₦airaland Forum

[/b]PRESIDENT TINUBU INDUCTS TWO NEW AGUSTA 109 TREKKER HELICOPTERS INTO NAF ORDER OF BATTLE[b]

The skies over Abuja bore witness to a powerful symbol of Nigeria’s renewed commitment to national defence. In commemoration of the 61st anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, officially inducted two state-of-the-art Agusta 109 Trekker helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force fleet.

Standing tall at the Presidential Air Fleet Apron, this moment was more than a ceremony—it was a clear message of resilience, readiness, and renewed hope. “This induction is a strategic statement of intent—a demonstration of our collective resolve to defend our nation and reinforce Nigeria’s leadership in Africa,” President Tinubu declared.

From peacekeeping missions in Mali and Sierra Leone to anti-terrorism operations at home, the Nigerian Air Force has been a beacon of operational excellence. With the addition of the Agusta 109 Trekker—a versatile, twin-engine, multi-role helicopter—the NAF’s capabilities in reconnaissance, close air support, and humanitarian missions will be further amplified.

President Tinubu emphasized the administration’s unwavering support: “Neither economic prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity... Our Armed Forces must intensify efforts to defeat the enemies of our collective progress.”

Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff, called the moment a major milestone in fleet modernization. “The dynamic security landscape demands agility and responsiveness. These aircraft are a leap forward in ensuring mission readiness across all domains.”

From the tarmac to the clouds, this induction is more than just new equipment—it is a renewed vow to every Nigerian: that our skies remain secure, our democracy protected, and our nation united in strength and purpose.

#NAF61 #RenewedHope #NigeriaAirForce #NationalSecurity #PresidentialLeadership #Agusta109Trekker #ModernMilitary #nigeriaforward

More...

Odunayaw:
It seems the airmen doing the exhibition have forgotten they are giving lecture to civilians who don't care about barrel length and other military jargons.

A better job should have been done to explain the armaments in an engaging way.

Actually they might. Unless the visits were choreographed, people who tend to be at these kinds of events are military/aviation nerds that like to hear those details.

If I were the one visiting, I will like to hear details that I can't find easily or at all on the internet

Faithful007:
Actually they might. Unless the visits were choreographed, people who tend to be at these kinds of events are military/aviation nerds that like to hear those details.

If I were the one visiting, I will like to hear details that I can't find easily or at all on the internet

It's a "open-day" kind of event. Besides there's no detail in that video that isn't open sourced.

In sum, make knowledge interesting. It's not a biology practical exam

OPERATION GIDEON'S CHARIOT UNDERWAY...

Floky215:
OPERATION GIDEON'S CHARIOT UNDERWAY...

What are you on about? Better late than never but we didn't have to lose gallant men and equipment before we acted. There were intelligence reports going back for weeks, yet we ignored them.

We take everything for granted—like everything. The use of drones in the Ukraine-Russian war should have kept our defence planners on their toes, but it didn't. The rampaging attacks across AES states by JNIM terrorists should have had us initiating drills across bases, building intelligence reports from locals and setting the tone for an attack, but we didn't.

See, this matter is long; we have clueless generals around the helm of power. If civilians can spot and scream danger from miles away, how about those who have been trained and embedded in security matters for decades? Why are they these clueless?

The battlefield discussion group on telegram had some members predicting and pinpointing these attacks would happen across Northern Bornu.

cutievik:
What are you on about? Better late than never but we didn't have to lose gallant men and equipment before we acted. There were intelligence reports going back for weeks, yet we ignored them.

We take everything for granted—like everything. The use of drones in the Ukraine-Russian war should have kept our defence planners on their toes, but it didn't. The rampaging attacks across AES states by JNIM terrorists should have had us initiating drills across bases, building intelligence reports from locals and setting the tone for an attack, but we didn't.

See, this matter is long; we have clueless generals around the helm of power. If civilians can spot and scream danger from miles away, how about those who have been trained and embedded in security matters for decades? Why are they these clueless?

The battlefield discussion group on telegram had some members predicting and pinpointing these attacks would happen across Northern Bornu.

It's either those charged with our military are making very tiding sum from the death of our soldiers or they simply don't know their left from there right...

The world is gravitating toward the use of drone for multiple purpose, but no they all prefare to keep fooling themselves with "OBEY THE LAST COMMAND" zero craft in their soldiering, only measuring dick with civilians...

Nonesense people...

[/b]Troops Neutralise 5 Terrorists in Ambush Operation in Gwoza, Recover Arms and Supplies[b]



Troops of 7 Division/ Sector 1 Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have neutralised five terrorists during a successful ambush operation in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Zagazola understands that thr operation, which took place at about 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, was carried out along the Pulka road axis, near the Mandara Mountains.

According to military sources, the troops deployed from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Pulka and engaged suspected terrorists in a fierce gun battle at a suspected crossing point.

“During the firefight, the ambush team neutralised five terrorists, while several others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds,” the source said.

Items recovered from the scene include two AK-47 rifles, one AK-47 magazine, four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one bicycle, and three bags containing grains.

The operation is part of ongoing intensified efforts by the Nigerian Military and allied security forces to eliminate Boko Haram/ ISWAP terrorist elements and restore peace in the North-East region.


Source: @zagazola

More ..

[/b]A MUST WATCH[b]


[/b]IS has released 15 minutes of footage showcasing ISWAP’s recent activity. The characteristically well-produced video - narrated in Arabic with Hausa subtitles - shows assaults on bases, IED attacks, executions, and the weapons and vehicles captured by the group[b]


Link; https://x.com/WerbCharlie/status/1924517981981139313?t=1eBcmD0FAcr-NltKF1YfWQ&s=19

Source: @werbcharlie

bidex111:
[/b]A MUST WATCH[b]


[/b]IS has released 15 minutes of footage showcasing ISWAP’s recent activity. The characteristically well-produced video - narrated in Arabic with Hausa subtitles - shows assaults on bases, IED attacks, executions, and the weapons and vehicles captured by the group[b]


Link; https://x.com/WerbCharlie/status/1924517981981139313?t=1eBcmD0FAcr-NltKF1YfWQ&s=19

Source: @werbcharlie

More videos showing weapons & equipment carted away, Honestly weapons captured from this F.O.B is a serious setback, it will further fuel this terrorist attacks for years.....

ISWAP’s latest propaganda video, “Fight them, and God will punish them by your hands”, is nothing different from previous ones. The 16 mins video showcases attacks on military bases, including Buni Gari. What stands out is the amount of weapons seized. pic.twitter.com/0yegKncchj

— Malik Samuel (@Sazedek) May 19, 2025

[quote author=bidex111 post=135433584]More videos showing weapons & equipment carted away, Honestly weapons captured from this F.O.B is a serious setback, it will further fuel this terrorist attacks for years.....

ISWAP’s latest propaganda video, “Fight them, and God will punish them by your hands”, is nothing different from previous ones. The 16 mins video showcases attacks on military bases, including Buni Gari. What stands out is the amount of weapons seized. pic.twitter.com/0yegKncchj

— Malik Samuel (@Sazedek) May 19, 2025

needs to be done about Nigeria’s Northern borders because it’s the spill over of terrorists resurgence in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger that is causing the recent setbacks in the decades long Internal security operations that security agencies have been involved in and all this started as a result of military intervention in government. AES said the democratically elected leaders are corrupt and working with France to destabilize their countries, now the situation is getting worse with each passing day.

Hence I was pissed at that recording of that soldier talking as if they had only bow & arrows.

If anything is to have been learnt by now, it is that complacency= death

[quote author=bidex111 post=135433584]More videos showing weapons & equipment carted away, Honestly weapons captured from this F.O.B is a serious setback, it will further fuel this terrorist attacks for years.....

ISWAP’s latest propaganda video, “Fight them, and God will punish them by your hands”, is nothing different from previous ones. The 16 mins video showcases attacks on military bases, including Buni Gari. What stands out is the amount of weapons seized. pic.twitter.com/0yegKncchj

— Malik Samuel (@Sazedek) May 19, 2025

]

One efulefu was arguing with me not long ago shouting corruption, see those loot that was carted away.
Now soldiers life re in greater danger.
Expect more attacks in the coming months.
Those criminals jst got a alot of supply to sustain them for couple of weeks.
I hope the Army authorities disciplined the officers in that base.
At this age and time of this conflict, this shouldn't be happening anymore, it is an embarrassment for the Army as a whole.
Foreign media will now portray the military as incompetent not realizing it is one incompetent officer that fvcks things up.

[/b]Nigerian Airforce operations face steep cost challenges, says Air Chief [b]



The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has disclosed the enormous cost of sustaining air operations in Nigeria’s multiple theatres of security operations, describing it as a “very expensive endeavour.”

Speaking at a media parley held in Abuja as part of activities marking the 61st anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the Air Chief explained that executing a single sortie with advanced unmanned aerial systems could cost Nigeria hundreds of thousands of dollars.

He cited an example of the Chinese-made Wing Loong II Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), which is currently deployed in several operations across the country.

“The cost of a single missile fired by the Wing Loong II UAV is about $156,000, while the bomb it carries costs approximately $95,000 to $96,000,” Abubakar said.

“So, when we deploy this UAV, for example, to neutralise 10 or 20 terrorists, you are looking at a munition cost of over $300,000 for that one mission. That’s not even accounting for fuel, man-hours, maintenance and other logistics,” he added.

Abubakar noted that while it is necessary to carry out kinetic actions to suppress threats, the decision to strike is often weighed against operational cost and the imperative to avoid collateral damage.

He said the high cost of operations is a challenge the Force has to manage carefully while remaining effective in achieving national security objectives.

The Chief of Air Staff emphasized that flying hours alone have increased significantly. According to him, between late 2023 and mid-2024, the NAF flew over 10,500 hours in close to 7,000 sorties, executing nearly 6,000 missions in multiple theatres of operation.

“These operations include armed reconnaissance, air interdiction, ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance), close air support, and tactical raids,” he said.

He stressed the importance of precision engagement due to the presence of civilians in conflict areas and the limited use of general-purpose munitions, noting that this further adds to the complexity and cost of missions.

The Air Chief called for increased national support, noting that the Air Force alone cannot bear the burden of national security, and that other institutions must also contribute within their mandates.


Source; @zagazola

[/b]NAF records major breakthroughs in R&, welfare enhancement — CAS[b]



The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has achieved significant progress in indigenous research and development (R&), armament technology, and personnel welfare under its current leadership.

Abubakar disclosed this during a media briefing in Abuja as part of events marking the 60th Anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force. He said the force had scaled up its innovation drive with several projects already deployed operationally and others pending mass production and commercialization.

“We now hold an annual R& competition at the NAF Headquarters to encourage creativity at the unit and individual levels,” he said.

He revealed that the NAF Research and Development Centre had been upgraded to a full-fledged Research and Development Institute, which has so far produced multiple operational products — some of which have been deployed in theatre and others patented for future commercialization.

“So far, six of our products have been patented by the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP),” he said, adding that these include both military-use and dual-use technologies.

Abubakar noted a major highlight of NAF’s indigenous engineering feat: the Sebu Bifurevi Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), designed and test-flown by Nigerian Air Force engineers and technicians.

“To complete the aircraft’s avionics and navigation systems, we entered a strategic partnership with a Portuguese firm. The UAV is expected to be fully operational before the end of the year,” he stated.

In the area of armament technology, Abubakar said the force had entered a technology transfer partnership with a Slovakian company to begin local production of C-5 57mm rockets in Nigeria.

“This is a huge milestone,” he said. “Once we master this technology, adapting it to other calibres like 7mm or 9mm becomes much easier.”

On personnel welfare, the Air Chief said the force continues to prioritize its human capital, recognizing that a motivated workforce is central to operational efficiency.

“You can have the most expensive weapons systems, but without properly motivated personnel, success remains elusive,” he said.

He highlighted efforts to improve accommodation, uniforms, and logistics support, noting that significant strides have been made though some challenges persist.

Among the landmark initiatives, he disclosed the establishment of the Nigerian Air Force Health Bank, which provides savings and low-interest loans to officers, airmen, and their family members. We also established hospitals, schools and insurance for our personnels.

“This initiative is already yielding results in helping our personnel and their families secure affordable credit and investment opportunities,” he said.

Abubakar assured that the NAF would continue to invest in R&, welfare, and innovation, stressing that self-reliance in defence technology remains a strategic priority for national security.


Source: @zagazola

bidex111:
[/b]NAF records major breakthroughs in R&, welfare enhancement — CAS[b]



The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has achieved significant progress in indigenous research and development (R&), armament technology, and personnel welfare under its current leadership.

Abubakar disclosed this during a media briefing in Abuja as part of events marking the 60th Anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force. He said the force had scaled up its innovation drive with several projects already deployed operationally and others pending mass production and commercialization.

“We now hold an annual R& competition at the NAF Headquarters to encourage creativity at the unit and individual levels,” he said.

He revealed that the NAF Research and Development Centre had been upgraded to a full-fledged Research and Development Institute, which has so far produced multiple operational products — some of which have been deployed in theatre and others patented for future commercialization.

“So far, six of our products have been patented by the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP),” he said, adding that these include both military-use and dual-use technologies.

Abubakar noted a major highlight of NAF’s indigenous engineering feat: the Sebu Bifurevi Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), designed and test-flown by Nigerian Air Force engineers and technicians.

“To complete the aircraft’s avionics and navigation systems, we entered a strategic partnership with a Portuguese firm. The UAV is expected to be fully operational before the end of the year,” he stated.

In the area of armament technology, Abubakar said the force had entered a technology transfer partnership with a Slovakian company to begin local production of C-5 57mm rockets in Nigeria.

“This is a huge milestone,” he said. “Once we master this technology, adapting it to other calibres like 7mm or 9mm becomes much easier.”

On personnel welfare, the Air Chief said the force continues to prioritize its human capital, recognizing that a motivated workforce is central to operational efficiency.

“You can have the most expensive weapons systems, but without properly motivated personnel, success remains elusive,” he said.

He highlighted efforts to improve accommodation, uniforms, and logistics support, noting that significant strides have been made though some challenges persist.

Among the landmark initiatives, he disclosed the establishment of the Nigerian Air Force Health Bank, which provides savings and low-interest loans to officers, airmen, and their family members. We also established hospitals, schools and insurance for our personnels.

“This initiative is already yielding results in helping our personnel and their families secure affordable credit and investment opportunities,” he said.

Abubakar assured that the NAF would continue to invest in R&, welfare, and innovation, stressing that self-reliance in defence technology remains a strategic priority for national security.


Source: @zagazola

[/b]NAF records 18 months without fatal air crashes, adopts force-wide safety culture — Air Chief[b]



The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded an unprecedented 18-month streak without any fatal air accidents, marking a significant milestone in flight safety and operational discipline.

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, disclosed this during a media parley with media executives in Abuja, where he presented key reforms aimed at institutionalizing a robust safety culture across the Air Force.

According to him, the last one and a half years have been free of any fatal crash incidents, a development he attributed to the deliberate institutionalization of safety awareness across all levels of the force.

“This is probably the first time in decades that we have had such a record,” Abubakar said. “We implemented several initiatives, but most importantly, we focused on entrenching what we now call a safety culture.”

He explained that the safety culture initiative was not limited to technical and operational personnel alone but extended to every member of the NAF, including those in administrative, logistics, and financial roles.

“We believe that safety is not exclusive to those flying or maintaining aircraft. Every officer and airman must have a sense of responsibility toward safety. Accidents are never acts of God; they result from preventable chains of events,” he said.

Abubakar noted that all NAF training institutions now include a mandatory safety module, regardless of the course of study. “Whether in finance school or logistics training, personnel are exposed to safety principles to build force-wide awareness,” he said.

He stressed that NAF’s ultimate goal is to achieve a zero-accident environment, acknowledging the difficulty but affirming that the force was on the right path.

“We are working toward zero accidents and incidents, and although that’s a tough target, we believe it’s achievable through collective vigilance and discipline,” he added.

In furtherance of this goal, the NAF recently reviewed and updated its official safety policy document, and for the first time, established a formal Safety Management System (SMS) — a structured framework designed to enhance risk mitigation, operational monitoring, and continuous safety improvement.

“We have also developed a user-friendly manual ono safety that simplifies complex concepts, making them accessible to every member of the force,” Abubakar said.

He emphasized that every accident can be avoided if the chain of causative events is identified and broken early, stressing that “awareness is the key.”

According to him, the reduced rate of both operational and non-operational incidents in recent months is a direct result of the emphasis on individual and institutional responsibility toward safety.

Abubakar assured that the NAF would continue to build on these gains, incorporating technology, data, and best global practices in ensuring the safety of its men and air assets across the country.

#CION
#SOF

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[/b]TROOPS NEUTRALIZE TERRORISTS, RECOVER ARMS AND AMMUNITION[b]

In a decisive blow against terrorism, troops of Operation Hadin Kai , in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have successfully engaged and neutralized several Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in separate operations.

On May 21, 2025, troops encountered terrorists attempting to loot food items from a broken-down civilian vehicle in Rann. The swift response of the troops resulted in the elimination of six terrorists and the recovery of some AK 47 rifles with ammunition.

In a related development, troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) MOLAI, along with the CJTF, conducted a successful ambush at a terrorist crossing point near Komala, along the Maiduguri-Damboa road. The ambush resulted in the neutralization of some terrorists and the recovery of several motorcycles and IED materials intended for burial by the terrorists.

More..

[/b]TROOPS NEUTRALIZE 21 TERRORISTS IN KATSINA[b]

In another daring operation, the gallant troops of Joint Task Force North West Operation Fasan Yama successfully assaulted terrorist enclaves in Ruwan Godiya, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, on 23 May 2025.

The troops subdued the terrorists in a fierce firefight, forcing them to abandon their base and flee. During the ensuing pursuit, 21 terrorists were neutralized, with some succumbing to drowning in a nearby river.

The operation also yielded a significant seizure of large cache of arms and ammunition, including guns, rifles, magazines, explosives, communication devices, mobile phones, and motorcycles. Details later.

Great one by the Army.
They must stay on the offensive. as long as they are on the offensive, the insurgents will be unable to muster the forces required to take down large bases like they recently did at Buni Gari.

Another thing we must do is master the night. The Army needs to invest in Night vision goggles (NVGs), at least for its core strike teams, and the Airforce gunship pilots need to learn how to fly with NVGs as well. it is embarrassing that in 2025 our airforce remains a day time force.
German and Allied airforces as far back as the 1940s were able to plan and execute fairly accurate airstrikes at night, over 80 year later how is it that it is still an intractable problem for us?

Also, can we work out a reaction mechanism for defending our bases? The lives and material lost each time a base is taken down is terrible enough not to talk of the embarrassment it causes. How are they even able to muster the superior forces needed to attack such major bases, that means massing 400-600 men. How in the world does our air force reconnaissance and Army foot patrols fail to notice these consolidations of resources days in advance? And if they do report them, what stops us mounting pre-emptive air and ground strikes to scatter them before they can strike?

We truly have a long way to go in this battle if we still haven't cracked these challenges...

^^^ Hey bro, NAF evolved from a day time force already.

We currently don't have (I'm not aware if we do) the capability for Air+Ground troop nighttime missions. Besides the risk of it is too great to commit non technical forces.

I'd suggest night ISR should increase and the interval between ISR - Action should be reduced. More freedom for field commanders (Lt. Colonel/Major) to identify, build and execute packages

Odunayaw:
^^^ Hey bro, NAF evolved from a day time force already.

[/b]We currently don't have (I'm not aware if we do) the capability for Air+Ground troop nighttime missions. Besides the risk of it is too great to commit non technical forces.

I'd suggest night ISR should increase and the interval between ISR - Action should be reduced. More freedom for field commanders (Lt. Colonel/Major) to identify, build and execute packages[b]

Well said mate

VonSmallhausen:
Great one by the Army.
They must stay on the offensive. as long as they are on the offensive, the insurgents will be unable to muster the forces required to take down large bases like they recently did at Buni Gari.

Another thing we must do is master the night. The Army needs to invest in Night vision goggles (NVGs), at least for its core strike teams, and the Airforce gunship pilots need to learn how to fly with NVGs as well. [/b]it is embarrassing that in 2025 our airforce remains a day time force[b].
German and Allied airforces as far back as the 1940s were able to plan and execute fairly accurate airstrikes at night, over 80 year later how is it that it is still an intractable problem for us?

Also, can we work out a reaction mechanism for defending our bases? The lives and material lost each time a base is taken down is terrible enough not to talk of the embarrassment it causes. How are they even able to muster the superior forces needed to attack such major bases, that means massing 400-600 men. How in the world does our air force reconnaissance and Army foot patrols fail to notice these consolidations of resources days in advance? And if they do report them, what stops us mounting pre-emptive air and ground strikes to scatter them before they can strike?

We truly have a long way to go in this battle if we still haven't cracked these challenges...

Bro your statement in the bolded part is totally wrong, NAF has capabilities that allows them to carryout Night missions both ISR, interdiction and fire support for ground missions.
Like @odunayae said; the@NAF should do more night missions!

Odunayaw:
^^^ Hey bro, NAF evolved from a day time force already.

We currently don't have (I'm not aware if we do) the capability for Air+Ground troop nighttime missions. Besides the risk of it is too great to commit non technical forces.

I'd suggest night ISR should increase and the interval between ISR - Action should be reduced. More freedom for field commanders (Lt. Colonel/Major) to identify, build and execute packages

post/pre Marte attack the Nigeria army UAV command increased Night Time ISR operations as a result of that there were several precision airstrikes around and within the Timbuktu Triangle/ lake Chad.

[/b]Guard of Honour by Slovak Army for Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa[b]





https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ag5SvqueGeE?si=WRr6W39kEnKyEBBP