₦airaland Forum

COVID-19: NIGERIAN AIR FORCE AIRLIFTS MEDICAL MATERIALS DONATED BY JACK MA FOUNDATION FROM LAGOS TO ABUJA

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), yesterday, 24 March 2020, airlifted medical materials donated by the Jack Ma Foundation, China, for tackling the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Nigeria, from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos to the Nnmadi Azikiwe International Airport(NAIA), Abuja in fulfilment of the NAF's roles of providing Military Aid to Civil Authority (MACA).

The donated medical materials, which consist of 107 boxes of medical supplies and equipment, comprising surgical masks, medical disposable protective clothing, face shields and detection kits, weighing about 3,000 pounds, were airlifted in a single mission using the NAF C-130 Hercules aircraft (NAF 913) and handed over by the NAF Aircrew to a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Health led by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Abdulazeez Mashi Abdullahi, today, 25 March 2020, at the NAIA, Abuja.

Speaking to the press after inspecting the delivered items, Alhaji Abdullahi thanked the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, for the timely deployment of aircraft to airlift the items to Abuja. He also expressed appreciation to the NAF officers and men who participated in the airlift mission for their professional conduct. He said the donated items would go a long way in supporting the Government’s efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the Country.

The NAF leadership has also expressed the readiness of the Service to provide any form of support within its statutory responsibility of providing aid to civil authority as the Nation continues to work assiduously to deal with the threat posed by COVID-19.

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

In 1963, as the first indigenous Quartermaster-General of the Nigerian Army, Lieutenant-Colonel Emeka Ojukwu modernised the Army's uniform and also started the local production of the uniforms in Nigeria.

Nigerian soldiers had been wearing colonial uniforms (shorts) that were made in the United Kingdom.

Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, the first Military Governor of Rivers State, Nigeria, is the youngest Governor in Nigerian history at 24 years, 9 months and 29 days.

He held office from May 27, 1967, until July 30, 1975 (the day he clocked 33 years of age) during the military administration of General Yakubu Gowon.

Victor Banjo and his family, 1962.

Lieutenant-Colonel Victor Adebukunola Banjo, the first Nigerian Director of the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Corps of the Nigerian Army, joined the Army in 1953 as Warrant Officer 52 and was the 16th Nigerian to be commissioned an officer.

Banjo was killed by a firing squad of Biafran soldiers acting on Biafra's Head-of-State Chukwuemeka Ojukwu's orders on September 22, 1967. He was alleged to have staged a coup plot against Ojukwu. It took a second military tribunal judge to sentence Banjo because Ojukwu's first military judge stated that there wasn't enough evidence to convict Victor Banjo of coup charges.

As he was being hit, Banjo yelled and screamed "I'm not dead yet!" with four more shots fired to ensure his death.

He left behind his Sierra Leonean wife, Taiwo and four children. He was 37.

His sister, 93-year-old Felicia Adetowun Ogunsheye is Nigeria's first female professor and consequently the first female professor of Library and Information Science in Nigeria.

kenpaul0:
You want to question the credibilty of @DonKlericuzio?

Even @donklercuzio relies on reports from the N.E.
Am giving you a first hand news from Yobe State.

homerac7:
I hope those that called Samuel a liar some days ago can be courageous enough to apologise to him now.

No one is happy loosing brave soldiers but the truth his still a liar !!!
The no of K.I.A & W.I.A casualties are not even up to 40 but it might increase before the week ends.

kenpaul0:
Edward
@DonKlericuzio
·
14m
#Bokoharam fighters past sunday ambushed Nigerian forces in the Alargano forest. Over 40 soldiers and 5 officers killed. A plethora of units comprising 120 battalion troops, 121 batt, Artillery units, sector 2 troops etc were on a clearance mission into #Bokoharam enclave.

I don’t know where you guys have been getting these false news from, probably from Sahara reporters.
There where even more high casualties in W.I.A than K.I.A in deferent theatres. One can only blame poor military public relations for not doing there jobs.

Odunayaw:
This is frustrating

OVER 200 BOKO HARAM KILLED BY MILITARY BOMBARDMENT IN SAMBISA FOREST

Military Bombardments kills over 200 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Sambisa Forest, 37 Soldiers die as Army Logistics Truck carrying bombs, Artillery weapons explodes.

Air strikes and Land bombardments by Air and Land components of Operation Lafiya Dole on Buk, a Boko Haram and ISWAP Command Center inside Sambisa Forest between Saturday 21st and Monday 23rd March 2020 has led to the killing of over 200 terrorists and some of their commanders, with many of their logistics equipment and arms destroyed.

This is just as an explosion of one of the military trucks carrying bombs and other artillery weapons of the fighting troops meant for consolidation and protection of cleared strongholds captured from the terrorists, exploded unexpectedly, killing more than 30 Nigerian troops inside the forest.

Fifteen (15) of the soldiers who sustained various degree of injuries as a result of the explosion, have been evacuated to Maiduguri for medical intervention.

Sources however disclosed that the explosion of the logistics truck carrying back up bombs and ammunition for artillery fire meant to level remaining strongholds of Boko Haram/ISWAP marauders inside the forest may have been the handiwork of informants (5th Columnists) within the military who must have revealed movement of troops.

It was gathered that after surveillance and intelligence reports showed that more than 500 terrorists and their Commanders, (size of a Brigade) were operating a camp in Buk, inside Sambisa Forest and it was from there many of their attacks either suicide or ambush attacks were being organized and launched, the authorities decided to embark on a clearance operation of the Camp.

In the first wave of artillery and fighter aircraft strikes, hundreds of the terrorists were annihilated and their equipment and weaponry destroyed even as troops continued to march forward with high morale.

However, when the second wave of gallant troops began the back-up movement with a view to securing the already cleared areas in Buk, fifth columnists within the allegedly tipped Boko Haram that the back-up fighting force was coming with trucks loaded with more bombs and artillery ammunition to finish any remnant of the terrorists group hence the truck was targeted and its impact killed many of the soldiers.

Confirming the development on Tuesday, Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche said, “As you know, we are in a fluid conflict situation and our gallant troops are out there at the frontlines. Between 21 and 23 March 2020, troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, were on clearance and fighting patrol operation to Gorgi in Borno State which successfully done.

“However during consolidation they were ambushed by elements of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT). Sadly, we suffered some casualties in the unfortunate attack.

“However the Air Component of Operation Lafiya Dole scrambled immediately and provided Close Air Support to the ground troops.

“While the Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform as well as the fighter jets engaged the Boko Haram Terrorists immobilizing, killing some of the terrorists and immobilizing a gun truck.

“Some others, who attempted to withdraw, were also mopped up by the jets in follow-on attacks.

“The Defence Headquarters commiserate with the families of our fallen gallant heroes who paid the supreme price in the course of defending our fatherland.

“We assure Nigerians that the Armed forces and other security agencies in furtherance of the objective of restoring peace and security in the North East and other parts of the country will continue to sustain the offensive against the enemies of our nation.”

Odoskii:
Please would you mind discussing more on his failure, like did he collaborate with the insurgents or something?

Nope he didn’t collaborate with the insurgents but he failed in his tactics which lead to heavy casualties on fighting troops & loss of equipment, civilian lives & houses etc.

The @GovBorno @ProfZulum today visits Marte Town (recovered from #BokoHaram) plans massive irrigation farming in order to provide jobs to our teeming youth and revive the economy.

In 2015 Brigadier General Enitan Ransome- Kuti became the fist Army General to be jailed. He was sentenced to jail for his involvement in one of the army's worst defeat by boko Haram. He was convicted of failing in his duties when Boko Haram took Baga.

F-7Ni fighters assigned to the Air Component Operation Lafya Dole.

Sizzorkay:


Could use a lil drama on here, we are under coronavirus lockdown, bored

Boy - O - boy

CAPACITY BUILDING: NAF GRADUATES ANOTHER FAST ROPE INSERTION/EXTRACTION SYSTEM COURSE AT RTC KADUNA

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in collaboration with Skybridge Tactical Company of the United States of America, has graduated another set of officers and airmen/airwomen from the Fast Rope Insertion and Extraction System (FRIES) Course. The Graduation Ceremony, which took place at the new Panthers’ Hall of the Regiment Training Centre (RTC) Kaduna yesterday, 20 March 2020, featured a total of 40 NAF Regiment personnel who have successfully undergone the specialized course, as well as another 32 who underwent recurrence training. In addition, 5 pilots, 8 engineers and 2 onboard crew were also trained.

In his address at the occasion, the Guest of Honour and Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command (AOC GTC), Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Idi Amin, stated that the NAF, under the leadership of the current Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has continually focused its attention on human capacity development, and this, he said, had occasioned massive recruitment and training of Regiment personnel in various areas of competence. He added that the desire to make the NAF more responsive necessitated the reinvigoration of existing capabilities as well as the development of new ones and adaptation of processes to reflect the broader range of security requirements. The NAF, according to him, would continue to invest in capacity building initiatives aimed at generating combat forces capable of better securing its bases and other critical national assets against hostile elements.

While congratulating the Graduands for successfully completing the Course, AVM Amin urged them to imbibe the attributes of the military profession and virtues that bind all ranks in the Service. In his words; “I therefore implore you to put all that you have learnt while on this Course to maximum use to safeguard lives and property within your area of responsibility. Again, I urge you all to keep on giving your best in the service of our great Nation, especially at this critical time in our history when we are facing unprecedented challenges to our security and sovereignty. I am confident that, with our continued commitment and sustained effort, we shall overcome every threat to the peace and security of our Country, Nigeria.”

The AOC appreciated the CAS for his unrelenting support to the activities of the Ground Training Command whilst also commending the Commandant and staff of the RTC for their efforts in ensuring the successful conduct of the various courses at the Centre. He equally lauded the Skybridge Tactical Company Team for their dedication, hard work and commitment to the NAF’s training efforts. “It is my sincere hope that the NAF will continue to build on the very cordial, long-standing cooperation with the Government of the United States”, he added.

The NAF’s collaboration with Skybridge Tactical, which began in 2019, is aimed at equipping NAF Regiment personnel with requisite skills in FRIES for rapid insertion of Special Forces using rotary wing aircraft in confined areas. The training is also designed to empower personnel with capabilities for fast logistics resupply to front line troops during combat operations as well as supply of food and other relief materials to isolated IDP Camps, where the main resupply routes are not tenable due to enemy action or where there is no landing helipad.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of certificates to the graduands by the AOC GTC assisted by the RTC Commandant, Group Captain Daniel Komo. Guests at the event included Commanders of co-located units in Kaduna as well as members of the Skybridge Tactical Company Team, led by Mr Ash Robert.

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

Concl....

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FIGHT AGAINST INSURGENCY: NAF COMPLETES IN-COUNTRY PDM, AVIONICS UPGRADE OF ALPHA JET AIRCRAFT AS CAS COMMISSIONS 2.8KM ROAD NETWORK IN KAINJI

In furtherance of its sustained efforts to boost Air Power employment capability against insurgency and other security challenges in the Country, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reactivated and commissioned another Alpha Jet aircraft after Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM). The commissioning of the additional Alpha Jet, NAF 455, took place today, 21 March 2020, at the 407 Air Combat Training Group (407 ACTG), Kainji. The event also featured the inspection of the upgraded avionics equipment on the aircraft as well as a thrilling test flight with aerobatics display. In addition, a 2.8km road network traversing almost 80 percent of NAF Base Kainji and a Technicians’ Crew Room were commissioned.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the PDM, stated that the reactivation would go a long way in boosting the morale of troops on the frontlines and better equip the NAF in its drive to sustain the offensive initiative against the terrorists and insurgents. According to him, the in-house PDM, apart from being cost-effective when compared to the overseas option, also affords NAF technicians the opportunity to build better technical capacity. “It is worth mentioning that our NAF technicians were the major manpower for this PDM. The avionics upgrade, which is the first of its kind on the Alpha Jet, has also significantly improved the aircraft navigation and communications systems thus increasing safety, reliability and overall efficiency”, he added. The CAS noted that the challenge posed by lack of avionics spares, which accounted for over 60 per cent of the Alpha Jet critical spares, had also been addressed with the upgrade. The upgraded instruments and accessories, he said, were readily available in the market, thus ensuring availability of maintenance support spares which would translate to improved aircraft availability. The CAS added that under his watch the NAF, for the first time in its history, had successfully conducted in-country PDM on two C-130H aircraft (NAFs 917 and 913) in Lagos, while Life Extension Programme (LEP) was also successfully conducted on three L-39ZA aircraft in Kano. He further highlighted that an Mi-35P was also undergoing in-Country reactivation in Portharcourt, which would further boost aircraft availability for enhanced mission accomplishment.

Air Marshal Abubakar disclosed that the completion and subsequent commissioning of 2.8 km road infrastructure, which he highlighted was executed through direct labour by the NAF Directorate of Services, was one among many other welfare projects earmarked for Kainji. He stated that during his last tour round the Base, he observed the deplorable state of the road network and believed the Unit deserved better considering its importance to the NAF’s Air Power projection capability. He added that the completed road network as well as other ongoing projects would enable personnel of the Unit discharge their respective duties conveniently, thus translating to enhanced operational performance. The CAS further noted that the Base was also being positioned to efficiently support the A-29 Super Turcano aircraft when it arrives. “I can assure you that this robust infrastructural development would continue to take place in NAF Base Kainji”, he said.

Air Marshal Abubakar expressed his profound appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, for his gracious support to the NAF. He equally thanked the National Assembly, especially the Senate and House Committees on Defence and Air Force, for their continued support to the Service. While thanking the host community for the peaceful co-existence as well as their support to the NAF, the CAS promised that the Service would not rest on its oars until 407 ACTG, which is tasked with the important responsibility of training fighter pilots for the NAF, becomes a model Base.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command (AOC ATC), Air Vice Marshal Musa Muktar, who was represented by the Chief of Staff ATC, Air Commodore Abraham Adole, remarked that the commissioning of the reactivated aircraft and the welfare projects were inspiring demonstrations of a leadership whose top priority is to enhance NAF operations and promote morale of personnel through the provision of adequate platforms and enabling environment for effective service delivery. He noted that this would undoubtedly boost the NAF’s efforts in stemming the scourge of criminality bedeviling the Nation. While thanking the CAS for his commitment to the provision of infrastructure that would enhance personnel comfort and professional performance across the spectrum of NAF operations, the AOC pledged the commitment of the ATC as well as 407 ACTG to continue to do more to ensure the security of Nigeria and Nigerians.

After the unveiling of NAF 455 and inspection of the upgraded avionics in the cockpit, a Functional Check Flight (FCF) was conducted to further certify the aircraft fit for combat operations. The FCF, which also featured an exhilarating aerial display, was skillfully executed by the Commander 407 ACTG, Squadron Leader Kingsley Igwegbe, and Flying Officer Kafayat Sanni, the NAF’s first female fighter pilot, whose arrival from the flight was heralded by a traditional water salute. Present at the colourful event was the Emir of Borgu Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Barrister Muhammad Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, who commissioned the 2.8 Km Road Project and Technicians’ Crew Room. Other dignitaries included Branch Chiefs and Directors from Headquarters NAF as well as Commanders of Military Units and Heads of Para-Military Agencies in Kainji.

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

Nigerian Army Movie on counter insurgency operations, see what happened (Behind the Scenes)





https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6diPLHnqsk

PRESS RELEASE

NIGERIAN ARMY PROMOTES ONE ARMY WARRANT OFFICER, TWO MASTER WARRANT OFFICERS TO CAPTAIN & AWO

The Nigerian Army Council has meritoriously approved the grant of Concessional Commission in the rank of Captain to one Army Warrant Officer and One Master Warrant Officer that exceptionally distinguished themselves in the service of our beloved nation.

Those promoted are Army Warrant Officer Nwabueze Agbo, Master Warrant Officer Tijjani Namadi (the duo are promoted to the rank of Captain) and Master Warrant Officer Ibrahim Zakaria promoted to the rank of Army Warrant Officer.

All of them were found to be professionally worthy for the elevations and are hereby, on merit, - promoted to the rank of Captain and Army Warrant Officer respectively as approved by the Army Council.

In the course of their duties to Nigeria, all of them have displayed an exceptional commitment, dedication, selfless service and loyalty. Their elevations is in recognition and appreciation of their remarkable services to their country.

The promotion will serve as a morale booster and inspire others to show more commitment, loyalty and dedication to duty.

While Army Warrant Officer Nwabueze Agbo was until his promotion the Regimental Sergent Major (RSM) of the Army Headquarters Abuja, Master Warrant Officer Tijjani Namadi was RSM 6 Battalion Abak and the immediate security detail to the Chief of Policy and Plans Army and MWO Ibrahim Zakaria was the RSM Army War College Abuja now promoted to Army Warrant Officer and appointed as RSM Army Headquarters.

They have all distinguished themselves excellently well at their various places of assignments in the Nigerian Army.

While decorating the newly promoted officers, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen TY Buratai has commended them for their selfless services and loyalty to the nation, urged other soldiers to imbibe these sterling qualities in the discharge of their constitutional/assigned responsibilities.

Lt Gen TY Buratai further enjoined them to sustain and impart discipline, hardwork and regimentation to younger officers in their new units.

In his appreciation remarks on behalf of the beneficiaries, Captain Nwabueze Agbo thanked the COAS for transforming the Nigerian Army to the present enviable standard.
According to him - "Lt Gen Buratai's inputs in terms of doctrine, organization, training and orbat review of the Nigerian Army has made us to really understand the army better and thus placed it in a better position to checkmate current and emerging security challenges".

"In terms of welfare of troops and their families when you slashed school fees in Command Schools, you made our families happy and encouraged our children to go to school. Your infrastructural development, construction of accommodation and renovation of our living quarters in almost all Nigerian Army barracks across Nigeria has further made us happier and to live longer. When you introduced barracks investment initiative programme, you empowered and made our families industrious and self relient".

"Finally Sir, your feeding programme especially at the army headquarters really enhances our performances in the discharge of our tasks".

SAGIR MUSA
Colonel
Acting Director Army Public Relations
20 March 2020

#Libya- #LNA bringing out their COBRA LAMVs en masse to fight COVID-19

NA equipment

nemesis8u:
Base price of single LCA MK1A is around 42 million dollars

83 LCA MK1A price fixed at 5.2 billion dollars ( inclusive of spares , maintenance etc costs )

Beautiful bird

Tribute to men of the Reconnaisance Squadron. These are the guys who seek out, track, identify targets and provide actionable intelligence for ground, air and naval forces

Two C-208 ISR aircraft handed over to Chad by the United States in 2017. You can see the L3 Wescam MX-15 camera mounted on the aircraft. It can support up to 6 sensors simultaneously and blend electro-optical infrared imagery.

Final shoot for the movie Eagle Wings

#NAF

Xbee007:
We hate the truth in this part of the world. Let's just continue pretending everything is fine. Go on with the pictures and everything.

That is not the truth.
His a pathetic liar !!!
The truth is we lost good men in the North east last week in deferent theatre. And this casualty figure are not up to 10.
Now is trying to sympathize with the fact that we are loosing good men, I don’t understand is stand !

GeneralFarouq:
Tricky, you dodged the main qyestion.. and got 5 likes for it

I thought I was the only one thinking in that direction.

SamuelAnyawu:
I am more concerned when we loose Soldiers unjustly bro. I have met many young Soldiers who have paid the supreme price unjustly in this war. Most of these attacks could have been prevented just with an Airstrike.

i dont gi feel remorseful if a million ISWAP goes down,. It is Saddening for a country to loose its well trained soldiers almost at an equivalent rate with these Bastards called ISWAP

If you’re truly sadden by the fact that we’re loosing good soldiers, Exaggerating the numbers of the casualties wouldn’t help at all. In fact such act is tantamount as to being a terrorist sympathizer.

#NAF SOF

Even if not confirmed yet, this particular JF-17 with the serial no. 2P-60 - aka the 60th Block 2 aircraft built - is said to be the first for Nigeria.

(Image via Zohaib Malik via FB)...... 1st image


Also interesting, they are said to be named 'Neelum' aka 'Blue Sapphire' similar to those to Myanmar are called 'Ruby'.

By the way, here was 2P-60 also spotted together with 2P-61. Is this one also for Nigeria?

(Image via GriffinsRule/PDF)....... 2nd image

Xbee007:
^^^
What do you say to this, LTGEN & bidexiii? Or when someone say what doesn't go down well with you they're lying?

It’s not about the story not going well with someone’s opinion or story.
The truth is we lost good men but the numbers where exaggerated.