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Defence/Security

NAF to partner engineering institute for efficiency

Partnership
By Victor Nwachukwu
Nnewi (Anambra), Nov. 6, 2019 (NAN) Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar says the air force will deepen its partnership with the National Engineering Design Development Institute (NEDDI) for greater efficiency.

Abubakar, who disclosed this during a visit to the NEEDI office complex in Nnewi on Tuesday, said that the partnership would encourage home-made engineering designs.

He expressed happiness with the level of technological advancement at the institute, and promised to improve the working relationship between the institute and the air force.

“We shall tap into the experience and proficiency of this institute by availing our officers training in engineering design,” he said.

Abubakar stated that security remained a critical ingredient in the development of any nation, saying “development can only thrive in a secure atmosphere”.

“As a force, we are prepared to deepen this partnership with NEEDI, we hope to improve on our existing understanding to shore up capacity building.

“This working relationship is in the interest of efficient service to the country,” he said.

In a welcome address, NEDDI’s Managing Director, Mr Arinze Nwosu, said part of the institute’s vision was to push made in Nigeria products to enviable standards.

He said that NEDDI was supporting the industrial sector with necessary engineering designs, adding that “we shall hopefully do better with improved relations with other government agencies.”

“As a government research institute, our mandate is to project made in Nigeria engineering designs to the rest of the world.

“We are already in partnership with some academic institutions and government agencies, we are hopeful that our relationship with the air force will be strengthened,” he said. (NAN)
VIN /AZU/ISMA
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07061605535
Edited by Azubuike Okeh/Ismail Abdulaziz

Health

Jigawa: NAF offers free medical services, relief items to flood victims

Jigawa: NAF offers free medical services, relief items to flood victims

By Muhammad Nasir Bashir
Outreach
Buji (Jigawa), Sept. 22, 2019 (NAN) The Nigeria Air Force (NAN) has taken its medical outreach to flood victims in Gantsa village, Buji Local Government Area of Jigawa.

The News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) reports about 4,000 people were displaced by flood which damaged houses and sources of water which exposed victims to several diseases.

NAF commenced the three-day exercise on Sept. 19 in the area, under the leadership of Grp. Capt. Ali Tanko.

Tanko, who is the Director of Public Health and Humanitarian Services, NAF Headquarters, said the gesture was part of the NAF’s strategies to foster cordial relationship between the military and civilians.

He assured that adequate plan was made to ensure everyone in the community benefited from the free medical service.

The team leader added that cases of malaria, diarrhoea, hypertension and other diseases that might have occurred as a result of the flood are targeted in the exercise.

“We are here after we heard the sad news about flood that ravaged this area and we are here to check victims’ health status and provide them medicines and other relief material.

“No specific number of persons targeted, we’re targeting the whole community because we were here some days a go to know the exact diseases and number of people affected.

“We came with doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists and pharmacists to take care of the victims. We also conducted minor surgeries, however, those with bigger cases will be referred to appropriate hospitals,” he said.

The District Head of Buji, Alhaji Sabo Bello, commended the NAF and its team for the gesture.

“This is very commendable as this is the first time we are seeing this gesture from any organisation, not even the military.

“On behalf of the people of Buji we appreciate your effort in bringing health services to our doorstep, particularly when there is dire need of that as a result of flood that ravaged the area.

“We also thank the state government for allowing you to come into the state, and Buji local government area in particular to assist our people medically,” Sabo said.

In his vote of thanks, the Vice Chairman of the council, Alhaji Ahmad Zaburan, also commended the NAF for the gesture.

“This is very commendable, why because officials we did not send for assistance to the NAF, they just heard about the flood over the media and decided to come and assist us.

“We’re really happy as the gesture will really enable a lot of the victims to access qualitative healthcare,” Zaburan said.

NAN reports that apart from the medical outreach, the NAF distributed relief items to the victims, including rice, sugar, indomie noodles, soap, garri, water and slippers.

Two of the beneficiaries who spoke with NAN, Malam Musa Shuaibu and Hajiya Fatima Tasiu, commended the NAF for the gesture. (NAN)
MNB/OYE/MST
Edited by Celine-Damilola Oyewole/MST Suleiman Tola

08151927962

Defence/Security

NAF neutralises scores of insurgents at Bula Korege in Borno

Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar

Insurgents
By Doris Esa
Abuja, Aug. 24, 2019 (NAN) The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says its Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation Lafiya Dole has neutralised scores of Boko Haram terrorists (BHTs)  and destroyed their hideout at Bula Korege on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest in Borno.

NAF made this known in a statement on Saturday by Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information.

The air force said that the operation was conducted on Friday.

It further said that the air strikes conducted by the air task force was part of an ongoing mission code-named Operation Green Sweep lll.

Operation Green Sweep III targets identified terrorists’ positions in Borno.

NAF explained that the target was designated for attack based on credible intelligence reports, which were further corroborated by series of Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

The air force added that intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance was able to establish the fact that the settlement was a major hub of Boko Haram terror activities.

“The ATF, therefore, detailed two Alpha Jets to attack the target area.

“The air strikes were synchronised for maximum effect, recording devastating hits on the Boko Haram hideout, killing several of their fighters in the process, as captured in the Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) footage,” he said.

The spokesperson for NAF said that the air force would be able to sustain its operation against the terrorists in the North-East if it worked in concert with surface forces. (NAN)
ORD/YEE

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(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

Defence/Security

Insurgency: COAS lauds FG for sustaining support to NAF

By Yakubu Uba
NAF
Yola, Aug. 12, 2019 (NAN) The Chief of Air Staff (COAS), Air Marshall Saddique Abubakar, has lauded the Federal Government for its sustained support to Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to carry out operations against insurgents in the North-East and other areas of conflicts in Nigeria.

Abubakar made the commendation on Monday in Yola NAF Base while having Eid-el-Kabir Lunch with officers and airmen of Air Task Force of “Operation Lafiya Dole”.

Abubakar said the federal government under the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, had done a lot in terms of acquiring aircrafts and activation of some grounded NAF platforms.

“In terms of training opportunities, we currently have 31 pilots training in various parts of the world including U.S, South Africa and Egypt. We are planning to send 12 more to UK.

“Recently, we graduated 517 technologists at the Air Force Institute of Technology.

“That clearly shows that government is giving us all the support we require to build sufficient capacity to be able to provide what is required in terms of deployment of air power,” Abubakar said.

While commending the air officers and men for their commitment and sacrifice in providing security, the COAS urged them not to be distracted by  criticisms on security they see in social media, but to remain focused on their assignment and improve on the progress being made.

“We have made substantial progress in terms of securing Nigeria if you look at where we are coming from in 2014, compared with where we are today,” he said.

Abubakar said NAF had established some quick response units in Taraba, Benue, Osun, Zamfara, Imo and Plateau states to bring security closer to the people.

In his remarks on behalf of the troops, the Commander, 153 Base Service Group, Air Commodore Mohammed Yusufu, lauded the COAS for celebrating the Eid-el-Kabir with them, adding that the measure not only boost their morale but also showed his level of commitment to their welfare.

Yusufu reiterated their loyalty to the Commander in Chief and sustained commitment to their assigned tasks.

Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa also lauded the contributions of NAF to security in the state and assured his administration’s  commitment to working  with them and other security agencies in securing the state.

Fintiri pledged to extend his administration’s infrastructural development to NAF barracks in Yola as part of his appreciation.(NAN)
YMU/CHOM/MST
Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Defence/Security

Green Sweep 2: NAF destroys insurgents tactical HQ at Kollaram, Borno

Green Sweep 2: NAF destroys insurgents’ tactical H/Q at Kollaram, Borno
By Doris Esa
Insurgents
Abuja, June 27, 2019 (NAN) The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says its Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has destroyed an Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) tactical headquarters at Kollaram in Northern Borno.
Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, said the operation was conducted on Wednesday.
“The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), through the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, has launched OPERATION GREEN SWEEP 2 against terrorist elements in the Northeast of the country.
“The Air Interdiction Operation, which commenced on Wednesday, June 26, will target selected locations within the Northeast in order to further degrade the remnants of the terrorists as well as deny them safe havens and freedom of action.
“In the morning of Day One of the Operation, air strikes by NAF aircraft resulted in the obliteration of an Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) tactical headquarters and neutralisation of several terrorists at Kollaram in Northern Borno State,” he said.
The spokesman explained that the attack was executed following series of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
He said the ISR showed the presence of a significant number of ISWAP fighters in buildings under trees spread across the settlement along with communication facilities with roof-mounted solar panels, defensive parapets around the settlement as well as suspected tunnels at various locations.
“Consequently, the ATF dispatched two NAF Alpha Jet aircraft to attack the location recording accurate hits in the target area, leading to the destruction of some of the structures and equipment as well as the killing of several terrorists,” he said. (NAN)
ORD/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Defence/Security

NAF renews commitment to national security

NAF renews commitment to national security
By Tukur Muntari
Security
Kano, June 21, 2019 (NAN) The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Saddiq Abubakar, has renewed the commitment of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) to support Federal Government’s policy thrust of providing security in the country.
Abubakar made the remark at the handing over ceremony of three reactivated L-39 ZA aircraft held at the 403 Flying Training School of the Nigeria Air Force Kano on Friday.
He said the reactivation of the three aircraft was part of efforts to ensure that the 403 FTS School was operating at the optimum level.
According to him, it will also help achieve the purpose for which the flying school was established.
“The handing over ceremony of the three reactivated L-39ZA aircraft; NAF 352, NAF 354 and NAF 364, marks a positive turning point in our efforts to ensure that the NAF is able to sustain jet training of our potential pilots in this school.
“The support provided by the Federal Government has no doubt had a positive impact on the ability of the NAF to meet the operational needs and requirements of the Armed Forces.
“It has also enhanced our efficiency and improved provision of welfare and other services to our personnel,” he said.
He assured that the NAF would continue to provide conducive atmosphere for learning in view of the fact that it is key to ensuring that students gain the maximum benefits of passing through training institutions.
Abubakar noted that the handing over of the three reactivated L-39ZA aircraft also marked another milestone in NAF efforts to ensure that the 403 Flying Training School operates at its optimum.
“In addition, let me state that the reactivation of this aircraft and the decision to carry it out in-country is part of our overall objective to domicile all our maintenance and training activities locally.
“The domiciling of the maintenance and training locally will enable the NAF make huge foreign exchange savings which can then be channelled towards providing additional facilities to enhance NAF’s training and maintenance efforts,’’ he said.
Abubakar commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the priority given to NAF efforts to maintain its current platforms and equipment as well as the support given to the NAF to acquire new platforms.
He also appreciated the efforts and dedication of the team of technicians from Messrs Aero Vodochody for ensuring the delivery of the project within the stipulated time frame.
Earlier, the Ambassador of Czech Republic to Nigeria, Marek SKOLIL, said for 33 years now the L-39ZA aircraft had proved to be rugged, reliable and pilot-friendly platform, used for training several generations of Nigerian Air Force pilots.
He said Aero Vodochody, the company which manufactured the aircraft, celebrated 100 years of its existence and aircraft production.
“This company was able to manufacture and deliver to the world’s Air Forces more than 8,700 trainer jets, which to date logged more than 13 million flying hours and trained tens of thousands military pilots in 45 countries worldwide,” he said.
NAN reports that highlights at the occasion include the rolling out of one of the reactivated aircraft from the hanger and aerial display. (NAN)
MTM/IAA/MST
Edited by Isaac Aregbesola/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Defence/Security

NAF tasks personnel on physical fitness for active operations

NAF tasks personnel on physical fitness for active operations
By Doris Esa
Fitness
Abuja, Aug. 18, 2018 (NAN) The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has tasked its personnel on physical training, urging them to continue to exercise in order to have “sound mind in a sound body’’.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, gave the charge on Saturday during the Third Quarter Route March Exercise in Abuja.
The air chief, who was represented by AVM Muhammad Mohammed, the Chief of Policy and Plans, NAF Headquarters, said the exercise was aimed at having healthy and fit personnel.
He said that the physical fitness exercise was also aimed at improving the general fitness of the personnel.
Abubakar said that the quarterly exercise took place simultaneously across the country in all NAF units.
He commended the personnel for participating in the exercise, saying that their participation had shown that they are men and women that are physically fit.
“I want to congratulate you for participating in this Third Quarter Route March 2018, besides you, you will see men and women that are physically fit.
“Remember, you are not the only people that are in the Air Force, they are some that could not attend because they were sick, some because of exigencies.
“The fact that you are here and taking part in this exercise, you have proved beyond reasonable doubt that are you are physically fit, willing and you are ready to serve this nation means a lot to us,” he said.
The air chief said that the huge turnout of personnel was an indication that they are available to serve the country, adding “these are men and women that fight for people that can’t fight for themselves”.
“Remember, in taking part in this exercise, you have convinced yourself that are you fit, you have given us reason to believe that the men and women we have are physically fit.
“And you are reassuring this country that we have very physically fit men and women of the Nigerian Air Force.
“This is very very important to us, it is very important to this country, so I enjoined you to continue to train for the next quarter exercise, once again I congratulate you,” Abubakar said. (NAN)
ORD/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

(Video) NAN News Highlights for Mon., July 23, 2018

1. The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC),
Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, says ministers, who failed to inaugurate
members of boards of parastatals under their supervision, risk expulsion from the party.

Oshiomhole condemned the actions of some ministers who had refused to
inaugurate board members appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari and
now appropriate the powers of the board by awarding contracts without
recourse to due process.
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2. A Civil Society Organisation, Elections monitor 2018, has commended
the Independent National Electoral Commission for ensuring a level
–playing field for all political parties during the just concluded
Ekiti State Governorship election.
The coordinator of the CSO, Mr Abiodun Ajijola during the public
presentation of the election observation report said there was
improvement in INEC’s conduct of Election Day activities with no
evidence of partisanship
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3. Dr Adebimpe Adebiyi, the Director, Family Health Department of the
Federal Ministry of Health has advised medical practitioners and other
stakeholders in the health sector, to scale up the use of
chlorhexidine vaccine to reduce newborn deaths due to umbilical cord
infections.
Adebiyi emphasised the need for stakeholders’ intervention in making
the drug available in both public and private health facilities across
the country.
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4. The Nigerian Hajj Medical Team on Monday in Madinah, Saudi Arabia,
cautioned pilgrims against environmental hazards arising from harsh
weather conditions during their pilgrimage in the holy cities of
Makkah and Madinah.

Head of the Medical Team, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Dr
Muhammad Abdulkadir said because of the high temperatures and harsh
weather in Madinah, pilgrims were at the risk of getting dehydrated
and therefore needed to drink plenty of water frequently.
Abdulkadir advised the pilgrims to maintain personal hygiene and
observe environmental sanitation as well as eat good food throughout
the duration of the Hajj.
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5. The Industrial Training Fund in collaboration with the Nigerian air
Force has trained two hundred personnel in Electrical Works, Auto Cad,
Welding and Fabrication, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Masonry,
Plumbing and Pipe Fitting.
The Director General of ITF, Mr. Joseph Ari, said the event marked a
water shed in the effort to skill and re-skill members of the Armed
Forces for efficient management of Security stations country wise.
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6.  The General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mohammed
Sanusi, says the Amaju Pinnick-led Executive Committee of is back to
the federation’s secretariat to direct affairs in earnest.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino threatened to sanction NFF over the
long running battle for leadership of the federation between the
Pinnick-led executive committee and the Chris Giwa-led faction.
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Defence/Security

NAF fighter aircraft neutralises fleeing Boko Haram terrorists

NAF fighter aircraft neutralises fleeing Boko Haram terrorists
By Doris Esa
Terrorists
Abuja, July 20, 2018 (NAN) The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has successfully neutralised several Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) at Bulagalaye and Kwakwa, both in Borno, through successful air strikes.
AVM Olatokunbo Adesanya, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, who confirmed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja, said the operation was conducted on Sunday.
“The successful air strikes on both locations were a result of efforts to trail and neutralise fleeing terrorists after Nigerian Army (NA) troops had repelled the attack on their location around BAMA.
“Upon receiving reports of the attack, the ATF scrambled an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform and the Alpha Jet aircraft to locate the fleeing terrorists.
“Consequently, the insurgents, who were seen assembled at a staging area in BULAGALAYE, began to disperse upon sighting the attack platforms.
“However, the NAF fighter aircraft acquired and attacked the fleeing insurgents with bombs and rockets.
“As a result of the air strikes, the BHTs were neutralised while their vehicles and weapons were destroyed, leading to a thick cloud of black smoke,” he said.
Adesanya said that intelligence reports later revealed that a smaller bunch of the BHTs had re-assembled in a settlement known as KWAKWA.
He said that the ATF then conducted a wave of strikes on the location.
“Overhead KWAKWA, the ISR platform successfully identified the terrorists’ location and vectored the attack platforms to the target area, which was attacked with bombs and rockets,” he said.
He said some of the terrorists were seen fleeing towards a nearby settlement and further attacked with rockets and then neutralised.
“The Air Task Force will continue to conduct missions in support of the efforts of our troops in the counterinsurgency operations in the Northeast while also providing Close Air Support when requested to do so,” he said. (NAN)
ORD/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Physical, mental fitness business of military – GOC

Physical, mental fitness business of military – GOC
By Mohammad Tijjani
Fitness
Kaduna, June 30, 2018 (NAN) The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Maj-Gen Mohammed Mohammed, says physical mental fitness is the business of the military all the time.
Mohammed said this during the Second Route March Exercise of 10kms walk and jog organised by the Nigerian Air Force, Air Training Command (AOC), Kaduna.
The GOC, who was the Special Guest of Honor at the occasion, said “the business of the military is about been active all the time’’.
According to him, you cannot be active if you are not engaged in exercise of this nature.
“Once you are fit, it determines your performance in any field of exercise in operation.
“Physical strength, health wise in terms of Biomedics and others at the end of the day relives you,’’ he said.
The GOC said a better able body man is more deployable than who is not physically fit.
He said that fitness of officers and men of military was a pre-requisite for successful operations.
The commanding officer thanked the Air Officer, AOC Kaduna, AVM Muhammad Ademu, for honouring him, saying 1 Division will participate fully in the next exercise.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that prizes were given to those who excelled during the exercise.
NAN also reports that some sister agencies who participated in the exercise include Prison Service, Police, DSS and Civil Defence Corps.
The event is a routine activity of the NAF designed to encourage physical fitness of the NAF personnel. (NAN)
TJ/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola