Defence & Security
NAF@60: Research and Development Vital for Operational Efficiency – CAS
NAF@60: Research and Development Vital for Operational Efficiency – CAS
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has in a resounding call for innovation and self-reliance within the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), highlighted the pivotal role of Research and Development in elevating operational effectiveness.
Speaking at the NAF Inter-Command Research and Development Competition today, held at the prestigious NAF Base on Bill Clinton Drive in Abuja, Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted the significance of fostering indigenous capabilities for the manufacturing and maintenance of aircraft platforms.
During the event, which forms part of the NAF’s 60th Anniversary Celebrations, Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized the necessity of cultivating local expertise to overcome the challenges inherent in aircraft maintenance. His remarks resonated with participants and spectators alike, shining a spotlight on the critical importance of technological advancement and homegrown solutions in the realm of aerial defence.
As the Nigerian Air Force continues to mark six decades of service and commitment to national security, the words of Air Marshal Abubakar serve as a clarion call for a renewed focus on research, development, and innovation within the organization. By harnessing the power of local talent and expertise, the NAF aims to enhance its operational capabilities and ensure a sustainable future for the defense of the nation.
Speaking further, Air Marshal Abubakar went down memory lane to recount a poignant moment in NAF’s history where, after acquiring 18 Jaguar aircraft in 1984, the entire fleet became grounded 7 years later with some having as little as 150 hours of total flight time majorly due to lack of spares or technical know-how. He went further to lament a similar fate with the MiG 21 aircraft, procured in 1975 and later retired in the late 1980s, with flight hours ranging from 43hrs to 469hrs. These premature retirements, he noted, underscored NAF’s struggle to sustain operations due to technical shortcomings, echoing challenges in maintaining aircraft weaponry and other critical equipment. “This, once more,” declared the CAS, “highlights the indispensable role of Research and Development in NAF’s operations.”
The CAS then went on to highlight NAF’s distinction as a trailblazer in research and development endeavours. According to him, “With the production of the Tsaigumi UAV to pioneering advancements like rocket launchers, heat shields and weaponization of Alpha Jet aircraft, the NAF has consistently showcased its competence in Research and Development innovations. These achievements have ensured the readiness and deployment of NAF platforms and equipment across operational theaters.” Recognizing the paramount importance of Research and Development, Air Marshal Abubakar, announced that he had approved the installation of 8 diverse CNC machines at the Air Force Force Research and Development Centre in Osogbo. He also added that the NAF was on the verge of signing a technology transfer agreement with a company in Europe for the production of the 57mm rocket armament. According to him, “These endeavors epitomize our commitment to prioritizing Research and Development, leveraging state-of-the-art technology, strategic partnerships, and lessons learned, in alignment with my command philosophy.”
In his opening address, the Chief of Standard and Evaluation, Air Vice Marshal MN Onyebashi, elucidated the competition’s purpose which he says was to showcase innovative solutions addressing operational, maintenance, and service-related challenges within the NAF.
The occasion was graced by Branch Chiefs, senior officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy and NAF as well as participants from NAF Commands across the country.
NAF@60: Research and Development Vital for Operational Efficiency – CAS
Defence & Security
Bandit Leader Bello Turji Seizes Nigerian Army Vehicles, Ammunition in Fierce Clash
Bandit Leader Bello Turji Seizes Nigerian Army Vehicles, Ammunition in Fierce Clash
Footage has surfaced online showing notorious bandit leader Bello Turji and his gang celebrating after capturing a Nigerian Army Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and a significant amount of ammunition. The incident was confirmed by counterinsurgency expert ZagaZola Makama, who provided details of the encounter.
According to Makama, the Nigerian Army had received intelligence about a high-level meeting of bandits within Bello Turji’s camp. In response, a team of soldiers, led by a young officer, was dispatched to the area to intercept the gathering. However, the operation quickly encountered challenges when one of the military vehicles became stuck in the marshy terrain, halting the troops’ progress.
Makama explained that the soldiers came under heavy fire from the bandits, triggering an intense gunfight that lasted several hours. Despite their efforts, heavy rainfall and poor weather conditions prevented air support from arriving in time to aid the soldiers.
In an attempt to retrieve the immobilized vehicle, the troops brought in a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, but it too became stuck in the mud. With reinforcements on the way, the situation remained critical, and the soldiers eventually had to withdraw, leaving behind the vehicles. Fortunately, no casualties were reported among the troops.
Hours later, Turji and his gang returned to the scene, celebrating their victory by firing shots into the air and boasting of their success in capturing the military vehicles.
As of now, the Nigerian Army has yet to officially comment on the incident.
Nigerian Soldier Mocks Cultists, Urges Men to Join Military
A Nigerian soldier, Abubakar Sadiq, has sparked conversations online after making a bold statement criticizing men who join cult groups, asserting that true strength lies in serving the nation through the military.
In a post shared on Facebook, Sadiq wrote, “Cultism is for small boys. Real men join the military,” challenging the masculinity and maturity of those involved in cultism.
His comment has garnered attention, with many social media users weighing in on the debate, some supporting his stance while others criticized his approach. Sadiq’s post underscores the ongoing efforts by military personnel to steer young men away from criminal activities and toward more disciplined, lawful careers.
Gov. Alia Demands Swift Rescue of 20 Kidnapped Medical Students in Benue
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has called on security agencies to ramp up efforts in securing the immediate release of 20 medical students who were abducted within the state.
This appeal was made in a statement issued by Mr. Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, and shared journalists on Saturday in Makurdi.
Governor Alia expressed strong condemnation of the abduction, which occurred on Thursday evening as the students were en route to Enugu State for the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) Annual Convention. He emphasized that his administration would relentlessly pursue the elimination of criminal activities in Benue and warned the perpetrators to cease their operations or face the full force of the law.
The Benue Police Command confirmed that the kidnapped individuals include medical and dental students from the Universities of Jos and Maiduguri, along with a house officer, all of whom were traveling together when they were ambushed and kidnapped in Otukpo. The students were reportedly on their way to attend the FECAMDS convention when the unfortunate incident occurred.
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