₦airaland Forum

bidexiii:
[/b]CDS CHARGES AIR-TO-GROUND INTEGRATION GRADUANDS TO STRENGTHEN JOINT OPERATIONAL CAPABILITY[b]


The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has charged newly qualified Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) and Joint Fire Observers (JFOs) to apply their specialised skills in strengthening joint military operations and enhancing operational effectiveness across the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Represented by the Director Liaison, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Garba Bello, the CDS gave the charge during the graduation ceremony of the Advanced Air-to-Ground Integration Course 4/2026 held at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Makurdi. He emphasised that effective air-ground integration remains indispensable in today's complex security environment, as it enhances mission success while reducing the risks of friendly fire and collateral damage. He also commended the successful evolution of the programme into a fully indigenous training capability delivered by Nigerian instructors, describing it as a major milestone in building sustainable national capacity for joint operations in line with the Chief of the Air Staff's commitment to strengthening jointness, mission-oriented training and operational excellence.
[/b]A total of 53 personnel comprising 16 JTACs and 37 Joint Fire Observers (JFOs) drawn from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force successfully completed the intensive 16-week programme. Through rigorous classroom instruction, simulation exercises and practical field training culminating in live Close Air Support missions using A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, the participants acquired the expertise required to coordinate close air support, facilitate effective joint fires integration, and provide accurate targeting information that enhances commanders' decision-making and the effective employment of joint fires. The enhanced capability is expected to improve the precision, responsiveness and effectiveness of joint operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other emerging security threats across the country[b]

Earlier, the Director General, Air Power Centre of Excellence, Air Vice Marshal Patrick Obeya, described the graduation as another significant milestone in institutionalising doctrine-driven air-to-ground integration and developing a specialised cadre capable of strengthening the vital link between air power and surface forces. Also speaking, the Commandant, Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre (AWDC), Air Vice Marshal Garba Ibrahim Jibia, noted that the graduates are now equipped with the knowledge, procedures and interoperability required to coordinate joint fires in accordance with established operational doctrine. The ceremony featured a live air-to-ground targeting demonstration, a video presentation of field exercises, and the presentation of awards and certificates to outstanding graduands, reinforcing the Armed Forces of Nigeria's commitment to developing a highly professional, mission-ready and interoperable force capable of addressing contemporary security challenges.
#NigerianAirForce #ArmedForcesOfNigeria #JointOperations #AirGroundIntegration #CombatReadiness #OperationalExcellence #AirPower #AWDC #MissionReadiness

bidexiii:
More..

MISSION-READY. COMBAT-PROVEN. ALWAYS PREPARED. pic.twitter.com/5joYC8XuYc

— Nigerian Air Force (@NigAirForce) July 25, 2026

On July 24, troops of 149 Battalion, while escorting Mine Risk Group personnel in Kanguri village, Borno, discovered and recovered a command-wire IED planted by terrorists. The recovery prevented casualties and allowed the team to continue their mission to retrieve trucks damaged… pic.twitter.com/7lnRoxnNDv

— Daoptimist⚓🌊🔥✨ (@GallantDaletian) July 25, 2026

The discovery was made at about 3:00 p.m. by soldiers providing cover for a Mine Risk Group team from Maiduguri. Their task was to retrieve two trucks that had been hit by an earlier Boko Haram explosion on July 4. By finding and clearing the command-wire IED in Kanguri, the… https://t.co/owCkO9KZPk pic.twitter.com/bKLpTwOM70

— Daoptimist⚓🌊🔥✨ (@GallantDaletian) July 25, 2026

bidexiii:
[/b]OPERATION HADIN KAI RECORDS SURRENDER OF SENIOR ISWAP FINANCE OPERATIVE AS WAVE OF TERRORIST SURRENDERS GATHERS MOMENTUM[b]

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded another major operational breakthrough with the surrender of a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) finance operative, underscoring the sustained impact of ongoing kinetic and intelligence-driven operations across the North East. The development comes amid a growing wave of terrorist surrenders, with approximately 46 terrorists and their family members voluntarily surrendering to troops in recent days, further highlighting the mounting pressure on terrorist strongholds.

The terrorist surrendered to troops of 3 Battalion under 24 Task Force Brigade at about 6:45 a.m. on 25 July 2026 along the Ladari–Jegarawa–Tunokalia axis on the Gamboru–Wulgo Main Supply Route. His decision to lay down his arms follows the recent series of coordinated and decisive land and air offensives conducted by Operation HADIN KAI against terrorist enclaves.

Preliminary profiling indicates that the terrorist served as the Chief finance operative of the ISWAP enclave at Jubillaram, where he was responsible for managing the group’s financial activities and logistics. He surrendered alongside two male children.

Items recovered from the terrorist include one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 101 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition, one motorcycle, and the sum of ₦40,000. The individual is currently undergoing detailed profiling and interrogation to exploit actionable intelligence that will support ongoing operations and facilitate the targeting of remaining terrorist elements across the Theatre.

The surrender of such a key finance operative represents another significant setback for ISWAP, reflecting the growing erosion of the group’s command structure, operational capability, and sustainment network under the relentless pressure of Operation HADIN KAI. Coupled with the increasing number of recent surrenders, this development confirms deepening disillusionment within terrorist ranks and points to an accelerating wave of defections from terrorist camps.

Operation HADIN KAI remains steadfast in its mission to restore enduring peace, security, and stability across the North East. The Theatre Command therefore calls on all remaining terrorists to take advantage of the Federal Government’s non-kinetic initiatives by laying down their arms before it is too late. The Command also urges members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that will enhance ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

MOHAMMED GONI
Captain
Acting Military Information Officer
Headquarters Joint Task Force(North East) Operates HADIN KAI
MAIDUGURI
25 July, 2026

OPERATION HADIN KAI RECORDS SURRENDER OF SENIOR ISWAP FINANCE OPERATIVE AS WAVE OF TERRORIST SURRENDERS GATHERS MOMENTUM

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded another major operational breakthrough with the surrender of a senior Islamic State West Africa Province… pic.twitter.com/wU9MLze2nB

— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) July 26, 2026

bidexiii:
[/b]NIGERIAN ARMY ARMOUR SCHOOL CONDUCTS STATIC DISPLAY AND FIRE POWER DEMONSTRATION FOR STUDENTS OF JUNIOR COURSE 102/26 AFCSC TEAM HONOURS CAC WITH COURTESY VISIT[b]

In a bid to broaden their knowledge on the organization of Nigerian Army Armoured Corps as well as to give them the opportunity to witness the equipment and combat capability of the Corps the Students of Junior Course 102/26 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, were taken through a static display and live firepower demonstration of Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) by the Nigerian Army Armour School (NAAS) at Victor Kure Armour Range, Geji Village, Bauchi State on Thursday, 23 July 2026. Following the demonstration, the AFCSC training team paid a courtesy visit to the Commander Armoured Corps, Major General Umar Abubakar.

While delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the Commandant NAAS, Major General Abubakar Ahmed, the Acting Chief Instructor, Automotive Department, Lieutenant Colonel Ayuba Tsalha, stated that the visit marked a milestone in the students’ journey to becoming proficient staff officers. He noted that the programme was designed to broaden their knowledge of the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps, its equipment and combat capabilities as well as its professional roles in planning and executing conventional operations and Military Operations Other Than War. He added that the Headquarters NAAC is responsible for formulating, implementing, monitoring and appraising Armour policy and for providing technical maintenance of equipment in the NAAC inventory.

Prior to the live firing, a static display was held at the 211 Demonstration Battalion stand. Various AFVs, equipment and ammunition in the Armoured Corps inventory were showcased. The students received briefings on the features, systems and compartments of the vehicles and interacted with the crews.

The live firing exercise featured the deployment of AFVs and firing of different calibres of ammunition. The students were exposed to battle deployment, firepower coordination, battlefield mobility and the operational effectiveness of the Armoured Corps.

Earlier, the Commandant AFCSC, Air Vice Marshal Alfred Olugbenga Shogbanmu, represented by the Director Department of Joint Studies Brigadier General Murtala Abu, led the Director of Land Warfare, Chief Instructors and other Directing Staff on a courtesy visit to the Commander Armoured Corps at the Headquarters NAAC. The Team Leader said the familiarization visit was to give the students first-hand experience of the combat capabilities of the Armoured Corps.

A lecture on the origin, organization and roles of the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps was later delivered by the Commanding Officer, 211 Demonstration Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Abdulkareem at the Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya Auditorium. The lecture was to acquaint the students with the history and roles of the Armoured Corps as the Combat Arm of Decision.

In his closing remarks, Lieutenant Colonel Ndibe Nworah, described the demonstration as highly impressive and successful, attributing it to the support of the Commandant NAAS and the guidance of the Commander Armoured Corps. He commended participants for their discipline and the instructors for their professionalism during the demonstration and firepower demonstration.

The exercise concluded with a vote of thanks by visiting student officer's leader, presentation of souvenirs to the Team Leaders and group photograph.

AA ADEKUNLE
Major
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations
Headquarters Nigerian Army Armoured Corps
25 July, 2026

bidexiii:
[/b]NAF COMPLETES ACCEPTANCE OF FIRST M-346 FIGHTER ATTACK AIRCRAFT, BOOSTS AIRPOWER AND NATIONAL SECURITY[b]


The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded another major milestone in its ongoing fleet modernisation programme with the successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for the first batch of three M-346 Fighter Attack (FA) aircraft at the Leonardo Aircraft Division facility in Venegono, Italy. Conducted by a joint delegation comprising representatives of the NAF and the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the exercise successfully concluded all contractual acceptance requirements ahead of the aircraft's delivery to Nigeria. The achievement reinforces the Chief of the Air Staff's command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces.
The successful acceptance confirms that the three aircraft have met all required contractual, technical and airworthiness standards for delivery. Beyond the acceptance process, the delegation also engaged with Leonardo Aircraft Division on pilot and maintenance training, logistics support and long-term fleet sustainment, while inspecting advanced simulation and ground-based training systems that will strengthen indigenous training capacity, enhance operational readiness and ensure the effective employment of the M-346 fleet. Commenting on the milestone, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, stated that the M-346's unique blend of advanced pilot training and frontline combat capability will significantly enhance the NAF's ability to generate combat-ready aircrew while expanding its capacity to conduct precision strike, close air support, air interdiction and other air combat missions in response to Nigeria's evolving security environment.
The milestone further underscores the Federal Government's commitment, under the leadership of President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to strengthening the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces through the acquisition of modern, technologically advanced and mission-ready platforms. As the Nigerian Air Force continues to modernise its fleet, it remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's territorial integrity, supporting joint military operations and protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians through responsive, professional and decisive airpower.
#NigerianAirForce #AirPower #NAF #FleetModernisation #MilitaryAviation #NationalSecurity #MissionReady #DefendingNigeria

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Le 26 juillet 2026 dans la zone de Niono, une unité du @TheAfricaCorps, conjointement avec des soldats des @DirpaFa , réalisant des opérations de recherche et de renseignement, a engagé un combat de rencontre avec le groupe terroriste JNIM*.

Déballé. pic.twitter.com/1cGB0b3926

— The African Corps (@TheAfricaCorps) July 27, 2026

bidexiii:
[/b]NAF, OYO STATE DEEPEN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO ADVANCE AVIATION CAPABILITY, SECURITY AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT[b]


The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Oyo State Government have taken significant steps towards strengthening institutional collaboration following a visit by the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Engr Seyi Makinde, to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal SK Aneke, at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja, on Friday, 24 July 2026. [/b]Discussions focused on a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will facilitate strategic cooperation in the operation and maintenance of the Oyo State Government's newly acquired Diamond DA-42 aircraft, reinforcing a shared commitment to enhancing aviation capability, security and sustainable development.
Governor Makinde expressed profound appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force for its unwavering support to Oyo State, particularly its vital role during the recent rescue operation involving abducted students in Oriire Local Government Area[b]. He commended the professionalism and dedication of NAF personnel, noting that the Service's Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) personnel operated tirelessly, day and night, to provide critical situational awareness that significantly supported the operation. The Governor further observed that the intelligence and operational insights shared by the Nigerian Air Force have also provided valuable perspectives that will help shape the State's technology-driven security architecture and future security initiatives. He also appreciated the Service for supporting the accommodation of the State's aircraft and expressed the desire to expand collaboration in aviation operations and post-service housing initiatives for the benefit of both institutions.
In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in the Nigerian Air Force, describing the proposed partnership as a reflection of the Service's professionalism, operational excellence and enduring relationship with the people of Oyo State. Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed the NAF's commitment to supporting the State Government in areas of mutual interest, assuring that the necessary frameworks would be explored to facilitate a mutually beneficial collaboration. He further commended Governor Makinde's visionary leadership and reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force's resolve to continue fostering strategic partnerships that strengthen national security, promote innovation, enhance personnel welfare and accelerate socio-economic development.
#NigerianAirForce #NAF #OyoState #StrategicPartnership #AviationExcellence #Security #NationalDevelopment #AirPower #Innovation #PartnershipForProgress

[/b]AM PROUD OF MY STATE GOVERNOR [b]

Breaking: Governor Seyi Makinde has taken delivery of two surveillance aircraft at the Ibadan Airport pic.twitter.com/qNNI7FxuVd

— Oyo Affairs (@Oyoaffairs) July 28, 2026

[/b]AM PROUD OF MY STATE GOVERNOR [b]

Breaking: Governor Seyi Makinde has taken delivery of two surveillance aircraft at the Ibadan Airport pic.twitter.com/qNNI7FxuVd

— Oyo Affairs (@Oyoaffairs) July 28, 2026

gomol:
Would drone(s) not be more cost effective than these?

bidexiii:
These birds are also cost effective and they're good ISR platforms

gomol:
Do you have any idea about the cost/unit of the plane?

bidexiii:
Am not an aircraft specialist but i can tell you its relatively cheap to maintain and that's why see alot of African country/military who dont have the funds use this particular aircraft.
I did some few research and it might not be accurate but somehow close;

- Routine maintenance: approximately €80 per flight hour during the first few years of operation, note as the aircraft ages, maintenance costs generally increase because of scheduled overhauls and replacement of major components.
- Example
If one aircraft flies:
500 hours per year
Maintenance alone could cost around €40,000 per year (about ₦70–80 million, depending on the exchange rate).
1,000 hours per year
Maintenance could be around €80,000 per year (roughly ₦140–160 million).

These execludes pilot salary, fueling, unexepected repairs, software upgrades/repairs & Mission system maintenance (EO/IR cameras, radar, communication etc..

bidexiii:
If you do your research in terms of acquiring a UAV; Say a Chinese CH-4 drone for example; In terms of cost, the CH-4 is tripple the amount of a Diamond DA42 MPP but in terms of maintenance the CH-4 is way lesser and easy to maintain. ALthough it might require frquent software upgrades.
Dont forget that a UAV system needs other infrastructure that has to be put in place for its proper function like;
-Ground Control Station (GCS)
-Satellite Communication (SATCOM) terminal
-Data link antennas/Mission planning system etc And all these fore-mentioned above needs maintenance and upgrades also, dont forget that the NAF is used to the Diamond DA42 MPP.
Ill say the platform the Oyo state government choose, was properly acquired choosen..

gomol:
I personally prefer an unmanned surveillance aircraft but this is better than doing nothing.

bidexiii:
[/b]WATCH CLOSE COMBAT VIDEOS OF "AFRICAN-CORP'S" ENGAGING JNIM TERRORIST [b]

Le 26 juillet 2026 dans la zone de Niono, une unité du @TheAfricaCorps, conjointement avec des soldats des @DirpaFa , réalisant des opérations de recherche et de renseignement, a engagé un combat de rencontre avec le groupe terroriste JNIM*.

Déballé. pic.twitter.com/1cGB0b3926

— The African Corps (@TheAfricaCorps) July 27, 2026

TROOPS APPREHEND SUSPECTED TERRORIST COLLABORATORS, FAMILY OF ISWAP FINANCE CHIEF SURRENDERS, RECOVER LOGISTICS ITEMS

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have continued to sustain pressure on terrorists through series of intelligence-led operations that resulted in the arrest… pic.twitter.com/FsKxIvluM1

— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) August 1, 2026

Kaduna deploys 1,000 Forest Guards against banditry, wants FG to approve the recruitment of an additional an additional 1,000 Forest Guards. pic.twitter.com/7jJ0baOZV8

— Defense News Nigeria (@DefenseNigeria) August 2, 2026