₦airaland Forum

Why is that South African National Defence Force number is 15 Dead soldiers as opposed to the Seleka 's 50 Body bags......Maybe it would be wise to ask Seleka rebels about their number of fatalities.....if 15 is bigger than 800, then Seleka won the Battle of Banguie.....Same as the American Marines 18 killed and Mogadishu and rebels lost nearly 500.....then if number game is to be believed then Americans lost in Somalia....Nigeria has lost quite a substantial number of soldiers against BH but also inflicted quite a number....DOES THAT INDICATES LOSSING THE BATTLE?? BUT ATLEAST SANDF SOLDIERS NEVER RUN AWAY TO CAMERROON OR MUTINEED AND SHOT AT THE OFFICERS...CUREENTLY NIGERIA IS COURT MARSHALLING MORE THAN 20 SOLDIERS

THE FIGHT IN RHINO WAR DOES PRODUCE POSITIVE RESULTS IS UNLIKE GLOOM AND DOOM

A police constable attached to Crime Prevention Unit at Hillbrow police station in Gauteng and eight other suspects were arrested on Sunday morning for attempted rhino poaching at a private game farm in Rakin’s Pass said police spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi.

He said three suspects, two Mozambicans and one Zimbabwean national, were arrested inside the farm and were caught in the act while attempting to poach rhinos. Two others, a local resident and a Botswana woman were arrested outside the farm just after offloading the poaching trio.

Another three suspects, all from within South Africa, were arrested at Vaalwater where they waited for rhino horns with a getaway vehicle. A .375 hunting rifle with serial number filed off, a silencer, an axe, an Toyota Tazz and a Nissan Hardbody vehicle were seized.

The suspects will appear at the Modimolle Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, facing charges of attempted rhino poaching and possession of unlicensed firearm.

A RHINO SYNDICATE SMASHED

The alleged kingpin of one of South Africa’s biggest and most violent rhino poaching syndicates, accused of obtaining 84 rhino horns via illegal means, was arrested on Friday morning in front of the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court.

http://africageographic.com/blog/ruthless-rhino-poaching-syndicate-rounded-up-by-hawks/

http://citizen.co.za/245134/kingpin-team-ruthless-rhino-syndicate-busted/

he Defence Headquarters has said that it was aware that members of the outlawed Islamist sect, Boko Haram, were in the habit of looting its armoury.

The military authorities stated that they were making efforts to secure all armouries in its various formations across the country.

Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, made the disclosure during his first real-time Twitter chat which held on Sunday night.

The army general was, however, not categorical about the grades of weapons just as he did not name the armouries that have so far been looted by the insurgents.

“We are taking measures to ensure that our armouries are secured. We agree and are aware Boko Haram has stolen arms,” Olukolade said while responding to an inquiry by one of the participants of the Twitter chat.

The Defence spokesman explained that the military high command frowned on the proliferation of arms, noting that inter-agency cooperation had recently been heightened to contain the menace.

According to Olukolade, the policing of Nigerian borders with other West African neighbours have been repositioned in view of the security threats posed by the Boko Haram insurgents.

“Interagency collaboration has been heightened; from all indications policing of our borders has increased. Our strategic information-sharing policy considers transparency, security, propriety and accuracy in reporting to the public,” he added.

Warning that the military would deal decisively with saboteurs among its officers and men engaged in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North East, Olukolade said the service chiefs were “monitoring all personnel both in the frontline and rear”, adding that “suspicious people are being vetted.”

Dismissing the insinuation that top military commanders were feeding large on the entitlements of the rank and file of the armed forces, the military spokesman argued that the quality of food being provided for the officers and men at the battlefront are the same.

He claimed that the welfare package for the slain officers and men who die on the battlefield was attractive.

“The food they (officers and men) eat is within standards and best diet design as practicable. All eat the same food, be it officers or soldiers.

“By the way, there are two levels of insurance covering all soldiers and men involved in the anti-terror war. There is the Personnels’ Service Arm insurance, the Defence Headquarters Insurance package which is different from the gratuity, death benefits and children scholarships. On honour for slain soldiers, we do give due and befitting burials,” Olukolade said.

According to him, since Shekau has been killed by the military forces, the Armed Forces would remain focused by maintaining the tempo of “firepower to ensure that we sweep them (Boko Haram) off their nuisance hotspots.”

Insisting that the Defence Headquarters would not concede any portion of Nigeria to terrorists, Olukolade said the surveillance and air operations were ongoing with a view to exerting control and ensure minimum collateral damage.

Olukolade further said that the Nigerian Armed Forces were better armed, responsive and service oriented when placed in comparison with their Cameroonian counterparts.

“We welcome input from allies. It still remains our duty to get best results for our people. We are exchanging ideas and intelligence.

“We have a Nigerian-led Multinational Joint Task Force particularly on the Lake Chad Basin area. Cameroon is inactive in this.

“Any campaign to suggest that our Army is weaker than Boko Haram, Cameroon’s or any other force is a campaign against Nigeria.

“There is so much eagerness to discredit us and make us bow psychologically. I am working for my country. No denials.

“They are trying to pitch the soldiers against the leadership. Any military that loses leadership is doomed for the nation.

“Officers are paid to manage soldiers. Civilians can’t control them. Anarchy looms if authority loses grip.”

Olukolade added that there was no time frame to putting an end to the insurgency as terrorism is usually a long fight.

He, thereafter, warned the media against what he described as the undermining of structures.

“This is not the time to prove that the pen is mightier than the sword. Nigerian media should not undermine structures. We appeal to foreign and the local press to be circumspect and be consistent with democracy and public interests.

“We agree that there is such a need to review its (military) communication mechanism and we have engaged with various stakeholders to maintain robust counter-terrorist communications,” he said.

60 soldiers face trial for mutiny today


Another set of 60 soldiers are to be arraigned before a General Court Martial by military authorities in Abuja on Tuesday (today) for mutiny.

The soldiers allegedly committed mutiny on August 4, 2014 by refusing to join troops in Maiduguri for “an operation.”

Their arraignment which is to take place at the Sani Abacha Barracks in Abuja comes as The PUNCH gathered on Monday that some of the 12 soldiers convicted on September 15, 2014 by the GCM had notified the Court of Appeal of their intention to challenge their sentences.

The GCM headed by Brig. Gen. C. Okonkwo had sentenced 12 out of 18 soldiers facing trial guilty of mutiny among other offences and sentenced them to death. Five of them were however discharged and acquitted and one sentenced to 28 days’ imprisonment with hard labour and reprimand.

The soldiers were charged with mutiny among other offences, including attacking the former General Officer Commanding the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army, Ahmed Mohammed.

A copy of the charge sheet filed against the 60 soldiers was obtained by The PUNCH in Abuja on Monday.

The charge sheet revealed that the soldiers, comprising two corporals, nine lance corporals and 49 privates, are to be arraigned on two counts of conspiracy to commit mutiny and mutiny.

The accused allegedly committed the offences at the Mulai Primary School, opposite African Independent Television in Maiduguri, Borno State on August 4, 2014 by refusing to join “111 SF Bn troops” led by Col. E.A. Aladeniyi to Maimalari Barracks in connection with an operation.

According to the charge sheet, they “conspired to commit mutiny against the authority of 7 Division,” an offence said to be punishable under Section 91(1) of the Penal Code Cap P89 LFN 2004.

The soldiers were also accused of committing mutiny which is said to be punishable under Section 52(1)(a) of the AFA CAP A20 LFN 2004.

The charges are said to be triable in the GCM under Section 114 of the AFA Cap A20 LFN 2004 and punishable under Section 91(1) of the Penal Code Cap P89 LFN 2004.

The two corporals are Andrew Ogolekwu and Saturday Efa.

The charge sheet reads, “Count One: Criminal conspiracy to commit mutiny triable by the General Court Martial by virtue of Section 114 of the AFA Cap A20 LFN 2004 and punishable under section 91(1) of the Penal Code Cap P 89 LFN 2004.

“Particulars of offence: In that you at Mulai Primary School Camp opposite AIT Maiduguri on or about 4 August 2014 conspired to commit mutiny against the authority of 7 Division.

“Count 2: Mutiny contrary to and punishable under section 52(1)(a) of the AFA CAP A20 LFN 2004.

“Particulars of offence: In that you at Mulai Primary School Camp opposite AIT Maiduguri on or about 4 August 2014 refused to join 111 SF BN troops led by Col. E.A. Aladeniyi (N/9695) to Maimalari Barracks in connection with an operation.”

Indications had emerged on Sunday that lawyers seeking to file an appeal challenging the conviction of some of the 12 soldiers by the GCM had not been able to have access to them.

There were reports that the convicted soldiers had been moved from the Defence Headquarters Garrison, Abuja to a detention facility at the Directorate of Defence Intelligence, Lagos.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Godwin Obla, who brought the process of appeal on behalf of three of the convicted soldiers, said his chambers had made unsuccessful attempts to get in touch with them without success.

The soldiers are Iganmu Emmanuel, Steven Clement and Andrew Ngbede.

Obla told one of our correspondents on the telephone that the military did not volunteer information on where the convicts were being kept.

He said that the inability to locate them had hampered the completion of the appeal process as they had not been available to sign some documents required for the appeal.

The SAN said, “We have been trying to get them (the soldiers) to sign for the process; and because we have not been able to get them, we have not been able to complete the process; there are things for them to sign.

“Nobody has been able to tell us where they are being kept; nobody is volunteering information; nobody has been able to tell us where they are.

“We are just hearing that they have been moved to the Directorate of Military Intelligence Cell in Lagos.

“We will make the move so that the process would be filed on their behalf.”



Obla also said that the filing process at the Court of Appeal had not been completed because the findings against and the sentencing of the soldiers by the GCM had not been promulgated and communicated to them.

He said that the filing could only be made after the findings and the verdict of the court martial had been promulgated and communicated to them.

Obla said, “The findings and sentence by the General Court Martial need to be promulgated and it is to be communicated to the convicts. It has not been communicated to them.

“It is after the findings and the sentence have been communicated to the convicts that the filing can be made.”

A lawyer from Obla’s law firm, Mr. Enokela Onyilo-Uloko, said that the law firm of a former President of the Senate, Chief Amah Ebute, was handling the defence of six of the convicted soldiers.

He listed those being represented by Ebute’s law firm as Jasper Braidolor, Friday Onuh, Alao Samuel, Linus Alan, Ifeanyi Alukagbe and Amadi Chukwudi.

He said, “Nine of the soldiers are already before the Court of Appeal; the appeals are within time; we are awaiting the hearing date from the Court of Appeal.

“A motion for Stay of Execution is being filed to make sure they don’t tamper with them.”

When The PUNCH sought to know from the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Olajide Laleye, if the conviction of the soldiers had been confirmed by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah, he said he was not aware.

“I am not aware if the judgment has been confirmed or not; I don’t have that information,” Laleye said

The PUNCH had reported on Friday that the Army might soon arraign 13 soldiers for cowardice and failure to obey orders from their superiors to advance at the (war) front.

The soldiers were said to have been directed to join their counterparts at the 7 Division, entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating the ongoing counter-terrorism operation in the North-East early in the year.

http://www.punchng.com/news/60-soldiers-face-trial-for-mutiny-today/

SANDF IN ITS HISTORY HAS NEVER SECEDED AN PART OF THE TERRITORY OF SOUTH AFRICA TO RAG TAG MILITIA FORCES

No individual can dispute the snipers record book about the kill made by south african sniper in DR Congo.....South African Special Forces snipers have killed at least six senior rebel officers. Our sources in Goma have revealed that at the time of attacks [on M23 supply lines] by UN Ukranian Mi24 attack helicopters, snipers from our Special Forces were engaging the rebels. They have killed a number of rebels, with reports of one being shot from a distance of 2.2km

https://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CDwQFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timeslive.co.za%2Fthetimes%2F2013%2F08%2F29%2Fsa-snipers-wreak-havoc&ei=6I0qVOb-B-Xg7Qb5k4DYBA&usg=AFQjCNEd2bSDNRf1Rf6kcNo7bejR6EobjQ

NOW THE FEAST IS ENTERED INTO RECORD BOOKS
https://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CBwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FLongest_recorded_sniper_kills&ei=a44qVK_NHuaY7gbJxYGADQ&usg=AFQjCNE2clodncUPydDlqlhRbuCYTMTJlA

A Army Chief, Lieutenant General Vusi Masondo, has shed light on South Africa’s contribution to the African Union peacekeeping initiative known as the African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crises (ACIRC).

Speaking during the Exercise Seboka open day at the army Combat Training Centre (CTC) in Northern Cape he said the landward element of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) would contribute a motorised infantry battalion (9 SA Infantry Battalion), a composite armoured car squadron from 1 Special Service Battalion and 1 SA Infantry Battalion, a light artillery battery (1 Light Artillery Regiment), an air-mobile anti-aircraft battery (10 Anti-Aircraft Regiment), a composite signal squadron drawn from 1, 2 and 5 Signal regiments and sub-sub-units from 2 Field Engineer Regiment and 1 Tactical Intelligence Regiment.

The SA Air Force’s (SAAF) involvement in the ACIRC force will see a mobile air operations team (MAOT), two Gripen jets (referred to by Masondo as “attack aircraft”), a pair of C-130BZ transports, two Rooivalk combat support helicopters as well as a pair each of Oryx and Agusta A-109 helicopters.

“The SA Navy adds to the fold a boat squadron and accompanying marines and support elements while SA Military Health Services will provide the entire force with a medical task group and a level two hospital.

“Finally, the SA Military Police will also contribute a platoon bringing the total strength of the force to in excess of 1 500,” Masondo said.

Denel Dynamics is busy with a proof of concept project to improve the accuracy of standard 155 mm artillery rounds, the company has announced.

The project aims to develop a precision fuse, dubbed the AcuFuse, within the same footprint as a MIL-STD-333B Multi-option Fuse for Artillery (MOFA) short intrusion fuse.

This will allow artillery operators to select an accurate solution by simply replacing the standard fuse with the AcuFuse when high-precision firing is required. Due to its accuracy, aimed to be between 10 m and 20 m circular error probability at all ranges, AcuFuse will minimize collateral damage on the battlefield, Denel said. It will also decrease the logistics support required due to the fact that fewer ammunition rounds would be required.

AcuFuse utilises the guidance and control technologies of Denel Dynamics with the inertial sensor technologies of UTC Aerospace Systems, based in Plymouth in the UK.

Denel Dynamics and UTC Aerospace Systems have executed a number of successful risk-reduction firings that will be followed by guided firings with a weapon that could be fielded in 2016.

There is a worldwide requirement for this type of weapon, which will also enhance the Denel Group’s artillery capability. The same technology can also be applied to other artillery products such as 120 mm mortars and 105 mm artillery, Denel said.

Boko Haram militants have returned to Konduga today, the site of much fighting between them and the Nigerian army.


Nigerian troops display captured ammunition from Konduga operation.A source confirmed that the militant sect regrouped and returned to the site in an attempt to seize Maiduguri in Borno State.

Militants are also fighting with the Nigerian army in Benisheik, Borno State.
source sahara reporters

he reported killing of a top Boko Haram leader said to be Abubakar Shekau has again ignited a fresh controversy between Nigerian and Cameroonian troops.

The Cameroon Concord had on Monday quoted a military source as having said that Shekau was killed on Saturday by the Cameroonian Army during a cross border aerial bombardment of his hideout in Nigeria.

To prove the killing, the newspaper also published photographs of the bearded man it said was Shekau who usually appears in videos as the leader of Boko Haram.

It made reference to a statement by the Cameroonian military authorities on the killing but was silent on its content.

The paper added in the report that the Cameroon army had been in serious combat against thousands of Boko Haram fighters trying to enter Cameroon through Fotokol from Gamboru Ngala in Borno State.

But Nigeria’s Defence authorities dismissed the claim that the said Shekau was killed by Cameroonian security forces within Nigeria.

Mr. Salkida’s tweet appeared to confirm that the Boko Haram “officer” killed by Nigerian soldiers in Konduga was a different person from Mr. Shekau. In fact, Nigerian security officials have maintained for months that Mr. Shekau was dead, apparently killed by his own disaffected lieutenants in an internal rivalry for control of the terrorist organization.

Ahmed Salkida, a Dubai-based Nigerian journalist who reportedly maintains communication with some leaders of the Islamist insurgent group Boko Haram, claimed today that the sect’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, is alive and well. Mr. Salkida denied reports asserting that Nigerian troops had killed the mercurial and fiendish Shekau, the speaker and voice in numerous videos released by Boko Haram.


Ahmed Salkida, journalist
In a tweet earlier today, Mr. Salkida also dismissed media reports that the Nigerian government was negotiating with Boko Haram for the release of more than 200 schoolgirls kidnapped in mid-April by Boko Haram militants in Chibok, Borno State. The reporter’s tweet also described as untrue reports that the International Red Cross (IRC) was working on a deal that would persuade Boko Haram to free the abducted Chibok schoolgirls in exchange for the release of detained Islamist insurgents in the custody of Nigerian security agencies.


Earlier today, SaharaReporters had published a report to the effect that a Nigerian intelligence source revealed that the person whose dead body is seen in photos circulating in news reports was not Shekau but one “Mohammed Bashir”.

Our intelligence source stated that the dead Islamist figure, who bore a striking semblance to Mr. Shekau, was indeed a look-alike who appeared in videos released by the Islamist sect.

Mr. Salkida’s tweet appeared to confirm that the Boko Haram “officer” killed by Nigerian soldiers in Konduga was a different person from Mr. Shekau. In fact, Nigerian security officials have maintained for months that Mr. Shekau was dead, apparently killed by his own disaffected lieutenants in an internal rivalry for control of the terrorist organization.


However, Salkida sent out another tweet today which appeared to cast doubt on the fact that Shekau indeed had a double.


A confidential debriefing document by the Nigerian army obtained last week by SaharaReporters also acknowledged that Mr. Shekau stayed permanently in his holdout in Sambisa Forest and was not in the habit of venturing out to battles. Item “R” of the document stated, ”Shekau has his wife and 2 children in Sambisa Forest. He is Kanuri, he speaks Hausa and he does not travel.”

Meanwhile, a Nigerian security source told SaharaReporters that there was evidence of a growing frustration among insurgent fighters and a simmering power struggle between some of the sect’s top figures. He disclosed that some of the insurgents who surrendered to Nigerian troops last week in Konduga have told army interrogators that they decided to give up after their commander executed two of their leaders who led the failed attack on Konduga. The source told SaharaReporters that the insurgents, who are being kept in one of the barracks in Maiduguri, told interrogators that they fled from a camp near Bama after their commander shot dead two insurgent field officers “for losing valuable weapons to infidels.” He added that the surrendering militants claimed they were reluctant and small-time fighters who were recently recruited from towns and villagers taken by Boko Haram.

The insurgents’ foiled attempt to seize Konduga, which was a first step in their plan to attack the Borno State capital, Maiduguri, is being seen as a possible turning point in the war between the insurgents and increasingly confident Nigerian soldiers. Nigerian troops killed hundreds of insurgents in the battle for Konduga and also seized an armored tank and several vehicles from the Boko Haram fighters. Incidentally, Boko Haram insurgents had originally captured thetank and vehicles from the Nigerian army in previous battles.

For close to two weeks, the insurgents have not been able to reproduce their earlier streak of victories over Nigerian troops. Instead, they have been routed in Konduga and driven out of Baza in Adamawa State.

Three mine-protected ambulances manufactured by Denel Mechem are already in successful service with the UN in Somalia.

The wide-body vehicles based on Mechem’s Casspir armoured personnel carrier were delivered in July and have been deployed in support of UN and African Union Amisom forces in Somalia.

South African aerospace companies Denel Aerostructures (DAe) and Denel Aviation, both part of the State-owned Denel Group, have unveiled a major new project at the Africa Aerospace and Defence 2014 show on Thursday – the South African Regional Aircraft (SARA). This is aimed at meeting a gap in the global market, preserving South Africa's aerospace design and development capabilities, while also stimulating the country's young aerospace engineers and technicians.
"We know how much the development costs will be," DAe CEO Ismail Dockrat said at the media conference, at Air Force Base Waterkloof, just south of Pretoria. "We have done a first round of market feasibility studies. The next step is a detailed feasibility study."

The project is currently in its pre-development phase. The companies hope to complete the detailed feasibility study and win wider support from government departments and agencies, the private sector, potential partners, investors and customers within the next 18 months. Then the development phase would be started.

The development phase would probably last five years. The result would be a prototype aircraft by 2020 or 2021.

Denel Dynamics is busy with a proof of concept project to improve the accuracy of standard 155 mm artillery rounds, the company has announced.

The project aims to develop a precision fuse, dubbed the AcuFuse, within the same footprint as a MIL-STD-333B Multi-option Fuse for Artillery (MOFA) short intrusion fuse.

This will allow artillery operators to select an accurate solution by simply replacing the standard fuse with the AcuFuse when high-precision firing is required. Due to its accuracy, aimed to be between 10 m and 20 m circular error probability at all ranges, AcuFuse will minimize collateral damage on the battlefield, Denel said. It will also decrease the logistics support required due to the fact that fewer ammunition rounds would be required.

AcuFuse utilises the guidance and control technologies of Denel Dynamics with the inertial sensor technologies of UTC Aerospace Systems, based in Plymouth in the UK.

Denel Dynamics and UTC Aerospace Systems have executed a number of successful risk-reduction firings that will be followed by guided firings with a weapon that could be fielded in 2016.

There is a worldwide requirement for this type of weapon, which will also enhance the Denel Group’s artillery capability. The same technology can also be applied to other artillery products such as 120 mm mortars and 105 mm artillery, Denel said.

Bilateral defence cooperation between SA and Brazil, and Brazil and Angola, highlighted
Back


Defence industrial cooperation between South Africa and Brazil was highlighted at the recent III Brazil Defence Industrial Base Show (III Mostra BID-Brasil, as it is known in Portuguese), held in Brazil’s capital city, Brasília. The Brazilian Ministry of Defence (MD) highlighted, on its website, a presentation made at the show by Armscor GM: research and development Trevor Raman. Armscor is South Africa’s defence acquisition (and research and development) agency.

In his address, entitled ‘Brazil-South Africa: Opportunities for Technology Development Partnerships’, Raman pointed to the success of the joint programme between South Africa and Brazil to develop the A-Darter missile. This is a fifth-generation infrared homing air-to-air missile (originally conceived by South African defence company Denel Dynamics, part of the State-owned Denel Group). He affirmed that the next step was to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries and seek to make products that would be competitive in the global market.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Space Commercial Services Holdings are partnering on a synthetic aperture radar for us in small satellites, it has been announced at the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition.

The CSIR and Space Commercial Services Holdings Aerospace Group (SCSH) entered into an agreement to design and develop a wide-area maritime synthetic aperture radar (SAR). The two organisations said the new offerings will be cost effective, light weight and deliver high value imagery for customers of the small satellite market.

The South African developed small satellite SAR will enable global stakeholders and partners to have strategic independence through full access and control to the data and information products, according to the CSIR and SCSH.

This type of radar is unique in that it provides all-weather, day and night strategic information for maritime surveillance, reconnaissance, resource and disaster management. The processed images enable planning, resource allocation and management for the ocean economy.

Erlank Pienaar, CSIR Manager: Radar And Electronic Warfare Systems, said the target market is the developing world.

@AUGUSTUS SSS ACKNOWLEDGE THE OPERATION AS BONA FIDE AND LEGITIMATE TO BUY ARMS.....TRANSFER THE AMOUNT FROM DOLLARS INTO RANDS AND ITS POSSIBLE TO BUY A SMALL ARSENAL TO ARM A PLATOON......REMEMBER @AUGUSTUS FROM THE 17-22 THERE ISAN INTERNATIONAL ARMS EXHIBITION IN WATERKLOOF AIRBASE......EVERY ARMS DEALER IS WELCOMED TO BUY WEAPONS AND CONCLUDE DEALS AND THE ISRAEL CITIZEN IS TRAINING AND SUPERVISING THE NIGERIAN SPECIAL BOAT SERVICE

@AUGUSTUS SSS ACKNOWLEDGE THE OPERATION AS BONA FIDE AND LEGITIMATE TO BUY ARMS.....TRANSFER THE AMOUNT FROM DOLLARS INTO RANDS AND ITS POSSIBLE TO BUY A SMALL ARSENAL TO ARM A PLATOON......REMEMBER @AUGUSTUS FROM THE 17-22 THERE ISAN INTERNATIONAL ARMS EXHIBITION IN WATERKLOOF AIRBASE......EVERY ARMS DEALER IS WELCOMED TO BUY WEAPONS AND CONCLUDE DEALS AND THE ISRAEL CITIZEN IS TRAINING AND SUPERVISING THE NIGERIAN SPECIAL BOAT SERVICE AND ARE HERE IN SOUTH AFRICA TO SEEK ADVISE FROM THE RECCES AND FOR NOW I WILL STOP HERE

@AUGUSTUS REGARDING CORRUPTION CAN THERE BE COMPARISON BETWEEN SOUTH AFRICA AND NIGERIA...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAH WHAT DOES NIGERIA UNDESTAND ABOUT TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY...ANYWAY LEST WE SHIFT FROM THE HOT DEBATE......AWAITING EVIDENCE

@AUGUSTUS AGAIN YOU HAVE NOT ANSWER MY QUESTION WHICH IS DIRECTED ABOUT SO CALLED NIGERIAN SPECIAL FORCES...NOT ALGERIA OR EGYPY....YOU HAVE A TENDENCY OF SHIFTING GOAL POST WHENEVER YOU ARE CORNERED...AGAIN I REPEAT ANSWER MY QUESTION WHERE IS THE INFOMATION REGARDING NIGERIA.....IF IT EXIST IT COULD BE IN PUBLIC SPACE.....TELL SOUTH AFRICANS WE ARE WAITING....DO NOT RUN SHOW US THE EVIDENCE....REMEMBER NIGERIAN SPECIAL FORCES

@AUGUSTUS A CHALLENGE WAS DECLARED AND SO PROVIDE EVIDENCE WITH CREDIBLE OFFICIAL STATEMENTS AND WEBSITE AS I HAVE DONE...IF NOT FOREVER KEEP YOUR HOT AIR IN SILENCE.....PROVIDE THE PROCESS OF SELECTION, TRAINING ETC AS ALREADY DONE THROUGH OFFICIAL WEBSITE....SAS HAS ITS OWN WEBSITE.....GREEN BERETS HAVE THEIR OWN WEBSITE....FRENCH FOREIGN LEGION HAVE THEIR OWN WEBSITE...DELTA FORCE HAVE THEIR OWN...SEALS HAVE THEIR OWN AND SOUTH AFRICAN RECCES HAVE THEIR OWN.....IT CONTAINS ALL THE INFORMATION I HAVE REQUESTED FORM YOU....SO DO THE RIGHT THING PROVIDE EVIDENCE OR WE ALL SHALL CONSIDER YOU A LIAR, PASSION HATER, A MISPLACED PATRIOT.......PLEASE DO US A FAVOUR PROVIDE EVIDENCE SO AS TO COMPARE WITH SOUTH AFRICAN RECCES....HERE IS THE RECCES WEBSITE WHERE IS YOURS.....PLEASE NO OPINIONS THAT CANNOT BE SUBSTINTINATED EXCEPT BY YOU

https://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=7&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CEEQFjAG&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.recce.co.za%2F&ei=P4QZVIHjFK_G7Aa0wYDoDQ&usg=AFQjCNFmhsyn3yoY3gorrSveddxEcnwU6Q

@AUGUSTUS I DONT NEED YOUR MISPLACED OPINION ONLY FACTS SHALL SETTLE THE DEBATE.....BRING FACTS AND OFFICIAL WEBSITE NOT SOME FLABBARGASTING OPINIONS

@AUGUSTUS THESE OPERATORS ARE STILL ACTIVE AND TRAINING THE FUTURE BATCH OF RECCES AND ALSO ACTIVE IN ADVISING...THEY ARE RETIRED BUT STILL ACTIVE

South African Special Forces have no equals

In June 1984 the South African port city of Cape Town held a secret meeting, attended by U.S. Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Mr. Crocker, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Africa Pieter Botha and George Savimbi, leader of the National Union for Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). It was after this secret meeting with SA intelligence UNITA has stepped up armed struggle against Angola.

The attack on the Soviet ships

In the first place South African security forces have decided to cut the sea channels of military and other supplies to Angola from the Soviet Union and Cuba. A major port Namib, near the city of Menongue has been attacked.
That's where the South African frogmen attacked first Soviet ships.

By the summer of 1986 the Angolan government troops came into operation in the province of Moxico. A base for offensive was the city connected with the port Namib by railway. At the same time to the port arrived three ships to supply offensive: at the beginning of June the Cuban vessel "Havana" with a cargo of food and equipment, and the Soviet cargo ships "Captain Chirkov" and "Captain Vislobokov." On shipboards was about 20 thousand of ammunition.

In the evening 5 June just hours before the arrival of "Captain Vislobokov" in the roads of Namib suddenly appeared dilapidated trawler under the Japanese flag. The next morning she quietly disappeared. Early in the morning powerful explosions occurred on the Cuban and Soviet ships and later bombs exploded on the fuel base "Sonagol."

Many years later the author learned the details of this diversion during his trip to South Africa from four directly involved in this operation participants. But let us speak about this meeting later.

The trawler "Japanese" delivered to the port three groups of frogmen-saboteurs, six people each, with full equipment. Late at night they went under the water to their targets. The first group was to destroy the Soviet and Cuban transports, and the second, apparently, was to blow up a railway bridge, cutting off communication with the port and the third, having made almost four miles under water, came to the shore fuel base "Sonagol." There it installed five RPG-5 with self-killers, targeting the fuel tanks and pumping stations. At 5 am one after the other three explosions occurred on "Captain Vislobokov." Fortunately, there were no casualties. It is surprising that no ammunition detonated.

Along with the explosion on "Vislobokov" thundered volleys of grenades at the fuel base "Sonagol." Four fuel tanks and pumping stations were destroyed. Mines also exploded under the transmission towers and on the railroad. Lights went out in the city and transport service with the port was interrupted.

Soon came the turn of "Chirkov": onboard blew up three out of four minutes. Her team, being helping the crew of "Vislobokov" rushed to save her own ship. Fortunately, there were no injuries, no ammunition detonated. If this had happened on both transports the port was completely ruined. The least fortunate was "Havana": all four installed mines played havoc with the bottom and by 10 am the boat overturned. The crew had time to evacuate. Soviet sailors managed to keep their "two captains" afloat.
By order of the then Premier Ryzhkov (Supreme Commander in Chief Gorbachev was at this time in Poland), the Navy immediately sent to the port of Namib a group of Soviet military specialists. Black Sea Fleet airlifted in Angola a group of frogmen. They were assigned the task to ensure the safety of our ships during repair work and at the same time to remove unexploded mines found, defused them and determine whose they were
.
How rescued "two captains"

By the detachment of Soviet frogmen who arrived in Angola late in the evening on June 8 commanded 2nd Rank Captain Yuriy Plyachenko. He was the first to go under the water and look at the remaining mines that were attached to the bottoms of our freighters. Then he gave the order to collect the remnants of exploded ships.
For two days the ships unloaded ammunition. The mines were made of titanium alloy. It was very high-tech production. Their inventors did their best to defuse the mines was not possible. I had to look for unconventional ways. One of the mines was neutralized by small counter explosion. It broke away from the hull and exploded on the ground. But to defuse the second mine they had to spend 36 days. Surprisingly, a little seashell helped the frogmen. It somehow blocked the pin, which activated an explosive mechanism. It was impossible to establish who has assembled the mine: the parts were from different countries - Japan, England and Holland. The found only “DD" marking and serial number 13 on the mine.

On August 27 renovated "Captain Chirkov" arrived in Odessa and "Captain Vislobokov" after repairs in Luanda headed for Spain. For the results of the unprecedented operation three officers from Plyachenko’s group have been awarded the Red Star, and the rest - with medals "For Distinction in Military Service." The sunken in the harbor "Havana", in the holds of which remained a large number of projectiles caliber 162 mm was surfaced by the Cuban team of rescuers in the spring 1989. But then it was decided not to restore the ship it was dangerous because of the possibility of detonation of munitions. "Havana" was taken far out to sea and sunk.
Immediately after the attack an international scandal burst out. South Africa categorically denied any involvement in the sabotage. A little later, our investigation found that the operation was carried out the men of the fourth unit of "Rekkiz" commandos, specializing in maritime operations based in Langebane (Cape Province). They came to the area of Luanda on a "Daphne" submarine and using light diving equipment, entered the harbor and mined the ships. According to some reports, the saboteurs used equipment obtained from the Italian "Space" company and delivered via Israel.

After the attack it was decided to put frogmen on those ships that call at African ports.
Special Forces "closed book"

Special units of the armed forces of South Africa are among the least known and most private in the world. Their training, application, activities and operations remained secret for many years. This is explained by the fact that South Africa as a state of "apartheid" a long time was in international isolation and military ties of the South African Defense Force (SADF) with other countries was limited. Meanwhile, perhaps because of this isolation and lack of real military aid from the outside and uninterrupted war in the armed forces of South Africa appeared unique special units, notably reconnaissance commandos. They were a deeply specialized reconnaissance and sabotage units capable for a long time to act in isolation from the main forces in the enemy’s territory often relying only on ourselves. Commandos of the Defense Force of South Africa not only developed their own extremely effective and "ruthless" system of selection and training but also enriched tactics by specific techniques and modes of action. From a professional point of view, their experience is invaluable and unique.

For more than twenty years since its foundation the SA reconnaissance commandos were on full alert, they had dozens of secret special operations in the territory and coastal waters of Angola, Namibia, Mozambique, Tanzania and other African countries, and at the same time they remained deep secret. Among the units of special forces of South Africa stands 4th (naval) recon commandos. Famous French frogmen detachment of "Hubert", Israeli naval commandos from "Shayetet-13", and the U.S. SEAL could be proud of many of the operations carried out by its soldiers. SA frogmen are the oldest formal unit among the special forces of South Africa. It is believed that they trace their history in 1941 with the founding of the Naval School of Diving in the port city of Cape Town. The school staff trained specialists for South African Navy rescue service who took part in the hostilities of World War II. Divers of the South African Navy participated in some operations of allied forces in the Mediterranean region. However, after the end of the war SA units of naval divers were disbanded "as unnecessary." The service came almost in full decline and by early 1955 the Navy had only one skilled frogman.

The beginning of the revival of units of the South African Navy divers dates to September 1955, when South Africa organized the first in the first postwar period courses of Navy divers. July 1, 1957 in the city of Simons Town was re-opened diving school with a staff of 5 people and a small set of equipment that was constantly replenished.

Formally, the Special Forces of the SA Defense Force were created October 1, 1972 based on an infantry school in Oudtshoorn. There the three officers who had experience in conducting special operations in Namibia and Rhodesia, have formed the first special group, which was later known as the 1st recon commandos (1-st Reconnaissance Commando) or abbreviated Recce.

As later recalled one of the founders of the South African Special Forces Jan Breytenbah, military commanders faced with great difficulties. The fact is that since the establishment of Special Forces in the SA Army, it has been given "a very high standard", i.e. they formulated very high demands to future soldiers of Special Forces. In this case, the command of Special Forces has operated up to principle: it is better to train a reliable combat swimmer from the experienced scout or paratrooper than the outstanding rescue swimmer turn into a mediocre frogman.

As a result in 1977 was formed 4-th Reconnaissance Commando, whose task was the preparation and conduct of marine special operations, including for the organization of sabotage in the neighboring countries through which passed supplies from the Soviet Union and Cuba with arms, military equipment and food for Angolan Army (MPLA), the 40 000 Cuban Expeditionary Force, and the ANC structures ("Umkhonto we Sizwe" - "Spear of the Nation". In addition, the group was charged with reconnoitering of the Angolan Navy and the group of Soviet warships in the ports of Angola and Mozambique and supplying weapons and special means for "special operations" to armed opposition in Angola and Mozambique (UVITA and RENAMO),.
The base was located in Langebaane on the west coast of South Africa, near Cape Town. Marine commandos had at their disposal high-speed vessels and rubber boats. In the absence of training experience and the relevant personnel at that time the group was formed gradually. Fully it took shape in the early 80's, having in its composition combat units capable of performing secret amphibious operations, several groups of frogmen-saboteurs, the training center and maintenance unit. Of all the Special Forces these commandos were the most closed in terms of structure, size, practical use, training and special operations.

In 1995 within the South African National Defense Force was created a special purposes brigade based on the commando reconnaissance units. It included the best airmobile and underwater commando units of ex-Special Forces in South Africa. Particular attention was paid to the naval commandos - one of the most unique and effective among reconnaissance commando of SA Defense Force, accounting for dozens of successful and still not declassified operations off the coast of Angola, Mozambique and even Tanzania.

Selection and training of SA naval commandos

All potential recruits are volunteers. SA commandos accepted only those who have passed the strictest initial selection, medical examination and psychological tests, tests on the "program of the armed forces" and, of course, a swimming test. Only then began the most important: a multistep process of physical and psychological screening in conditions close to the field. Tests on the "program of the armed forces" are fairly trivial tests that had to go through all the candidates to the Army and marine commandos.

Up to 30 percent of candidates are eliminated at the preliminary stage. The rest of them are granted the status of "special purpose units a receptee". To achieve the status of "special purpose units rookie" and then "special purpose units operator ", ie a full-fledged Special Forces soldier, they have to go through a multi-course qualifying, and then through no less difficult a special course.

The first stage of selection, which is one of the most complicated in comparison with similar groups in the world, lasts three days and includes heavy march-throws and overcoming of water obstacles. Physical activity is such that not everyone is able to withstand them. It "shakes the whole soul" from the rookie, as the saying goes. Those who passed up it to the end described it as "ruthless test."

All the candidates who passed the preliminary stage again shall undergo very high in comparison with the requirements of the Army physical fitness assessment. They must manage in six hour to overcome the 30-kilometer race in full equipment: with the standard rifle ammunition, camouflage clothing and regular 30-pound backpack, usually full of sand.

Then 45 minutes to run an 8-kilometer distance, carrying a full-time rifle. Also, wrung from the floor with their fists at least 40 times, 8 times to catch up on the bar and do not less than 75 sit-ups without a break. And in the end of the test swim 50 meters without crediting time.

The emphasis is on psychological training. During a special test several people subject the candidates to "cross examine". And since South Africa's historically a very painful issue is the relationship of people with different skin colors, psychological compatibility of different races receive special attention. Questions can be different from the innocuous ("Do you love your children and your parents?", "Are you afraid of the dark?" and frankly provocative, "How would you react to what your family had a child with different skin color?", "Would you rescue a drowning man if he is suspected in a bloody murder?" etc. The purpose of these tests is creating a real psychological portrait of the candidate.

How hard it was to pass a training course, says the following fact: after a successful qualifying courses conducted from three hundred and twenty candidates remained twenty-nine. Of these, more than half were not citizens of South Africa, but many were from other elite units for special purposes, in particular, from Rhodesia.
This is followed by a two-week phase, during which the candidate performs the exercises and firing practice. This stage is replaced by a two-week orientation course in the desert. Despite the fact that during this phase, the candidate undergoes a real risk of dying from the bite of venomous snakes, in the claws of wild animals, in the jaws of a crocodile or a shark (a lot of cases observed), the main task of the test is to test the ability of the candidate to navigate in extreme conditions.

This is followed by stage, called "Bushkraft", that is learning the fighting in the bush (the bush of Africa). During learning the movement in the savanna, methods of concealment and ambushes they constantly screen candidates. However, at this stage has already begun training. After two weeks, they get weapons and start learning how to kill a bull or a lion, how to catch a snake. They are taught to seek out and foul the trail, guided by a map and without it, to withstand attack of a shark or to escape from a crocodile. Candidates who have undergone this not quite the usual training enter into a contract for three years. Most of them serve two terms.

The descendants of the Boers

Another special unit of South Africa not as widely known as SAS or "Alpha", "Green Berets" or DELTA is RECCE, a special intelligence unit of South Africa. It obtained the highest level of training and also has very good results for tasks behind enemy lines during the fighting.

One of the first major RECCE’s diversions is the operation code-named "Savannah" with 18 commandos. They seriously damaged in several places the railway on which the ore was transported from Zaire to Angola. To accomplish this task the force was divided into three groups of six people each. After the assignment, each group independently emerged in the area of evacuation. One of them was ambushed by Cuban troops, one commando was killed and three wounded. However, none of the RECCE men was captured. Departing from the chase the commandos walked more than 170 kilometers of desert and jungle and had been successfully evacuated.
Later, when Cuban pilots entered into the war the RECCE soldiers began to take missiles "Stinger" on them. Very often they set up ambushes near aerodromes, which based Angolan aircraft. Once they managed to shoot down on the rise two MiG in a row. But they could not fix success because of the organized search for saboteurs. Here, however, the men went to the trick. The fact is that in the group there were only black scouts, even though it was rare for Special Forces in South Africa. Dressed in the form of the enemy they hid the launchers and took part in their own quest.
The team that goes to the operations consists of from two to twelve people. As a rule, the duration of the operation is from two days to several weeks. In the history of the group was a case where in Angola, one group of eight people acted in the rear about two months and completely autonomous. The group not only carried out reconnaissance and corrected artillery strikes, but also set industrial sabotage and fought against the enemy. Very high in disguise training enables it to act occasionally in a few dozen meters from the enemy and remain undetected. Often the fighters disguised themselves in the form of enemy soldiers.

By the way, the RECCE soldiers had to fight against the regular army of Angola, trained by Soviet specialists, and with the Cuban military units. It also fought against a group of North Korean Special Forces. It is known that one of the "meetings" with them took place in 1987 in the valley of Kambia. The SA group faced with fifteen Koreans. Subsequently, one of the former RECCE fighters recalled "All decide seconds: who will react faster and open fire. As a result, Koreans lost eight men killed, and we are only two. However, the group was "blown up" and we had to hastily retreat." At the end of the last century the staffing structure and the number of the RECCE units has changed. Based on them have been deployed reconnaissance regiments. Later they had been transformed into a parachute brigade. They are now united in a brigade of special purpose, but each of its member regiment has its original trend. In particular, the motto of a regiment "We do not fear anyone except God" has not changed since the foundation of RECCE.

@AUGUSTUS CHECK THIS OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN SPECIAL FORCES BRIGADE AND SHALL BE GLAD AND VERY APPRECIATING IF YOU CAN POST THE NIGERIAN ONE...LETS TALK ABOUT FACTS NOT OPINIONS

https://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=7&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CEEQFjAG&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.recce.co.za%2F&ei=P4QZVIHjFK_G7Aa0wYDoDQ&usg=AFQjCNFmhsyn3yoY3gorrSveddxEcnwU6Q

South AFrican Special Forces have been fighting a war since 1975 not piece meal operations in Sierra Leone against rag tag armies...The South African Special Forces Brigade is the only Special Forces unit of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

South Africa established a Special Forces capability in 1968 in line with international military trends. Initial planning and formation occurs, including studies of and visits to foreign Special Forces, formulation of appropriate structures and techniques for an African context, and formation and training of a core group of founder members. The capability realized in 1972 with the establishment of 1 Reconnaissance Commando at the Infantry School at Oudtshoorn.

The 1 Reconnaissance Commando was the first South African Special Forces unit, founded by General Fritz Loots - the founder of the South African Special Forces, and the first General Officer Commanding of the South African Special Forces. He appointed 12 qualified paratroopers (known as "The Dirty Dozen" as the founder members. Included in these 12 paratroopers was Jan Breytenbach, who was placed in command of the Founder Members by General Loots.

The South African Special Forces played a significant role in the country's 30 year long border war in Namibia and Angola.

The South African Special Forces Brigade's current structure is the result of a series of reorganizations, as well as rationalization and integration between 1992 and 1996. The close-knit community is organised as a “brigade”, consisting of a headquarters, a school, two regiments and a logistics unit. Both regiments are airborne qualified, with one specializing on seaward operations and the other landward.

The Brigade is directly under the command of the Joint Operations Division of the SANDF, and unlike other similar forces worldwide, is not a part of the South African Army nor the South African Navy .

Operations 1973–94 SADF Operations

Member of the South African Special Forces performing a ceremonial parachute jump The South African "Recces" were deployed to many local hot spots during the late 1970s and early 1980s, particularly Angola.

The main enemy then was South West Africa’s People Organization whose armed wing PLAN, was a guerrilla organization fighting for an independent Namibia.

One of the "Recces"' most effective operations came in 1982: Operation Mebos penetrated deep into Angola and destroyed the SWAPO Headquarters. In Operation Askari, in the winter of 1984, the "Recces" cut off almost all supply lines to and from the SWAPO in Angola. In 1985, a "Recce" team undertook the controversial Operation Cabinda, a failed attempt to sabotage Angolan oil installations run by Gulf Oil.

In early summer of 1985, another "Recce" team under the command of SADF Captain Andre Diedericks crossed into Angola's Cuando Cubango province, and with UNITA's help, protection and escort was secretly deployed around Menongue area. The team had at their disposal the 9K31 “Strela-1” AA system manned and operated by the team members. Team’s mission was to carry out covert combat operations, code names "Catamaran 1," "Catamaran 2" and "Cerberus" with the goal to disrupt air traffic in Cuando Cubango province by shooting down air transports, combat aircraft and gunships using the AA system.

On 11 June 1985, roughly 80 km from Menongue, the team shot down an Angolan airplane, a light utility aircraft, Britten-Norman BN-2 “Islander”. The "Islander", en route from Menongue to Cuito Cuanavale with a crew of 2 and 5 passengers was also carrying 69 million kwanzas (Angola’s currency), several months of salary for FAPLA’s 16th Brigade’s personnel based in Cuito Cuanavale. When the "Islander" fell to the ground the money was stolen and the remains of the dead passengers had been pillaged by UNITA soldiers attached to protect the "Recce" team. On 25 November 1985, the same "Recce" team had also shot down an “Aeroflot” Antonov AN-12, cargo airplane. The AN-12 transport en route from Cuito Cuanavale to Luanda carrying 8 crew members and 13 passengers crashed approximately 43 km south-east of Menongue. All people on board (twelve Soviet and nine Angolan nationals) died in the crash.

@AUGUSTUS DISPLAY NIGERIAN HISTORICAL OPERATIONS

@augustus indicate throught official wesite into which areas the Nigerian Special Forces Brigade is specialising in, selection process, composition, training, weapons and Organogram not photos that are general and why the whole President pronounced on a need for a Special Forces Brigade and COIN concept is not a mono term applicable to every conflict.....I know Special Boat section which was fprmed two years ago and trained by British SAS AND WHY THE PRESIDENT DECIDE TO ANNOUNCE?

@AUGUSTUS NIGERIA NEVER HAD A SPECIAL FORCES CAPABILITY...NOW AFTER 45 YEARS OF SOUTH AFRICA's EXISTING SPECIAL FORCES BRIGADE...NIGERIA THINK OF ESTABLISHING ONE

Following the incessant terror attacks,the Nigerian government is set to establish a Special Forces Brigade, President Goodluck Jonathan has said.

Speaking at the passing out parade of the Army Officer Cadets of the 61 Regular Course and Short Service Course 42, Mr. Jonathan said the establishment of this brigade would help tackle the challenges of security threats in Nigeria.

Up to January 2012, fewer than 1200 persons had ever qualified as Special Forces Operators in South Africa – of which approximately 250 are deceased, approximately 20 are seriously and permanently physically incapacitated, and approximately 30 are in the age group of late sixties to seventies.

Up to the end of the war in Angola, fewer than 480 of the more than One Hundred Thousand initial applicants had qualified as Special Forces Operators, and more than 80 of these were Killed in Action during the war.

All Special Forces Operators in South Africa either know each other, know of each other, or can easily establish a claimant’s bona fides in under a minute with just a few specific questions. Special Forces Operators also very seldom talk, or disclose that they were Operators.

THE BIGGEST AFRICAN AIRSHOW 2014 HAS JUST OPENED IN PRETORIA TODAY

This report was released by Nigerian government in 2011 and surely Nigeria must be worried in 2014

While South Africa is being praised in the just released UNAIDS report for halving new AIDS infection by 50%, Nigeria has recorded an estimated increase over 60%.

Below, is figure from NACA's 2011 AIDS factsheet, and a report of a national newspaper, PM News, quoting figures for this year's new HIV infection in the country. ......................................

NACA Fact Sheet 2011: Prevention of New Infections in Nigeria Last Updated Wednesday, 17 August 2011 New HIV infection: 281,180

''At least, 388,864 Nigerians were infected with the HIV disease in 2011 alone, says the Lagos State Government. The government quoted the National AIDS Control Agency statistics, which revealed that there were 388,864 fresh cases of HIV reported as at the end of 2011''. PM News, Nov. 19, 2012.

Official website of the Nigerian Government on HIV/AIDS
https://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCgQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nigeriahivinfo.com%2F&ei=nHMZVPiVJOzb7AaF1YCYDg&usg=AFQjCNHIC-qtDIEzQIJquDDO5xuNh7GkLQ

The South African Air force (SAAF) impressed foreign military dignitaries at Tuesday’s Air Capability Demonstration (ACD) with an impressive display of firepower and synchronised manoeuvring.

The air power display is held twice a year at the Roodewal weapons range outside Polokwane in Limpopo. The event provides the SAAF with an opportunity to demonstrate its operational capabilities, including co-operation with the others arms of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Ancillary to the ACD was the requirement to set up a temporary airbase at the weapons range.

It is also the only time invited dignitaries and guests are able to witness aircraft firing live weapons at close range.

The Air Force timed the event to take place on the day prior to the official opening of the eighth biennial Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition taking place at AFB Waterkloof from 17 to 20 September. According to Chief of the Air Force, Lt. Gen. Fabian Msimang, the ACD provided the various international air force chiefs visiting AAD with an “intimate gathering” at which to showcase the flexible military capabilities of the SAAF. Senior SANDF members of the National Security Program were also in attendance.

What made this ACD event particularly interesting was that it was timed to coincide with dusk, demonstrating the Air Force’s ability to operate at any time of the day or night.

Proceedings commenced with introductory speeches and background information, followed by 80 minutes of incredible noise caused by the live firing of rockets, mortars, cannon, machine guns and the dropping of bombs, all with the continuous clatter of rotor blades overhead.

Following the insertion of Pathfinders dropped from a C208 Caravan at 6,000ft in order to collect intelligence and mark targets, a Hawk fitted with a Vinten reconnaissance pod, escorted by a Gripen, obtained tactical information over the battlefield. The Gripen, having been targeted by a SAM, released flares.

Various simulated exercises, including a South African Army element, comprised scenarios ranging from mortar attacks, air supply drops and troop insertions. A low-level supply drop by a C-130 Hercules was followed by two Gripens and a Hawk performed a 2v1 dogfight.

Oryx medium-transport helicopters demonstrated water bombing with Bambi buckets and continuously dropped off and picked up troops while an Agusta A109 Light Utility Helicopter performed observation and co-ordination of ground force duties.

With a BK-117 performing an ‘emergency landing’ after the pilot was hit by ground fire, a combat Search & Rescue scenario was enacted. The ensuing mock battle included the firing of 81mm motors, with Oryx helicopters inserting and extracting troops whilst two Rooivalk attack helicopters provided covering fire with 20mm cannon and 70mm FFAR rockets.

Close air support was proved by a Hawk firing its 30mm Aden cannon and dropping 120kg bombs, whilst three Gripens dropped 250kg bombs on targets on the range, creating some impressively huge explosions and accompanying vibrations.

The demonstration concluded with a flypast by all the participants, with flares being fired from the Hercules, Gripen and Oryx.

The ACD clearly achieved its aim. Many of the senior foreign military dignitaries interviewed by defenceWeb afterwards commented on how impressed they were with the coordination, command & control and professionalism of the SAAF.

In the words of Deputy Chief of the South African Air Force, Maj. Gen. Gerald Malinga, “there is no task the SAAF cannot carry out successfully.”