is known, the Governor reassured the CAS of his Administration’s commitment towards supporting the Service at all times.

In his remarks at the occasion, Air Marshal Abubakar, while lauding Governor Lalong’s continued demonstration of strong commitment to the security of the people of Plateau State, noted that the reason for establishing the 205 CSARG was primarily to further bring security closer to the people of the State. He noted that this was in keeping with his Vision upon assumption of office in 2015 which was “To reposition the NAF into a highly professional and disciplined force through capacity building initiatives for effective, efficient and timely employment of airpower in response to Nigeria's national security imperatives''. He further disclosed that, after assessing the structure of the Service, at the time it was observed that it was inadequate to properly actualize the Vision. The CAS noted that deliberate steps were therefore taken to expand the organizational structure of the Service with the creation of 2 new Field Commands, the Special Operations Command (SOC) headquartered in Bauchi and the Ground Training Command (GTC) in Enugu, as well as several specialized Units, including those at Owerri in Imo State; Gusau in Zamfara State; Lafia in Nasarawa State; Agatu in Benue State, Gembu in Taraba State and Bauchi in Bauchi State. Others, he said, included the NAF Detachment in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State; a Forward Operating Base in Damaturu, Yobe State; Quick Response Wing in Lafia, Nasarawa State as well as the newly established 203 Combat Reconnaissance Group in Gombe, Gombe State and the 205 CSARG Kerang. The CAS noted that the upgraded structure has positioned the Service to more effectively ensure the security of Nigeria and Nigerians, working in synergy with sister Services and other security agencies.

Speaking further, the CAS stated that the NAF’s ability to realize the Vision had also been boosted by the immense support of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, which had enabled the Service to procure 22 brand new aircraft in the past 5 years, which were already deployed for operations in different parts of the Country. He equally disclosed that the NAF was also expecting 17 additional aircraft to be delivered before the end of Year 2021. The CAS noted that in order to effectively man these aircraft the Service had winged 114 new pilots since 2015, while another 103 student pilots were undergoing various levels of training to become qualified NAF pilots. He further noted that the Service had trained over 2,000 new engineers and technicians with another 500 expected to graduate from the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) by next week. The CAS also noted that the Service had trained over 4,000 Regiment and Special Forces personnel to ensure the protection of its bases and air assets. Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized that the overall objective was to ensure that the Service builds robust capacity to ensure a secured, united and prosperous Nigeria.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) SOC, Air Vice Marshal Charles Ohwo, noted that since the establishment of 205 CSARG in 2017, the NAF had continued to build capacity to ensure that the NAF has capability for effective, efficient and timely CSAR missions. He disclosed that after the first few personnel were trained abroad, the training of subsequent sets of CSAR were conducted locally at Kaduna and Ipetu-Ijesha, due to high cost of foreign training. These personnel, who he said, were capable of tracking, searching, locating and rescuing occupants of downed combat aircraft or personnel in distress, were currently deployed to various Theatres of Operation across the Country. The AOC added that for the Unit to effectively undertake its roles of medical and casualty evacuation, it needs to be strengthened and equipped with platforms, equipment and highly-trained professionals. According to him, the CAS, being mindful of this, had authorized the execution of several projects, which he said, were at various stages of completion. These, he said, included a standard 22-bed Medical Centre, which would not only cater for NAF personnel but also members of the host community and others who may be referred to the facility.

Also present at the event were the Plateau State Deputy Governor, Professor Sonny Theoden, and other top Government functionaries of the State, Traditional Rulers form Mangu LGA as well as the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Branch Chiefs from the NAF Headquarters, AOC Ground Training Command and other senior military officers.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations & Information
Nigerian Air Force
9 September 2020

Toju200:
chaiii me no get TVC na to wait for YouTube link

Yeap

bidexiii:
See what the renowned journalist Babajide Otitoju wrote on his face book wall:

“Something unprecedented happened to me today. As I previewed a 30-minute documentary I produced on Proforce, a Nigerian company that designs and produces military tactical vehicles, Mine Resistance and Ambush- Protected, MRAP, bullion vans, bulletproof vests etc, which recently got the contract to produce 100 MRAPs for Chad Republic, I began shedding tears. It is not the greatest investigative or ground-breaking story I have done, certainly not. I shed tears about my country, a country I love so much. A country that has only four state-owned refineries, whereas a single American state, Texas has 47 refineries, my country that couldn't build a single refinery in more than 30 years. I am happy that something really good is coming out of my country beyond corruption, mind-boggling fraud and irresponsibly bad and selfish leadership. I feel inspired by Ade Ogundeyin's work and the brilliance of his young son who is the head of operations of the company. At last, even if fleetingly, I cling on to hope that our country can be great again, perhaps in my time.

Watch the Documentary at 8.30pm today on TVC Insight.”

It’s running right now, on TVC channel for interested people !

See what the renowned journalist Babajide Otitoju wrote on his face book wall:

“Something unprecedented happened to me today. As I previewed a 30-minute documentary I produced on Proforce, a Nigerian company that designs and produces military tactical vehicles, Mine Resistance and Ambush- Protected, MRAP, bullion vans, bulletproof vests etc, which recently got the contract to produce 100 MRAPs for Chad Republic, I began shedding tears. It is not the greatest investigative or ground-breaking story I have done, certainly not. I shed tears about my country, a country I love so much. A country that has only four state-owned refineries, whereas a single American state, Texas has 47 refineries, my country that couldn't build a single refinery in more than 30 years. I am happy that something really good is coming out of my country beyond corruption, mind-boggling fraud and irresponsibly bad and selfish leadership. I feel inspired by Ade Ogundeyin's work and the brilliance of his young son who is the head of operations of the company. At last, even if fleetingly, I cling on to hope that our country can be great again, perhaps in my time.

Watch the Documentary at 8.30pm today on TVC Insight.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eU4B4lqo7P4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfQibKgFs2Y

Sudanese Airforce Northrop F-5 jets

Ghanaian Airforce Hongdu K-8 jets

Zambian Airforce Hongdu L-15 jets

Cameroonian Airforce Alpha jets

BREAKING NEWS!

Wanted Militia Leader Gana Killed, Says Military

Earlier today Gana was at Katsina Ala LGA with Tor Sankera other prominent sons and daughters of the Benue State, where he surrendered before their movement to Makurdi and was intercepted by the military in Gboko LGA

The Commander of the Four Special Forces command, Doma local government area, Brigadier General Maude Ali Gadzama on Tuesday confirmed to Channels Television via telephone the killing of Terwase Akwaza, alias Gana.

Gadzama revealed Gana was killed this evening in a firefight with military personnel.

However, the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, said soldiers snatched Gana from a government convoy of repentant militants in Gboko.

Earlier on Tuesday, Gana, along with 172 militia boys, had reportedly surrendered amid traditional rulers, priests, and local government officials in Katsina-Ala local government in Benue.

They were on their way to Makurdi when they were intercepted by military officials, Ortom said.

In 2015, Gana was offered an amnesty but returned to his alleged criminal activities.

In 2017, the Nigerian police declared Gana wanted after he was alleged to have killed “several innocent persons”.

The Benue State Government, at the time, placed a N10 million naira bounty on him.

In an exclusive interview with Channels Television in 2016, Gana had denied any involvement in the killing of Mr. Denen Igbana, a security aide to Governor Samuel Ortom.

Akwaza (right) when he allegedly surrendered at Katsina Ala

nemesis8u:
It is airborne directed energy weapon system . It uses a megawatt class chemical oxygen iodine laser mounted on a modified Boeing 747 passenger aircraft to destroy ballistic targets .

Only one such system was produced and is now retired .


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq7ieXNoyVw

Thanks man

INTERNAL SECURITY: CAS HARPS ON ACTIONABLE INTELLIGENCE AS DEFENCE INTELLIGENCE COLLEGE GRADUATES FIRST SET OF NAF YOC

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has charged newly graduated students of Young Officers’ Course Nigerian Air Force (NAF) 1/2020 (YOC 1/2020) of the Defence Intelligence College (DIC) Karu to bring their newly acquired knowledge and skills to bear in the production of actionable Intelligence that would enhance the operations of the Service in ensuring a secured, united and prosperous Nigeria. The CAS stated this today, 8 September 2020, at the graduation ceremony of YOC 1/2020 at the DIC. Air Marshal Abubakar disclosed that the decision to conduct the course at the DIC was borne out of his desire to produce well-grounded Intelligence Officers capable of supporting the NAF in delivering on its constitutional mandate.

Speaking further, the CAS, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the graduation ceremony, stated that to successfully prosecute the ongoing counter insurgency and anti-banditry operations across the Country, Intelligence gathering was critical. Good Intelligence, according to him, is a prerequisite for any successful operation, particularly air operations, whose effect could be devastating, and as such mistakes are unacceptable. “The only way to get good Intelligence is by building robust networks that are predicated on excellence and competence which can only be achieved through good training of Intelligence operatives. It is in this regard that a lot of resources was invested into your training”, he said.

While congratulating the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Usman, and the entire College team for their relentless efforts in bringing the first-ever NAF YOC on intelligence to fruition, the CAS noted that the DIC had become a citadel of Intelligence training and thus reputed for developing qualitative manpower in the field of Intelligence, thereby aiding commanders’ decision-making for effective conduct of operations. He therefore urged the graduating students to bring to bear, the skills and capacity acquired during the Course in their future deployment. “As you leave the training environment, you should be guided by utmost sense of patriotism and avoid acts of misconduct that could tarnish the image and reputation of the Service”, he added.

The CAS expressed his gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, for his support to the NAF. According to him, since the inception of the current Federal Government Administration, the NAF has recorded remarkable achievements in the areas of capacity building and operations. He commended the Commandant, staff and students for ensuring a hitch-free course despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his welcome remarks, the Commandant, DIC, Commodore Michael Oamen, while thanking the CAS for gracing the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour, stated that the 36 students, who were drawn from various NAF Units, had acquired requisite knowledge and skills that would enable them add significant value to the NAF’s intelligence operations.

Highlights of the graduation ceremony, which also had the CDI and Deputy CDI in attendance, were the presentation of certificates to the graduating students as well as the presentation of awards to the students who distinguished themselves on the course. Squadron Leader Martin Egwurube clinched the Commandant’s Award for the Best Research Paper as well as the Best Graduating Student’s Award, while Flying Officers Joseph Agada and Lawal Ismail received awards for emerging second and third in order of Merit.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations & Information
Nigerian Air Force
8 September 2020

#NAF
#S.O.F
#PANTHERS

New photo of an Egyptian Air Force AW149 Medium-lift helicopter.

nemesis8u:
American airborne high energy laser system

@nemesis8u please more explanation on these hardware please ?

bidexiii:
#PressRelease #DHQUpdate

OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE: TROOPS NEUTRALISE BOKO HARAM/ISWAP ELEMENTS, RESCUE KIDNAPPED VICTIMS IN GWOZA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BORNO STATE




https://defenceinfo.mil.ng/operation-lafiya-dole-troops-neutralise-boko-haramiswap-elements-rescue-kidnapped-victims-in-gwoza-local-government-area-of-borno-state/

More operational photos

LTGEN:
The NAF confirmed today that the recently acquired 230 Hectares acquired based in Gombe will be home to the 203 Newly created Command Reconnaissance Group (203 CRG)
They also confirmed as much that This base will serve as the UAV base for incoming Male and Female UAVs
This was confirmed by the AVM in charge of Special Operations Command.

NAF ESTABLISHES NEW BASE IN GOMBE, AS GOVERNOR YAHAYA LAUDS EFFORTS OF CAS IN FIGHT AGAINST INSURGENCY

As part of concerted efforts to emplace structures to more effectively deal with the security challenges in the North East and indeed the entire Country, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) today, 7 September 2020, flagged off the construction of infrastructure for a newly established Unit, the 203 Combat Reconnaissance Group (203 CRG), in Gombe State. The new Unit, which would serve as the Base for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and other air assets, is expected to bring new capabilities to the spectrum of the NAF’s operations thereby further enhancing the ability of the Service to contain threats to the nation and its citizens.

Speaking during the ground breaking ceremony, which had the Executive Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, as the Special Guest of Honour (SGOH), the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, stated that the newly established Base which sits on 230 hectares of land donated by the Gombe State Government, is strategically located to enable the NAF more effectively respond to contingencies in the North East. He noted that the establishment of the Unit would add significant value to the operations of the Service in the fight against insurgency and other security challenges in the Country. The CAS stated further that, in line with his Vision for the Service upon assumption of Office in 2015, the NAF organizational structure had been expanded from the erstwhile 4 Commands to 6 with the creation of 2 new Field Commands, one of which is the Special Operations Command (SOC) headquartered in Bauchi, as well as several new units including some Quick Response Groups and Quick Response Wings, to bring security closer to the people of Nigeria. These new units, he said, included those located at Gembu in Taraba State; Gusau in Zamfara State; Owerri in Imo State; Agatu in Benue State Kerang in Plateau State; Ipetu Ijesha in Osun State; Lafia in Nasarawa State as well as Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State, amongst others. Air Marshal Abubakar also noted that, in response to the security imperatives in the North East of the Country, the NAF had particularly expanded its facilities at the Headquarters of the Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE in Maiduguri, Borno State as well as at the NAF Base in Yola, Adamawa State, while a Unit had been established in Damaturu, Yobe State. “These new units and expansions, coupled with others carried out across the Country, have undoubtedly enhanced the capacity of the NAF to ensure that Nigeria is secured and our citizens are able to pursue their legitimate aspirations without fear”, he added.

Speaking further, the CAS noted that the establishment of the Base in Gombe was yet another clear testimony of the Federal Government's commitment to overcoming the security challenges in the North East and indeed the entire Country. “The Commander, as well as the first set of personnel to man the Unit, are already posted to Gombe and, in the days and weeks ahead, they will work with the State Government to ensure that the Group is ready to commence active operations in the shortest possible time”, he added

While pledging that the NAF would continue to work assiduously for the security and unity of the Nation, the CAS expressed appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, for his continued support to the Service towards the achievement of its desired Air Power objectives. He also thanked the National Assembly, especially the Chairman and members of Senate and House Committees on Air Force, for their support the Service. Air Marshal Abubakar also specially appreciated the Gombe State Governor for allocating the 230 Hectares of land to the NAF as well as for the support of the Government and good people of the State towards the actualization of the project. The CAS equally commended the dedication, sacrifices and commitment of NAF personnel while urging them to remain focused and redouble their efforts to ensure that peace is restored to all troubled parts of the Country.

In his remarks, the SGOH, the Executive Governor of Gombe State, while commending the CAS for his excellent record and sterling leadership of the NAF which had resulted in giant strides, expressed great delight at the efforts put in place by the Service to fast-track the establishment of a Base in Gombe State on land that was allocated barely a month ago. The Governor also applauded the quality of Air Marshal Abubakar’s leadership of the NAF as portrayed in the prudent management of scarce resources. He noted that, the NAF had been involved in numerous operations to restore security across the Country with commendable results. He added that the 203 CRG would surely change the dynamics of combating insurgency in the North East and internal security operations in Gombe State. The Governor therefore thanked the C-in-C as well as members of the National Assembly for appropriating and approving the funds for establishment of the Base in Gombe. Governor Yahaya expresses optimism that the take-off of the Base would result in job opportunities for the host communities while further boosting the excellent relationship between the NAF and the Gombe people. He disclosed that the State Government, on its part, would continue to provide necessary support to ensure the smooth operations of the Unit.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) SOC, Air Vice Marshal Charles Ohwo, while appreciating the CAS for his untiring support which had enabled the Command to keep pace in tackling the various security challenges within its Areas of Responsibility, noted that the 203 CRG Gombe would further enhance the NAF’s ability to meet the demands of the changing security environment while covering some of the capacity gaps in its counter insurgency and anti-banditry operations. According to him, “The actualisation of this Group would ensure that adequate situational awareness is maintained across the various theatres, thereby enhancing our air operations in the fight against insecurity for the overall well-being of the citizens”. The AOC added that the siting of the Group in Gombe would also add to the maintenance of internal security posture in the State, in collaboration with other security agencies, whilst also impacting positively on the host community, through various civil-military relations activities.

Other dignitaries at the ground breaking ceremony were the Gombe State Deputy Governor, Dr Manasa Daniel; Speaker of Gombe State House of Assembly, Honourable Sadiq Ibrahim Kurba, and other members of the State House of Assembly; the Secretary to the Gombe State Government and other top Gombe State functionaries; the Chairman of Gombe State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, Alhaji Dr Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III; as well as Branch Chiefs and Directors from the NAF Headquarters and other senior military officers.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations & Information
Nigerian Air Force
7 September 2020

Toju200:
integrate the maritime domain awareness facilities of relevant stakeholders, including NIMASA’s C4i, Nigerian Navy’s Falcon Eye, Nigerian Ports Authority’s C3i, and the i247 of the Nigeria Police. #TeamNIMASA #NIMASAPressCentre

Wished we our top military/security brass think like this ?
We would go along way.