Africa Security Investigation News

By Emmanuel Daudu

Major General Edward Buba, Director Defence Media Operations has disclosed that the military has neutralized 38 terrorists, arrested 175 gunmen/ criminals, 20 kidnappers, 30 collaborator and 17 pipeline vandals. The military also rescued 89 kidnapped hostages.

According to Maj. Gen. Edward, the uncommon cooperation, collaboration and support received from citizens across the country is greatly assisting own operations to yield expected results. Nigerians are speaking up, and the military is doing something about it.
“During the week leading to 11 August 2023, Troops denied the oil theft saboteours the sum of Six Hundred and Seven Million, Three Hundred and Forty-Six Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty Naira (N607,346,750.00) being value of seizures.

“Furthermore, troops recovered 38 assorted weapons and 186 ammunition. The break down as follows; 14 AK 47 rifles, one G3 rifle, one PKT, 3 AK47 rifle loaded with 23 rounds of 7.62mm special, one SMG, 10 dane gun, 5 locally fabricated pistols, 2 fabricated weapon, 2 double barrel guns, one locally made revolver, 3 locally fabricated pistols, 151 rounds of 7.62mm special, 5 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 16 rounds of 9mm ammo, 16 rounds 5.56 x 45mm ammo, 5 rounds of 7.62mm special (refilled), 12 AK47 magazines, one G3 rifle magazine, one FN rifle magazine, one magazine containing 30 rounds of 7.62mm special and 7 empty cases of 7.62mm special.

“Miscellaneous items recovered include; 33 motorcycles, 30 mobile phones, 4 tricycles, 4 motorola HH radios, 4 vehicles, 10 bags of fertilizers, 73 livestock, 7 cutlasses, one magazine pouch, 2 solar panels, 10 litres of PMS, Nigerian Police uniform, 2 gas cylinders, one power bank, one pairs of woodland and desert camouflages each. Troops also recovered the sum of Two Million Five Hundred and Ninety-Two Thousand Two Hundred and Forty Naira (N2,592,240.00).

“Troops of Operation Delta Safe , destroyed 39 illegal refining sites, 72 dugout pits, 65 wooden boats, 70 storage tanks and 119 cooking ovens. Other sundry equipment include: 2 speedboats, 5 outboard engines, and 4 pumping machines. Troops recovered 1,247,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 132,500 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, 57,450 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosine and 800 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.

“The military would sustain it’s offensive until they quit. The military would do what it knows to do best. Therefore, “Know Something, Say Something, and Military will do Something”. The details of the operational activities, indicating date, location and other information are contained in the attached enclosure”.

He also stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will not back down in it’s offensive operations aimed at tackling insecurity across the 6 geopolitical zones of the country. Rather, the military will brutally hunt down the orchestrators and take appropriate actions to hold them accountable for their actions.
“The military, while conducting these operations will continue to take great measures to prevent civilian casualties. Protecting civilians remains a vital part of own objective to promote greater security for all Nigerians”.

By Emmanuel Daudu

Major General Edward Buba, Director Defence Media Operations on Friday 11 August, 2023 has giving a detailed breakdown of the military operations across the federation.

The Report On Joint Task Force Operational Activities As At 11 August 2023 is worth reading and then, you would appreciate the efforts of the Nigerian troops in protecting the Nigeria territory and ensuring that all citizens have a conducive environment to carryout their sundry legitimate daily businesses.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST)

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI continued their offensive operations against the terrorists. Troops neutralized terrorist, conducted raids and rescued hostages. Troops recovered arms and ammunition in Bama, Ngala, Magumeri and Gwoza Local Government Areas of Borno State. Some terrorist surrendered and denouncing the terrorist ideology in Bama Local Government Area of the Borno State.

Details as follows:

b. Rescued Hostages. Between 1 to 2 August 2023, troops conducted fighting patrol to Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist enclaves at Ngalmari, Aligamari and Abbatori villages in Bama LGA of Borno State. Troops rescued 13 adult females and 16 children. Troops also rescued 5 kidnapped farmers at Shaware Adambe general area of the Borno State.

c. Raid Operation. Between 31 July to 3 August 2023, troops responded to intelligence of notorious criminal gang known as Malians hibernating at Bolori 2 general area, Jajeri Bayan Quarters and Tudu general in Maiduguri Municipal City (MMC) of Borno State. The operation yielded results as troops arrested 18 suspected gang members. Troops recovered substance suspected to be cannabis, cough syrup and 5 mobile phones among other items.

d. Surrendered Terrorist. On 2 Aug 23, one notorious Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist identified as Mallam Abubakar Ali surrendered to troops with one AK 47 Rifle and 5 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo (refilled). Preliminary investigation revealed that the terrorist surrendered from Dalari in Bama LGA of Borno State.

e. Neutralized Terrorist and Recover Arms
(1) On 2 Aug 23, troops raided suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist enclave at Garin Ba’aba in the fringes of Sambisa Forest in Bama LGA of Borno State. Troops made contact with the terrorist. Following a fire fight, the terrorist fled and troops recovered one SMG rifle, 5 AK 47 rifle magazines, 3 rounds of 9 mm ammo, one Dane gun, 3 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist flag among other items.
(2) On the same day, troops ambushed Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist at a check point at Gambaru in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State. Troops neutralized one terrorist while others fled. Troops recovered one AK 47 rifle, one magazine, 14 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, one mobile phone and 2 motorcycles among other items.
(3) Additionally, troops responded to information of presence of suspected BH/ISWAP terrorist at Shotorom Village in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State. Troops made contact with the terrorist. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 3 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist while others fled. Troops exploited the general area and recovered one AK 47 Rifle, 35 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and a binding chain.
(4) On 4 Aug 23, troops raided Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist enclave at Gava Village in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. Troops made contact with the terrorist. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist while 22 terrorists with their families were captured. Troops recovered assorted drugs, 2 mobile phones and sum of Thirty-Three Thousand Naira (N33,000.00) only.

Air Interdiction. The Air Component Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction on terrorist’s enclaves at Jango. The targets were acquired and attacked with rockets and cannons dislodging the terrorists and damaging their structures.

SUMMARY

In the course of operations, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recovered ;3 AK47 rifles, one SMG rifle, one dane gun, 6 AK47 magazines, 49 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5 rounds of 7.62mm special (refilled), 3 rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 motorcycles, 8 mobile phones, 3 BH/ISWAP flags, substance suspected to be cannabis, binding chains and sum of Thirty-Three Thousand Naira (N33,000.00) only.

Troops neutralized 16 terrorists, arrested 53 terrorists and rescued 34 hostages.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)

Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN have remained relentless in offensive posture against kidnappers and other criminals elements within the operational area.  Troops conducted raid and arrested suspected kidnappers in Mangu and Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Areas of Plateau and Nasarawa States respectively. Details are as follow:

Arrest of Suspected Kidnappers
(1) On 2 Aug 23, following a tip off, troops arrested 2 suspected kidnappers at Kasuwan Ali Village in Mangu LGA of Plateau State.
(2) On the same day, troops raided a suspected kidnapper’s hideout at Hill Top in Nasarawa Eggon LGA of Nasarawa State. Troops arrested 3 suspected kidnappers while one fled.

SUMMARY

In the course of operations, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN within the week neutralized 3 terrorists, arrested 13 suspected criminals, 5 kidnappers and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages.

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE continued their onslaught on terrorists and neutralized terrorists. Troops destroyed gun fabricating factory in Katsina Ala and Wukari LGAs of Benue and Taraba States respectively. Troops also arrested suspected drug peddlers in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State.

Details are as follows:

a. Troops Neutralized Terrorists and Recovered Weapons
(1) On 2 Aug 23, troops raided suspected terrorists’ hideouts at Demava general area in Katsina Ala LGA of Benue State. During the operation, troops neutralized 2 terrorists while others fled. Troops destroyed their hideout and exploited the general area but nothing of security significance was observation.
(2) On 3 Aug 23, following a tip off, troops raided a gun fabricating factory at Avyi Village in Wukari LGA of Taraba State. Troops made contact with the criminals. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 3 suspected gun runners and recovered one locally fabricated pistol, one GPMG barrel, one AK 47 magazine and barrel, one FN rifle magazine, 2 rifle butts, 3 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 4 rounds of 9 mm ammo, 2 gas cylinders and tools used in fabricating firearms. Troops destroyed the factory afterwards.

b. Arrest of Drug Peddlers. On 2 Aug 23, troops arrested 2 suspected drug peddlers along Road Karshi -Karu in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State. The drug peddlers were in possession of substances suspected to be Cannabis and other highly controlled prescription drugs.

SUMMARY

In the course operations, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recovered one locally fabricated pistol, one GPMG barrel, one AK 47 magazine and barrel, one FN rifle magazine, 2 rifle butts, 3 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 4 rounds of 9 mm ammo, 2 gas cylinders as well as tools used in fabricating firearms. Troops also neutralized 7 terrorists, arrested 3 suspects and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages. 

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)

The offensive operations of troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized terrorists and destroyed terrorists’ camps. Troops recovered arms and ammunition in Batsari and Isa LGA of Katsina State as well as in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State. Troops laid ambush and neutralized terrorists moving with abductees at Bukuyyum LGA of Zamfara State.

Details are as follows;

b. Troops neutralized Terrorists and Recovered Arms.
(1) On 31 July 2023, troops responded to information on terrorist’s activities at Kinfau Kirtawa, Illelah general area in Batsari LGA of Katsina State. Troops made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists and recovered one motorcycle.
(2) On 4 Aug 23, troops while on patrol. Troops made contact with terrorists at Gudunmi Village in Isa LGA of Sokoto State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist and recovered one AK 47 riffle loaded with 2 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo.

b. Troops Destroyed Terrorist Camps and Recovered Arms. On 3 Aug 23, troops conducted fighting patrol to Hawan-Drum, Kusabunni Forest in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State. Troops discovered a terrorists’ camp and destroyed it. Troops also recovered 3 motorcycles, one woodland cam, one desert cam, one NP trouser, one radio and charger. Troops further pursuit through their escaped route through Danduse High Grd, Tafkin–Gawo, Alumdawa, Ungwar Mailele Malamawa, Bukka-Hamsin and Jimbama Village. Troops recovered 3 AK 47 rifle magazines, 14 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and 3 foreign camouflage shirts.

c. Ambush on Bandits. On 7 Aug 23, troops acted on information that bandits were moving from Sokoto with some abductees. Troops responded and ambushed the bandits at the outskirt of Gadar Zaima Village in Bukuyyum LGA of Zamfara State and made contact. Following the fire fight, troops neutralized 10 bandits while others fled. Troops recovered 6 AK 47 rifles, one PKT gun, 5 AK 47 magazines, 20 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 3 mobile phones, 2 solar panels, one old sewing machines and the sum of Two Million Four Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira (N2,410,000.00) only. Troops equally rescued 9 kidnapped persons however one person was killed by the bandits during the encounter.

Air Interdiction. On 1 Aug 23, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted air interdiction at terrorist kingpin Hassan Maitaro’s enclaves in Tsafe LGA. The camp was attacked with rockets neutralizing several terrorists and destroyed their structures.

SUMMARY

In the course operations, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recovered 9 AK47 rifles, one PKT, one AK47 rifle loaded with 2 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 34 rounds of 7.62mm special, 5 AK47 magazines, 4 motorcycles, 3 mobile phones, one woodland camouflage, one desert camouflage, one Nigerian Police uniform, 2 solar panels, foreign camouflage shirt and sum of N2,410,000. Troops also neutralized 5 terrorists, arrested 8 suspects and rescued 9 kidnapped hostages. 

OP WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)

Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH rescued kidnapped hostage in Chikun, Kajuru and Birni Gwari LGAs of Kaduna State. Troops also carried out fighting patrols and neutralized terrorists and arrested suspect in Kajuru and Birni Gwari LGAs of the same state.

Details as follows:

a. Rescued Kidnaped Victims.
(1) Between 31 July – 1 August 2023, troops while on fighting patrol within the general area of Kuzo Forest and Kujeni village in Chikun and Kajuru LGAs of Kaduna State. Troops rescued 6 kidnapped victims and destroyed one abandoned motorcycle.
(2) 3 August 23, troops while on picketing along Road Birnin Gwari – Polewire made contact with terrorist in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, the terrorists fled and abandon their kidnapped victims. Troops combed the general area and rescued 8 kidnapped victims.

b. Fighting Patrols. On 31 Jul 23, troops conducted clearance operations to Tsohon Kabai, Kubusu and Kuzo Forests within Chikun and Kajuru LGAs of Kaduna State. Troops made contact with terrorists. Following the fire fight, the terrorists fled. Troops exploited the general area and recovered one fabricated weapon, 16 rounds of 5.56 x 45 mm ammo, 2 motorcycles, one magazine pouch and one dummy rifle. Troops also destroyed the criminals’ camps.

c. Troops Neutralized Terrorist and Arrest Suspects. On 3 Aug 23, troops conducted fighting patrol to Maganda, Bugai, Dagara in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. Troops made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist and recovered one AK 47 rifle with 2 MCs. Troops further intercepted 2 trucks and arrested 3 locals who were suspected to be involved in the sale of rustled cattle.

d. Arrest of Vandals. Between 3 and 5 August 2023, troops intercepted trucks and arrested 7 suspects conveying stolen railway sleepers at Kaduna South and Doma LGAs of Kaduna and Nasarawa States respectively.

Air Interdiction. The Air Component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted air interdiction at Tsohon Kabula in Munya LGA of Niger State. Intelligence had revealed terrorist presence at the location. The location was acquired and subsequently attack with cannons neutralizing several terrorists.

SUMMARY

In the course of operation, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 4 terrorists and recovered one AK47 rifle, one fabricated weapon, one dummy rifle, 16 rounds of 5.56 x 45mm ammo, one magazine pouch, 4 trucks and 4 motorcycles amongst other items. Troops also arrested 44 terrorist collaborators and rescued 15 kidnapped civilians. 

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)

Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE continued their clamp down on the activities of oil thefts and illegal bunkering. Troops conducted raids at Oshimili and Ahoada East LGAs of Delta and Rivers State. Troops recovered arms and ammunition and destroyed IPOB fighters worship centre in Ozubulu Okpanam of Delta State.

Additionally, troops arrested 7 suspects, discovered about 57 dugout pits, 19 boats, 53 storage tanks, one vehicle, 94 cooking ovens, 2 motorcycles and 21 illegal refining sites. Troops also recovered 309,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 29,675 litres of illegally refined AGO and 49,000 litres of DPK.

Details as follows:

a. Raid Operation.
(1) On 31 Jul 23, troops raided suspected IPOB/ESN camp at Ugwu-Nwosu in Ugboolu in Oshimili North LGA of Delta State. The criminals fled on sighting troops approaching their camp. Troops exploited the general area and recovered 2 motorcycles, 5 mobile phones, one phone charger. Troops destroyed a compound used by the IPOB fighters as a worship centre at Abacha Camp in Ozubulu Okpanam in the same LGA.
(2) On 2 Aug 23, following intelligence, troops raided the suspected militants’ hideout within Akugnoko – Odiabidi Community in Ahoada East LGA of Rivers State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one of the militants while other fled into the Forest. Troops exploited the general area and recovered one G3 rifle, 5 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammo, 2 x G3 magazines, 2 Motorola HH radios, 8 mob phones, one power bank as well as one ID card. Troops also destroyed the camp.

Air Interdiction. The Air Component of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted a close air support in support ground troops at IPOB terrorist’s hideout at North West Owerri on 31 July 23. Overhead, the location targeted was engaged with aircraft guns complementing own troops’ fire power.

SUMMARYIn the course of operations, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered one G3 rifle, 2 G3 magazines, 5 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2 motorola HH radio, one vehicle, 4 motorcycles, 13 mobile phones, one power bank and one ID card.

Troops destroyed 21 illegal refining sites, 57 dugout pits, 19 boats, 53 storage tanks, 94 cooking ovens as well as recovered 309,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 29,675 litres of illegally refined AGO and 49,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosine.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)

Troops of Operation UDO KA arrested Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminal in Nnewi North LGA of Enugu State. Troops also conducted raids on illegal oil dumps and illegal refining site in Aba South LGA of Abia State. Details are as follows:

a. Arrest of IPOB/ESN. On 1 August 2023, troops on patrol at Nnewi in Nnewi North LGA of Enugu State arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN criminal with a pistol bridge block. Efforts is ongoing to recover other parts and source of weapon.
b. Raid Operation. On 3 Aug 23, troops raided Aba general area in Aba South LGA of Abia State. During the operation, troops discovered oil dumps at different location with suspected illegally refined products at Enyimba, Joedels Ent Ltd and Neprove Filling Stations along Aba – Port Harcourt Expressway. Troops also apprehended 2 trucks loaded with illegally refined AGO at Enyimba and Neprove Ent Ltd Filling Stations. The trucks were moved to a safe location and destroyed in-situ.

SUMMARY

In the conduct of operations, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 2 terrorists, arrested 2 criminals, apprehended 2 trucks loaded with illegally refined AGO and recued 4 kidnapped hostages.

CONCLUSION

The determination and tenacity of the troops have continued to yield positive results thereby shrinking the space for perpetrators of insecurity in the country.

Given, the active participation of citizens in exposing the activities these evil elements. Their days are surely numbered to either surrender now or exit this world. The military would sustain the momentum, therefore:
“Know Something, Say Something, and Military will do Something”.

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has stated that as a Service subservient to the political class, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) state of readiness and preparedness remains paramount and must never be in doubt. This, according to him, was in line with NAF’s constitutional responsibility to be ready to perform tasks that may be assigned to it by Nigeria’s political leaders.

Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet,
Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force, in the press release he signed on 10 August 2023, disclosed that Air Marshal Abubakar stated this at his maiden meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding and NAF operational commanders held earlier today, 10 August 2023, at NAF Headquarters Abuja. He however warned that even as the Service remains in the state of readiness, personnel must continue to remain apolitical, patriotic and conduct themselves in the most professional and disciplined manner. The CAS had earlier described the contemporary operating environment within the shores of Nigeria and across the West African sub-Region as diffuse and complex, with consequences on the political climate of the entire Region.

Speaking further, Air Marshal Abubakar had commended NAF operational commanders for their commitment in tackling the current security challenges facing the Nation. According to him, “I am particularly glad about the recent heightened level of air operations across all our joint operations theatres which has seen us record tremendous outcomes.” He however observed that while so much has been achieved, a lot still needed to be done to ensure the NAF fully attained its set objectives. He then implored the commanders to ensure they utilize the opportunity of the meeting to interact frankly and objectively while proffering solutions and strategies that will translate to actionable consequences on the ground.

Earlier, the CAS had unveiled his command philosophy which he said would enable NAF personnel having a clear understanding of his focus on the future direction of the Service. In framing his philosophy, Air Marshal Abubakar stated that he took cognizance of the current state of NAF fleet which has been enhanced with over 70 new aircraft types with more being expected as well as the current security environment. According to the CAS, “Only a carefully thought-out strategy guided by a strong philosophy can adequately situate the NAF to address the Nation’s security challenges.” Consequently, the CAS revealed that his command philosophy intends to, “To transform the NAF into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments. To translate his philosophy into tangible gains on ground, the CAS stated that he will leverage on technology, innovation, lessons learnt as well as the personnel and fleets at his disposal to effectively checkmate the security threats confronting the nation. These are aside the 5 key enablers that he believed will drive his philosophy to fruition.

On the sideline of the meeting, the CAS also handed out brand new Hilux Toyota vehicles to 7 Air Warrant Officers in honour of their selfless services to the NAF, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the nation at large, having attained the pinnacle of their careers. According to Air Marshal Abubakar, “This gesture was in line with one of the key enablers of my Philosophy to, ‘Maintain a highly motivated force by enhancing welfare and infrastructural renewal.’ He then hoped that the gesture would spur others to work harder and aspire towards contributing their best to the growth of the NAF.

The meeting brought together all Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding as well as Commanders of Direct Reporting Units and Operation Units. Issues germane to enhancing ongoing air operations as well as welfare of NAF personnel are tops on the agenda.

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali, today 10 August 2023 visited Sector 3 Monguno in Nigeria to familiarise and assess the progress of the operations against Boko Haram terrorists.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, Military Public Information Officer – N’djemena in a press release he signed on 10 August 2023, said, during his visit, the Force Commander commended the sector for its exceptional efforts in achieving the MNJTF mandate, praising the troops for their dedication and hard work.

Emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant and steadfast in their mission, Major General Ali charged the troops to continue their efforts to eliminate the remaining Boko Haram terrorists. He highlighted that the recent mass surrender of Boko Haram fighters is an indication that the war against the insurgent group is nearing its end. The Force Commander advised the officers to maintain a positive mindset while carrying out their duties, stating that their efforts have significantly contributed to the progress made in the fight against the terrorists.

The Force Commander expressed his gratitude to the “Civilian Joint Task Force” for their invaluable support. He recognized the crucial role played by the local communities in providing vital information and assistance in the fight against Boko Haram. The Force Commander stressed that the cooperation of the civilian population is essential in bringing an end to the reign of terror caused by the terrorist group.

While welcoming the Force Commander to the Sector, the Sector 3 Commander, Major General Peter Okoye thanks the MNJTF Headquarters for its support and prompt response to the sector’s requests.

He assured the Force Commander of his troops readiness to dominate its Area of Responsibility in order to clear remnant terrorists marauding in the area.

As the visit concluded, Major General Ali assured the troops that their hard work and sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. He pledged to continue providing them with the necessary resources and support to carry out their tasks effectively. The visit of the Force Commander served as a morale boost for the troops, reaffirming their commitment to eliminating the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorist group and restoring peace and stability to the region.

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar has reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to bolster the serviceability rate of its operable platforms to meet current and emerging security challenges.

According to Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force, in a press release he signed on 9 August 2023, Air Marshal Abubakar stated this today while addressing officers and men during his maiden operational visit to Air Training Command and co-located NAF units in Kaduna. The CAS noted that the Service would enhance resilience in the conduct of its air operations within a joint and multi-agency setting. According to him, “To be resilient in our operations, we must proactively address maintenance and logistics support for all our fleet. We all have a part to play in ensuring that the NAF surpasses the current average serviceability of over 78 per cent”, he said.

The CAS commended the efforts of NAF personnel participating in Operation Whirl Punch for upholding the mandate of bringing activities of criminal elements to an end noting that their sacrifices and efforts are making positive impacts in parts of the North West and North Central geopolitical zones including the Federal Capital Territory. While unveiling his command philosophy which is “To transform the NAF into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments”, Air Marshal Abubakar charged all personnel to key into the philosophy. He stated further that he would leverage on technology, innovation, lessons learnt as well as the personnel and fleets to effectively checkmate the security threats confronting the country.

On safety, the CAS charged personnel to imbibe a safety culture and persistently abide by all safety standards and regulations to prevent mishaps in all air operations noting that accidents occur due to a chain of events and therefore they should always be vigilant to break the chain. In the area of manpower development, Air Marshal Abubakar stated that overseas and local training would be deliberate and targeted to address deficiencies in needed skills and capabilities. Course nominations he said would be merit-based to ensure that only the most qualified are selected to give the NAF value for money.

Speaking about welfare, Air Marshal Abubakar assured personnel that all their entitlements would be promptly paid.

He further assured that he would intervene in priority areas to make their training and operations more efficient and ensure that personnel and their families live more comfortably considering the economic situation in the country. He charged them to embrace efficient management of scarce resources in their care. His administration, he noted would identify and prioritize the most critical needs and objectives and allocate resources where they can have the greatest impact.