Defence & Security
Tinubu inducts 2 newly acquired combat helicopters into NAF Inventory
Tinubu inducts 2 newly acquired combat helicopters into NAF Inventory
President Bola Tinubu has inducted two newly acquired T-129 ATAK Helicopters and a King Air 360ER Beechcraft into the Order of Battle (ORBAT) of the Nigeriagn Air Force (NAF).
This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Tinubu, who was represented at NAF Base, Makurdi, by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the acquisition and induction of the platforms remained a symbol of his commitment to investment in national security.
He expressed confidence that the deployment of the new platforms would significantly enhance NAF’s combat efficiency in addressing contemporary security challenges, both domestically and within the West African region.
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The President called for discipline in operations and the establishment of a robust maintenance culture to maximise the benefits derived therein.
He commended the NAF for standing as a dependable regional power and emphasised his administration’s dedication to supporting it.
Tinubu said it was also a reflection of his commitment to eradicating terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, and other criminal activities that had plagued the country for years.
According to him, though substantial progress has been achieved in ongoing counterterrorism efforts, there should be no cause for celebration until the security challenges are fully addressed.
He called for a change in mind set, strategy and tactics in addressing the menace.
In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammed Badaru, acknowledged the sincerity of purpose of President Tinubu toward restoring peace in every part of Nigeria.
Badaru thanked the President for his foresight, resilient leadership, and unwavering support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in spite of the numerous challenges confronting the nation.
He urged NAF to adhere to maintenance schedules and implementation of robust safety practices to ensure the sustained serviceability status of the aircrafts so as to derive maximum benefit for the nation.
The minister also urged NAF personnel to align their individual and collective actions with the vision of the President, emphasising the pursuit of peace, stability, and rapid development objectives.
Earlier, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said the induction was a testimony of government’s unwavering resolve to equip and energise the NAF toward combating terrorism and other threats.
Abubakar said the NAF had since inception of Tinubu’s administration, inducted five new aircrafts into its fleet, including two Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft, two T-129 ATAK helicopters, and a King Air 360 ER.
He said there was plan for the NAF to induct 46 new aircraft of various types over the next 18 months.
The CAS assured Nigerians that the NAF would not rest until it brought the war to a favourable end, to ensure the peace and stability that Nigerians deserved.
He urged all Nigerians to keep the faith and hope in the advancement and prosperity of the nation.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of other distinguished dignitaries, including Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Minister of Information and Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, and the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hidayet Bayraktar.
Also in attendance were members of the National Assembly and several serving and retired senior military officers.
Tinubu inducts 2 newly acquired combat helicopters into NAF Inventory
BRAVE-IT recommends civilian engagement in countering threats
By Halima Abdulkadiri
In the face of rising insecurity in Nigeria, it is imperative that civilians become actively engaged in countering these threats.
BRAVE-IT, a community advocacy group, is calling on individuals to stand up and take action to protect themselves and their neighborhoods.
According to Dr MS Abubakar, National Patron of Building Resilience Against Violent Extremism Insurgency and Terrorism ( BRAVE-IT ), mentioned that one of the most effective ways civilians can contribute to improving security is by becoming more vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
By taking note of unusual behavior or individuals in their surroundings, civilians can help authorities identify potential threats before they escalate.
He however said that BRAVE-IT encourages civilians to participate in community watch programs and neighborhood patrols to deter criminals and prevent crime. By working together to monitor and safeguard their neighborhoods, residents can create a strong sense of community and cooperation that is essential to combating insecurity.
Beyond these proactive measures, civilians can also support law enforcement efforts by providing valuable information and assistance in investigations. By cooperating with authorities and sharing any relevant information they may have, civilians can play a crucial role in helping to identify and apprehend criminals.
He added that the military can not fight and eradicate insecurity in the country.
It is the responsibility of every individual to contribute to the safety and security of their community. By advocating for civilian engagement in countering insecurity, BRAVE-IT aims to empower residents to take a stand against crime and create a safer environment for all.
NAF kills several terrorists in Borno, Niger airstrikes
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Components of Operations Hadin Kai and Whirl Punch in the North East and North Central killed several terrorists in airstrikes in Borno and Niger.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Sunday in Abuja.
Gabkwet said the air components had continued to obliterate terrorists and destroy their structures, equipment and mobility, thereby limiting their ability to attack ground troops and innocent Nigerians at will.
In the North East he said the air interdiction was on May 3 authourised and conducted over Chinene, a location tucked inside the Mandara mountain.
Terrorists had been observed to be emanating from various locations and assembling ostensibly for a meeting.
According to him, seven gun trucks were also observed parked under trees within the same location.
Gabkwet said the aircraft bombarded the assembly area and tree coverings and destroyed their weapons and mobility.
He said that Battle Damage Assessment revealed that the strikes were successful as several terrorists were neutralised and logistics destroyed.
According to him, similar airstrikes were conducted same day by the air component of Operation Whirl Punch in a pre-emptive air strikes over terrorists hibernating at Allawa village, near Shiroro town in Niger.
The NAF spokesman said the mission was conducted following credible intelligence which revealed the migration of terrorists into the village after the mass exit of locals for fear of their safety.
He said the terrorists had, on May 1, stormed the deserted Allawa community in Shiroro Local Government Area and torched the Central Primary School.
“In the evening of the same day, another group of terrorists also arrived at the location, wielding AK-47/49 rifles after invading Galapai village in Galadima Kogo District of Shiroro.
“Accordingly, to prevent further occupation as well as pursue the terrorists from the location, the air component scrambled a formation of its platforms to attack the location.
“On arrival at the location, several terrorists were sighted and engaged effectively.
“Furthermore, following credible intelligence as well as detailed aerial observation, which confirmed the presence of their cache of arms hidden inside Allawa Forest, the air component further carried out air strikes at the location,” he said.
Gabkwet also said that the NAF carried out air strikes North of Arugbana and Temakiri in the Niger Delta, where illegal refining sites were observed and destroyed.
According to him, through this action, the capabilities of oil thieves to continually sabotage and destroy oil pipelines were minimised.
NAF kills several terrorists in Borno, Niger airstrikes
Operation SAFE HAVEN quell communal violence in Southern Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN on Tuesday quell communal violence in Kaura LGA in Southern Kaduna.
It was gathered that the troops while on patrol in Southern Kaduna received a distress call about tension in Kaura LGA where it was alleged that the locals were mobilising to attack a neighboring community.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops rushed to the area and recovered 9 rifles and 50 cartridges rounds while bringing the situation under control.
The sources said that monitoring continues as the situation remained fluid.
Operation SAFE HAVEN quell communal violence in Southern Kaduna
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