₦airaland Forum

Fighter Pilot: The second dullest brains in the world lands the contract to assemble A400m military transport aircraft.

http://www.bdlive.co.za/national/2013/06/19/denel-lands-component-manufacturing-contract-for-airbus-military-aircraft

Proudly assembled by the second dullest brains in the world. South Africa-is this not rhetoric.

Component manufacture and not assembly in SA. That is done in a European assembly plant. The components most probably made by foreign engineers in Denel.

@Henry120, nice photos yet again. Well done.

Msauza: Lies, find out the truth.

Google is your friend.

Msauza: The SA Air Force is more experienced than its Nigerian counterpart. It was founded in 1920 and has seen more honours as compared to Nigerias, which was only founded in 1964.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_African_Air_Force

Versus:

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigerian_Air_Force

The current SANDF has no war history. The pilots of the by-gone SADF have long since left and you no longer have combat experienced pilots, unlike the NAF who have been engaged from SL to Liberia, via Mali and now against BH. Eat your heart out

[b][/b]Boko Haram Strength Weakened

By dailytimes.com.ng


The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, in Abuja, on Friday revealed that talks were ongoing between Nigeria and neighbouring countries, on how to successfully tackle the Boko Haram Insurgency.

Attahiru told newsmen at the monthly press briefing that the country was recording success on its war against the insurgents.

He further stated: “On the issue of neighbouring countries co-operating in the fight against the insurgents, that is being taken care of at a strategic diplomatic level.

“As to the exact level of cooperation, you might not be able to see it at the lower level, but be rest assured that on the government-to-government level, they are talking on how best they can cooperate.

“The Boko Haram phenomenon has gone beyond just North East of Nigeria, it is affecting Niger, Cameroon and Chad,” Attahiru said.

Attahiru also said that the Nigerian army on its part would continue to carry out full `spectrum counter insurgency operations”, with emphasis on kinetic and non–kinetic operations to shape the operational environment in the North East.

He said this was in line with higher commander’s intention and the Federal Government’s commitment to the quick restoration of normalcy and peace in the sub region.

“Currently, 7 Division of the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force carried out simultaneous offensive operations.

“It is heartwarming to note that the operations were largely successful. Based on these operations, insurgents were successfully cleared from some camps In Sambisa Forests.”

Other places where the insurgents had been cleared according to him are, Bita Village in Damboa Local Government area of Borno and Gujba in neighbouring Yobe.

The director revealed many insurgents were killed during the onslaught and large cache of arms and ammunition were also recovered.

He also said that subsequent operations to further strengthen and consolidate the gains recorded and to prevent the insurgents the freedom to operate, was continuing.

According to Attahiru, while onslaught on the violent extremist organisations continues, the insurgents had devised methods to circumvent the new security measures.

He said the insurgents had resorted to attacking soft targets and erecting snap road blocks on major highways in the North East.

“Equally, our troops have responded appropriately through effective combat patrols both on land and air, in order to dominate the area of operations.

“Finally, let me assure all Nigerians that the army will continue the operation in pursuit of insurgents, in order to bring them to justice.”

Attahiru appealed to residents of the affected areas to promptly report the presence of insurgents in their localities, by contacting the nearest military or police locations.

http://www.spyghana.com/boko-haram-strength-weakened/[b]Boko Haram Strength Weakened

Msauza: Tell me what went wrong here on the link attached below, where your Airforce failed dismally to provide aerial support when your soldiers were caught on an ambush.

http://www.punchng.com/news/40-soldiers-feared-killed-in-bharam-ambush/

That is a story back in September that has been discredited. You even failed to read further down the article. You obviously haven't been following this thread otherwise you will be aware that our air force has been pummelling BH for the last 4 weeks.

http://www.janes.com/article/30813/african-maritime-surveillance-systems-to-be-expanded?from_rss=1

African maritime surveillance systems to be expanded
Jeremy Binnie, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
26 November 2013
The maritime surveillance systems operated by Djibouti, Nigeria, and São Tomé and Príncipe (STP) will be further expanded under a contract announced by the US Department of Defense (DoD) on 20 November.

Originally developed as a ship tracking system for the US Navy (USN), SureTrak is now promoted as a user-friendly, affordable, and scalable multi-domain awareness system that can integrate various sensors, including air and maritime surveillance radars, thermal and daylight cameras, and sensors to pick up the Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders carried by commercial vessels.

It was selected for the Regional Maritime Awareness Capability (RMAC), a US programme to help African countries control their territorial waters.

[b]Please read the whole article, especially our SA friends who say we have no money to spend on defence. This article is from South Africa's Defence Web.

Look at the article itself via the link and see the comments.

Nigeria interested in buying Super Tucanos

Written by Guy Martin, Friday, 29 November 2013

The Nigerian Air Force is considering buying Super Tucano trainer and light attack aircraft from Brazilian manufacturer Embraer.

Nigerian Vice President Namadi Sambo expressed interest in purchasing the Super Tucano during a meeting with his Brazilian counterpart Michel Temer earlier this week.

Sambo and Temer held talks on bilateral relations between Nigeria and Brazil, and announced the creation of working groups on security and defence, amongst other areas, reports Xinhua. An agreement on intelligence sharing, particularly regarding drug-related crimes, will be signed soon. The two parties also discussed the possibility of repatriating 377 Nigerian prisoners in Brazil.

Brazil and Nigeria also discussed other possibilities for cooperation in fields such as trade, agriculture, mining, culture and energy. Trade between Nigeria and Brazil has grown from $1.6 billion in 2002 to $9.1 billion last year, Temer said.

Brazil and Nigeria have enjoyed warm defence relations – for example, in September 2012 the Brazilian Navy offshore patrol vessel (OPV) Amazonas (P120) visited Nigeria and conducted training with Nigerian personnel and vessels. Earlier this year Brazil’s new OPV Araguari (P122) visited Nigeria on its way home from the United Kingdom. Apart from Nigeria, it also visited Cape Verde, Cameroon, Sao Tome and Principe and Equatorial Guinea.

Nigeria has a strong requirement for an aircraft like the Super Tucano as it battles the domestic Boko Haram insurgency and also deploys combat aircraft to foreign countries on peacekeeping operations. The country is expected to vastly increase its defence spending over the coming years, and according to a recent Strategic Defence Intelligence report, the Nigerian defence market will go from $2.3 billion this year to $4.4 billion by 2018.

Piracy and oil smuggling in the Gulf of Guinea and a contribution to peacekeeping operations are expected to drive the country's military expenditure to register a growth rate of 13.62% over the next five years. The domestic Boko Haram insurgency is also expected to drive Nigeria’s security needs. The country’s growth in military expenditure will be assisted by the country's stable economic growth over the forecast period, which will a see rise in defence expenditure as a percentage of GDP from 0.8% in 2013 to 1.1% in 2018, according to the report.

“The growing threat from Boko Haram and other extremist groups in northeastern states, and drug trafficking are expected to drive the Nigerian government's investments in homeland security over the forecast period. Police modernization and homeland security infrastructure developments are expected to be primary areas for investment by the government,” the report noted.

Nigeria can be expected to buy military hardware such as naval helicopters, fighters, patrol vessels, and armoured personnel carriers over the next five years, mainly from foreign suppliers.

African Super Tucanos

Embraer has recorded a number of orders for its Super Tucano from African countries, which see it as a low cost light attack aircraft that can also be used as a trainer. On the continent, the Super Tucano has been ordered by Angola, Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Senegal. Embraer is highly optimistic about future orders for the type from Africa.

Angola officially received its first three of six Super Tucanos in July this year and is using them for border surveillance, attack and pilot training. Burkina Faso was the first African country to take delivery of a Super Tucano, receiving three aircraft in September 2011 for border patrol missions. In October last year Mauritania received their first aircraft, featuring sensor turrets for surveillance duties, although they will also be used for counter-insurgency missions.

In April Senegal bought three A-29 Super Tucanos as well as a training system for pilots and mechanics. It will use the aircraft for border surveillance and internal security duties.

Over a dozen global customers have purchased the A-29 Super Tucano. The fleet has surpassed 180 000 flight hours and 28 000 combat hours, according to Embraer.

The A-29 Super Tucano is capable of performing a broad range of missions that include light attack, aerial surveillance and interception, and counter-insurgency.

The Super Tucano is equipped with a variety of sensors and equipment, including an electo-optical/infrared system with laser designator, night vision goggles, secure communications and data-link package.

Armament comprises one .50-caliber machinegun in each wing. Five hardpoints can carry a maximum external load of 1 550 kilograms (3 420 lb). Weapons options include gun pods, bombs, rocket pods, and (on the two outboard stations) air-to-air missiles.
~

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32881:nigeria-interested-in-buying-super-tucanos&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107[b]Nigeria interested in buying Super Tucanos

Looks like more arms are ammo are rolling in.


http://leadership.ng/news/251113/army-acquires-arms-ammunitions-fight-boko-haram

Army Acquires Arms, Ammunitions To Fight Boko Haram

By: Midat Joseph on November 25, 2013 - 10:00pm
.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika on Monday said the Army authority has just acquired a cargo of new arms and ammunitions to fight terrorism.

The Army boss, who spoke at the opening ceremony of the 2013 convention of the Nigerian Army Regiment Sergeant Majors (RSM), said Army's equipment were not obsolete as alleged.

Ihejirika, who was represented by Director of Administration, Army Headquarters, Major General Mohammed D. Abubakar, said, "many of our armaments are current ones and more armament are being procured. In fact, a cargo just arrived Abuja on Friday with so many equipment for our use. Over time, procurement of armaments was slow, but of recent, we have embarked on a lot of procurement to enable us meet the challenges we are facing."

Addressing the RSMs drawn from all Army divisions across the country, the Army Chief said the theme of the convention, 'Enhancing the Capacity of the RSM Towards Effective Unit Administration in the Nigerian Army' was timely, considering the nature of security challenges the Nigerian Army was grappling with, alongside the expectation of the citizenry.

"The convention is, therefore, important as you the RSMs are the bridge between the officer cadre and the men. You are the pivot around which discipline and performance of the Nigerian Army revolves. The main objective of the convention is to provide an avenue for Army Headquarters to obtain your views and opinions on contemporary issues affecting the Nigerian Army.

"Of utmost importance is the issue of regimentation which is within your schedule of responsibilities and has a great effect on unit administration and discipline. Your views will be collated as inputs for formation or modification of policy decisions," he said.

He, however, tasked the RSMs to participate actively and come out with meaningful suggestions that would take the Army to greater heights.

Earlier in his welcome, the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Garba A. Wahab, noted that the convention was also meant for the RSMs to brainstorm on continuation of issues related to regimentation and professionalism.

He concluded that the convention had been a veritable ground for sharing knowledge and ideas, and getting to understand the seriousness of the security challenges facing the country and coming up with ideals to deal with the challenges.

Nigerian Navy takes delivery of new Manta, Shaldag boats

Written by Oscar Nkala, Tuesday, 26 November 2013

A Shaldag fast patrol boat.The Nigerian Navy (NN) has taken delivery of three new 17 metre-long Manta Mk II ASD Littoral Interceptors and one new 25 metre-long Shaldag Mk II Fast Patrol Craft to help the force battle rampant maritime crime.

The four boats were commissioned into service at the NNS Beecroft Naval Base on Victoria Island in Lagos last week by NN Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba. The commissioning event also included a tour of the facility where the navy is building the country's second locally-made warship, a 38 metre-long Seaward Defence Boat (SDB), due for delivery in June next year.

The NN now has 22 of the 17 metre-long Manta Mk II ASD Littoral Interceptors while the number of Israeli-made Shaldag Fast Patrol Craft (FPC) vessels has increased to five. The first two Shaldag FPCs were delivered in 2009 while two more were commissioned into service in February this year.

[b]The Shaldag design is in service with the Israeli Navy and other customers in Europe, Asia and Africa. It was developed and built by Israel Shipyards Ltd in the late 1980s but upgraded over the years based on combat experience. [/b]The type is powered by two diesel engines driving two water jets, which give an acceleration time to 40 knots of 40 seconds. The Shaldag Mk II has a length of 24.8 metres, a displacement of 58 tons and a range of 650 nautical miles.

Standard equipment on most Shaldag versions includes an X-band surveillance/navigation radar and electro-optical sensor system for day and night surveillance. A number of armament options are available, including fore and aft deck guns, and heavy machineguns on the fly bridge. The guns can be remotely controlled (such as the 23/25 mm Typhoon and 12.7/7.62 mm Mini-Typhoon) or manually operated. In addition, a 20-23 mm naval gun can be mounted on the rear gun mount or four to eight short range missiles can be carried.

The Suncraft International Manta Mk II is powered by two 1 200 hp diesel engines, giving a top speed between 45 and 50 knots. The 16.5 metre long vessels feature ballistic protection, carry a crew of six and have a range of 250 nautical miles at 35 knots.

The Nigerian government has scaled up the promotion of local defence procurement for the army, air force, navy and the police in a bid to spur the growth of the local defence industry.

Ezeoba said due to the success of the localisation programme, the NN factory has now developed the capacity to manufacture vessels ranging between 10 and 50 metres in length. "The Nigerian Navy will no longer buy a ship of between 10 and 50 meters in size, because we have the capacity and capability to build them in our dockyard," he said.

He said the navy will start manufacturing warships and commercial vessels for the African market. Nigeria has also ordered two 1 800 ton P-18N offshore patrol vessels from the China Ship Building and Offshore International Co Ltd. The Type 056 platform vessels, which feature flight decks and aircraft hangars, are expected to be delivered between April and May 2014.

In August this year, the Nigerian Navy contracted Kelvin Hughes Surveillance to fit the vessels with tactical navigation and situational awareness radar systems.

Nigeria has also ordered two new OCEA FPB 98 Mk.II Coastal Patrol Craft and is expected to take delivery of two more ex-US Coastguard vessels, USNS John McDonnell and USCGC Gallatin, in due course.

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32827:nigerian-navy-takes-delivery-of-new-manta-shaldag-boats&catid=51:Sea&Itemid=106

Fighter Pilot: Shekau, the man reported to have been killed.

You are well behind the times. I am not going to do your job for you. Google is your friend or go back several pages to find out how the video was faked.

Even the Americans confirmed it is fake.

agaugust: how many south african army soldiers have died in wars or fire fights since the past 25 years ? only 15 killed by seleka

how does that make an whole army battle hardened ?

.

This is so true, but try telling this to MikeZa who is under the impression SANDF is battle hardened , so laughable. I have said talk to me about SADF but not SANDF. This of course means the SANDF has no history of modern warfare.

Nigeria has been in constant warfare since 1990 and this little Hollywood man is trying to lecture us

Fighter Pilot: SANDF members are not supposed to commend anything that concerns UN activities. The UN has spokesperson to do that hence no South African has the authority to over step such boundries. The snyper shot is a reality chief, even the dead officer of the rebels will confirm that to you that he was wiped out of the face of the earth from a long distance that he could never imagine can have an impact. SANDF spokesperson are not fools like Nigerians spokesperson who would go and tell the whole world that Shekau is dead. Our spokesperson are first briefed by intelligence, and thereafter they are being adviced of whether it willl be worthwhile to overstep boundries and comment about activities that involve another organisation. In that case, they are more likely to play ignorant.

Even if true, so what? It just shows you can shoot from a distance, but no show close up.

Shekau is dead. What is your point?

agaugust: Nigeria, the biggest war ever on African soil is Biafran war 1967-1970 with half a million soldiers fighting on both sides and the largest marine/amphibious landing in african history was done by nigerian navy warships and army 3rd marine commandoes.

now go drink your own urine , you need natural cure therapy

http://globalsecurity.org/military/world/nigeria/marine-commando.htm

3rd Marine Commando Division

The 3rd Marine Commando "Division" was a regular army formation, assembled during the civil war, with some amphibious capabilities as part of their remit. They were never designated as special forces as most of their listed and recorded engagements were conventional combat operations. The founder, then Colonel Benjamin Adekunle, simply changed the name from the 3rd infantry division without formal approval from Army HQ. The 3rd Marine Commando was stretched across a vast area of jungle and riverain creeks called the “southern front” extending 150 miles from the Orashi river through Owerri, Aba and Ikot Ekpene to Itu along the Cross-River.

Amphibious landings by the Nigerian marines led by Major Isaac Adaka Boro captured the Niger Delta cities of Bonny, Okrika and Port Harcourt on 26 July 1967. The Bonny landing of July 1967 was hailed as the first such operation by any Third World country. The 3 Marine Commando landing at Bonny was the first large scale amphibious operation planned and executed by the Nigerian Armed Forces. The troops were hurriedly assembled and launched into operation. Quite a number of them suffered sea sickness which impacted negatively on their fighting efficiency. The casualties suffered during the landing were attributed to inadequate sea familiarisation by the troops.

This was followed by the Delta Ports Amphibious Operations in September 1967 to recapture the riverside ports of Warri, Koko and Sapele from the Biafrans. Another major operation was mounted on 19 October 1967 to liberate Calabar by November 1967, followed by the amphibious landing of the 3 Marine Commandos at a beachhead in Oron to capture the mainland of Cross River State.

The only thing that stood between Col. Mohammed and Onitsha was the great Niger Bridge. However, while he was standing on the Asaba end of it contemplating driving across Biafran sappers blew it up. The 2DIV assault river crossing of the River Niger to take Onitsha on 9 October 1967 was under then Lt. Col. Murtala Mohammed. Using Inland Waterway ferries, and preceded by a three to four day artillery and air bombardment, on the night of October 8, 1967 two poorly trained and equipped federal battalions landed on the shores of Onitsha near the market. Ferries bringing reinforcements (including Panhard armored vehicles and ammo) to them were abandoned midstream by scared civilian ferry pilots. It became a turkey shoot with panicky federal troops roaming around in a discoordinated fashion. The Onitsha landing disaster took a great toll on Federal troops due to the ad hoc manner the troops embarked on the operation without adequate watermanship skill and air support. Two more attempts at a frontal river crossing were made before efforts to take Onitsha from Asaba were finally abandoned. In January 1968, after the abortive attempts to capture Onitsha from Asaba, Murtala moves up the Niger, crosses it at Idah and advances down to Awka and Onitsha, and captured Onitsha on 21 March 1968.

Shell did not only bankroll Nigerian war efforts against Biafra. It offered logistics to the Nigerian Marines by actively using its empty tankers to ferry Nigerian soldiers from Lagos to the ports of Biafra. The Nigerian federal forces launched one of their final offensive the Biafrans on 23 December 1969 with a major thrust by the Nigerian marines led by Colonel Olusegun Obasanjo which split the Biafran enclave into two. Another offensive was launched on 7 January, 1970 which led to the surrender of the Biafran forces on 13 January, 1970 with Ojukwu fleeing to Ivory Coast.

In January 1970, Nigerian marines invaded a Red Cross hospital near Orlu in Biafra, took all the food and raped the white nurses. In Owerri, looting took place right on the main square in front of of visiting newsmen. Several marine enlisted men simply entered a house and started ransacking it. On the other side of the square, a drunken marine spotted a young refugee with his wife. The marine demanded the wife and was about to make off with her when a marine lieutenant happened by. The lieutenant pulled out his .45 and shot the soldier in the foot. Neither rape nor looting is condoned by Nigerian officers. One marine was shot to death on the spot when he was found raping an Ibo girl near the Owerri radio station. He was not even arrested and tried. "There was no need," an officer said, matter-of-factly. "He was caught in the act." Afterwards, a particular western foreign power, demanded and insisted on the dismantling of the Nigerian Marine Commandos.




Nigerian Civil War Amphibious Operations


Amphibious Army-Navy assault at Bonny on July 26, 1967.

Successful

This opposed beach landing operation also involved the use of merchant ships from the Nigerian National Shipping Line. It was the first joint Army-Navy combat operation in post-colonial Nigeria.


Joint amphibious Army-Navy operations at Escravos, Koko, Youngtown, Sapele and Warri during operations to clear the Midwest. (August and September 1967)

Successful

These landings were mostly unopposed.


Operation Tiger-Claw: Joint amphibious Army-Navy assault on Calabar on October 18, 1967.

Successful




Joint amphibious assault on Oron, March 1968.

Successful

This was the first full coordinated tri-service joint operation, involving the NA, NN and NAF.

Mike..ZA:
Did you know our brothers in Zimbabwe have those PL missiles,which South Africa can easily get to study. Your Bofors can engage the G6 in counter battery fire,which is protected against splinters and counter battery fire. Nigeria only has around 40 something of them. A Long battle with South Africa? Do you really know that SA is capable of producing illegal weapons like chemicals and cluster munitions? Nigeria wouldn't want a long war with SA. Pretoria would never fall if a country failed to capture it in a month. Plus 1.Nigeria doesn't have the capacity to bomb South Africa's defence industry complexes around Jozi. 2. Both Nigeria and SA lack massive air lift capability,campaigns stop or slow down without supplies(munitions,food,spare parts,fresh troops etc) 3.Nigeria's systems,vehicles mostly are not fitted for the hot African battlefield. Look at the SANDF's G6 and Ratels vehicles they can carry loads of water and supplies. 4.The fact that Nigeria's air force is weak can be exploited,your columns on the ground can be bombed to ashes by the Hawks.

You are definitely back Mr Hollywood. This just shows your naivety. No need to respond, you never read anything.

Mike..ZA:
Nigeria has man portable targeting systems,any country has those. Which South Africa used the 1987-1988 period. I love talking about facts..Mike..FACTS..Show me any Nigerian advanced targeting system like the SANDF's Vulture.

Why on earth should I. It is good to keep you guessing.

Mike..ZA:
Nigeria doesn't have any combat record please. And are you saying Wikipedia made up that shot?

Yes. Anybody can.

Mike..ZA:
Did you read what I was replying to? Answer this is: Is Nigeria battle hardened or not.

Yes.

Mike..ZA:
Ever heard about the springbuck armoured vehicle?

rka1:

Proforce has no connection with SA Mr fantasist.

The statement still stands.

Nobleval:

Your information appears out of date. Can you quote a source more recent, like this century?

Jihaljihad: Why are guys always fighting

Because some people don't like to see other countries making advances.

By the way, watching helicopters perform in air shows prove nothing but the fact that they can fly and manoeuvre. The real test is in combat. Egypt's Apaches are Block A, although I believe they are having them upgraded to D standard or correct me if they have been done already.

DictatorZAR: .
Stop foaming and compare the avionics suits of the gunships then come and talk ship wikipedia is your friend.

By the way im talking about class the hind is not in the same class fact.

Wiki is your friend. Of course they are not in the same class, they are different helicopters for different missions as already stated.

DictatorZAR: You do know the Rooivalk is a full assault gunship and is not even in the class of a hind you dummy. This shows you not in the defense industry. The Rooivalk is in the class of the Apache even the Apache isnt a transporter.

There are moves a Rooivalk can do like vertically up or down that no Hind can do. You do also know that the engine of the Rooivalk is more powerfull then the M-24 also. Another thing is you forget DENEL is upgrading all hinds in Africa and is the only accredited company to do so outside EU.

There is absolutely no way that the Rooivalk is equal to the Apache attack helicopter. The only thing they share in common is being assault helicopters. The avionics suite doesn't even come close and the Rooivalk hasn't even got anything like the Longbow Radar. There are even further developments of the Apache Block E, which you can only dream about.

It doesn't even compare to the European Tigre.

@Henry120. Great photos once again. Looks like the Army SF boys (Amphibious) are catching up with their NNSBS counterparts notwithstanding the AK47, which still has it's uses.

See link below link for article concerning combined SF from the Air Force and Army having been trained together for the NE.

http://www.punchng.com/news/army-trains-154-special-forces-to-tackle-bharam/

@GeneralJ, excellent photos.

Terrorism: Nigerian Army, Air Force Train Special Forces

Posted by: Channels Television Posted date: November 21, 2013 In: Current, Local | comment : 0 Comments


[b]The Nigerian Army and Air Force have trained a fresh set of Special Forces on Counter-Terrorism and counter insurgency operations for onward deployment to the troubled parts of North-East Nigeria.

Addressing the graduating students at their combined passing out ceremony on Thursday, the commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), Jaji, Kaduna, Major-General Tukur Buratai said that the new trends of terrorism in the North-East as well as the challenges presented by ethnic, religious inspired violence and political unrest, necessitated the continuous training of military personnel on counter-terrorism and counter insurgency operations.

As the nation grasps with the challenges of insecurity posed by the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-Eastern part and militancy in the Niger Delta region, he urged them to put into effective use, the knowledge they have acquired upon their deployment.

The school’s Chief Instructor, Colonel Adebola Adefarati in his address, said that the graduating students underwent training in special warfare course and counter-terrorism course which lasted between 16 and 15 weeks, and were exposed to academic and field exercises such as tactical combat shooting, unarmed combat and water exercises.

It is the first time that the Nigerian Army School of Infantry will be conducting a joint training of Army and Navy personnel in such counter terrorism training. The reason, according to army authorities, is to enable them acquire all aspects of training packages and tactics in line with emerging security challenges.

As these crop of officers join the ranks of the Special Forces in the country’s Armed Forces, it is hoped that they will assist their colleagues already posted in the North East and other troubled areas towards eliminating terrorism and similar criminal elements in the country.

http://www.channelstv.com/home/2013/11/21/terrorism-nigerian-army-air-force-train-special-forces/

Basic Airborne Cadets Tasked On Fight Against Terrorism

Posted by: Channels Television Posted date: November 20, 2013 In: Local | comment : 0 Comments


A total of 39 cadets with Basic Airborne Training from the Nigerian Army School of Infantry in Jaji, Kaduna State, have been tasked on fight against terrorism and security challenges in the north.

At the graduation ceremony of the cadets of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), a Commandant of the NDA, Major General Emeka Onwuamaegbu expressed satisfaction with the performance of the cadets.

The cadets were on six-weeks Basic Airborne Training Course 3/13.

They were graduated having completed five jumps from airborne platform, in preparation for their passing out from NDA next year.

Major General Onwuamaegbu explained that as a result of the security challenges in Nigeria, the NDA had to introduce courses like Counter Terrorism and counter Insurgency training in the curriculum of the institution.

The training, he said, included field exercises, peace support operations and airborne operation.

The Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Major-General Tukur Buratai represented by the Acting Deputy Commandant, Colonel Sanni Audu, said 39 cadets had successfully completed the cadet Basic Airborne Course in jump school and attained the minimum five mandatory jumps from an airborne platform and were thus qualified to be decorated with the coveted Nigerian Army Paratroopers Wing.

He said the training at the jump school was designed to achieve vigorous physical conditioning to produce physically-fit and skilled elite troops, tailored towards mental alertness, discipline, self-confidence, bravery, team spirit and high sense of loyalty.

This set of cadets, have had the opportunity to be trained for six weeks to cover Special Forces operations.

A total of 55 volunteers of the 61st regular course NDA reported for the course on October 3, 2013. They all made the screening and commenced training on October 7, 2013.


http://www.channelstv.com/home/2013/11/20/basic-airborne-cadets-tasked-on-fight-against-terrorism/

Maybe this caps it all. We shall overcome;


NIGERIA: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Nigeria is a Federal Republic composed of 36 States, and a Capital Territory, with an elected President and a Bi-cameral Legislature. It operates the Presidential system of Government with three distinct but complementary arms namely the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary, each acting as a check on the other two.

The Executive arm of Government, at the Federal level, consists of the President, the Vice-president and other members of the Federal Executive Council, while at the State level, it is made up of the Governor, the Deputy Governor and other members of the State Executive Council.

The Legislature is equally found at the Federal and State levels. The Federal Legislature comprises a 109- member Senate and a 360-member House of Representatives. The two, combined, is known as the National Assembly (the equivalent of the American Congress). At the State level, the Legislature is known as the House of Assembly.

The President, The Governor, their Deputies, as well as members of the Legislature at both Federal and State levels are elected, under the present constitution, for four years, renewable only once. The Senate President is the Head of the Federal Legislature.

The Judiciary interpretes the laws and adjudicates in conflicts between the Executive and the Legislature. It carries out these functions through the various established courts. The Supreme Court is the highest court of the land, followed by the Court of Appeal, the Federal High Court, Magistrate Court, Area Court and Customary Court.

Long before the creation of the entity called Nigeria, the various peoples that existed independently then had established their own indigenous systems of administration. There were recognized political entities such as the Benin Empire, Kanem Bornu Empire, Sokoto Caliphate, Oyo Empire, to mention a few. The Empires and Kingdoms had established contact with one another and with other peoples, through trading activities.

Earlier in the 19th Century, the British had conquered the different parts of the present Nigeria at different times, and established control and authority over them. These areas were grouped into Protectorates namely Lagos, Niger Coast (also known as Oi1 River Protectorate), and the Northern Protectorate. For ease of administration and control, the Northern Protectorate, and the Southern Protectorate (made up of Lagos and Niger Coast) were amalgamated in 1914 by the British. Thus come into existence the country presently known as NIGERIA.

As time went on, British colonial rule, with its attendant alienation and subjugation of the indigenous people, resulted in agitation for self-government. The history of Nigeria was therefore dominated by 'struggle for freedom' between 1922 and 1959. Notable Nigerians like Sir Herbert Macaulay, Dr. Nnnmdi Azikwe, Chief Sire Ahmadou Bello, Chief Anthony Enahoro, to mention but a few, are known as the founders and fathers of Nigerian NATIONALISM.

Given this struggle, the British gave some concessions to Nigerians. This gave rise to the series of constitutions that come into existence, to assuage the feelings of the people. The constitutions included the Clifford Constitution of 1922, the Richards Constitution of 1946, the Macpherson Constitution of 1951, and the Lyttleton Constitution of 1954.

Although, with these constitutions, Nigerians were allowed limited contributions in the affairs of their own land, this could not stop the continuous clamour for total independence from colonial rule which had engendered social sufferings, as well as discrimination in the areas of employment, education, health, creational facilities, coupled with unjust and high taxation.

On 1st October 1960, Nigeria became self-governing from British colonial rule and was administered at the center by the Federal government and three regions Governments in the East, West and North of the country. In 1963, the Midwest Region was carved out of the Western Region making a federation of four Regions. During this First Republic, a parliamentary system of government was in operation. This lasted till January 1966.

The first military intervention in Nigeria occurred in January 1966 when the civilian government was overthrown in a military coup. This effectively marked the beginning and succession of military governments in the nation's political history. Military-rule continued till 1979 when the then Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo handed over power to the civilian government of President Shehu shagari.

In the second Republic of President Shehu shagari, Nigeria adopted the Presidential system of government with an Executive President as the Head of the Federal Government. The administration was in power until 1983 when it was overthrown in a coup and the military once again come into governance. Nigeria again witnessed another round of military governments until 1993 when General Ibrahim Babaginda the head of the military government, put in place an interim civilian administration charged with conducting elections. This interim administration lasted for only three months when it was replaced in a palace coup by the military. The new military administration was headed by General Sani Abacha.

General Sani Abacha's Government ruled the country from 1993 to 1998 when the Head of State suddenly died in June 1998. It must be pointed out that during this particular regime, Nigeria faced tremendous opposition from the International Community over human rights abuses, culminating in Nigeria's suspension from the Commonwealth. Indeed, at this period, Nigeria was treated like a pariah nation, tolerated only by a few and abandoned by other countries, including her traditional allies like Britain and Canada.

With the sudden death of General Abacha in June 1998 General Abdulsalami Abubakar headed the new military administration, and was immediately confronted with the Herculean task of drawing Nigeria back from the brink of collapse and restoring her image. Admirably, this administration rose up to the occasion. The issue of human rights abuses was immediately addressed with the release of all political detainees and prisoners. The Government also announced and implemented a political transition program that ushered in a new civilian government in May 1999. Precisely in less than one year. Thus, General Abubakar administration was able to restore democracy back in Nigeria. Within that period too, Nigeria gradually regained her voice in the comity of nations. The administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was inaugurated on May 29, 1999. Simultaneously, executive governors were also sworn-in in the 36 states constituting the present Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In the Presidential System of Government that is now in place, there is a National Assembly (equivalent of US Congress) comprising two clambers namely the Senate and House of Representatives. There is a State Assembly in each of the 36 States. Also there are 774 local governments throughout the Federation representing the third-tier of government.

It is evident from the above political history that the military had dominated power for close to 30 years. The country is still undergoing a learning process and will continue to strive to nurture democracy and all its institutions to full development. The nation has come to accept that civilian democracy is the form of government that can guarantee full participation by the entire citizenry, ensure good governance, rapid progress and socio-economic development.

Since democracy was restored in the country there has been a gradual and impressive transformation of the political landscape. In 1999 only 3 political parties contested elections in Nigeria. But in 2003, 25 new political parties were registered by the national Electoral body, bringing to 28 the number of political parties that contested the 2003 elections.

The key test to the political future of Nigeria still lies in an enduring civilian governance. Elections conducted by civilian administration in 1965 mad 1983 had failed and led to military interventions. Nigerians are, therefore, now strongly determined, more than ever, to lay a solid foundation for an enduring democracy that would be the pride of future generations of Nigerians. The present civilian government has shown its commitment to even development of the country and cases of marginalization in certain parts of the country.

Today, Nigeria enjoys peace inspire of periodic crises, because consultation in handling issues. The administration is determined to transform the country, in line with democratic principles, into a land of opportunity, equity, of government's use of dialogue and progress and prosperity for all.

http://www.nigeriaembassyusa.org/index.php?page=nigeria-past-present-and-future

More on the 9 BH members that were killed;

9 Boko Haram militants killed, says Nigerian army print
Published on November 16, 2013 by · 1 Comment
Nigerian troops said Friday they had killed nine suspected terrorists belonging to the Boko Haram in a gunfight in Borno state.

“In a midnight encounter with Boko Haram insurgents, troops of the 7 division Nigerian Army killed nine Boko Haram terrorists while others fled with various degrees of injuries,” army spokesman Colonel Muhammad Dole said in a statement.

One soldier was wounded late Thursday in the clashes in Damboa area of Borno state, he said.

“During the encounter, arms and ammunitions were recovered and two pick-up vehicles were destroyed.”

His claim could not be independently verified.

He said that troops had intensified patrols inside the forest areas of Damboa and nearby Gwoza with a view to preventing further attacks by the insurgents.

The United States designated Boko Haram and an offshoot known as Ansaru as terror groups on Wednesday following four years of horrific attacks that have claimed thousands of lives.

On Friday the group said it was holding a French priest kidnapped in northern Cameroon.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government said Friday in a statement by the foreign affairs ministry in Abuja that the United States’ designation of Boko Haram and Ansaru as foreign terrorist organisations would strengthen ties between the two nations.

“It will strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against international terror, enhance the capacity and legal basis for concerted actions against both groups,” the statement said.

The designation would also “enable the two countries to work more closely towards reducing the capability and capacity of the groups to unleash terror,” it added.

Nigeria said it would welcome “more support and assistance from the international community along the lines of the US position on these groups”.

http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2013/11/16/9-boko-haram-militants-killed-says-nigerian-army/

Boko Haram: Nigerian army raid frees abducted French engineer

Published on November 17, 2013 by · No Comments
French hostage Francis Collomp has been freed almost a year after being kidnapped, according to a statement from the French president’s office on Sunday.

According to some reports, Collomp escaped his captors during a Nigerian army operation against Islamist group Boko Haram, a source close to the case told AFP Sunday.

Collomp, whose release was announced on Sunday, fled during an exchange of fire between the army and Boko Haram after his cell door was left open, the source said.

The 63-year-old engineer was seized by gunmen who stormed his compound in December 2012 in Nigeria.

This release comes just two weeks after four other French hostages were released in Niger.

Seven French nationals are still being held in Syria, Mali and Nigeria.

Francis Collomp was abducted by thirty armed Katsina State gunmen who killed two bodyguards and a neighbour. Ansaru, an Islamist group possibly related to the Nigerian group Boko Haram, had claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, citing in particular the role of France in Mali.

http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2013/11/17/boko-haram-nigerian-army-raid-frees-abducted-french-engineer/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PmNewsNigeriaFeed+%28PM+News+Nigeria%29