NAF Acquires Attack Helicopters, Eliminates Bandits in Zamfara Forest

NAF Acquires

NAF Acquires Attack Helicopters, Eliminates Bandits in
Zamfara Forest

NAF Acquires Attack Helicopters
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken delivery of 2 Agusta 109
Power attack helicopters, which are currently being assembled for
induction during the forthcoming 2019 NAF Day Celebration taking
place in Abuja from 27 – 29 April 2019. This was disclosed by the
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, today,
22 April 2019, in Maiduguri during a luncheon with troops of the
Air Task Force (ATF) Operation LAFIYA DOLE (OPLD) to mark the
Easter Celebrations. ‪The luncheon, which is in keeping with the
CAS’ tradition of celebrating festive periods with frontline
troops, afforded him the opportunity to interact with the troops in
an informal setting to appreciate them for their sacrifices in the
fight against insurgency, thereby boosting their morale while also
filling the void created by their inability to celebrate the season
with their families. ‬

In his remarks at the event, the CAS expressed delight to be in
Maiduguri and commended the resilience and commitment of the troops
in ensuring that Nigeria and Nigerians are safe. He said the NAF,
with the support of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,
President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as the National Assembly, would
continue to acquire new platforms and build human capacity whilst
ensuring the welfare of personnel, in order to effectively and
efficiently respond to national security imperatives. He specially
commended the Commader, officers, airmen and airwomen of the ATF
for the successes recorded in the fight against the terrorists
within the OPLD Theatre as well as in the Multi-National Joint Task
Force Operation YANCIN TAFKI. He equally commended the ATF
Commander for the various value adding welfare projects that had
been executed to enhance the wellbeing of personnel. The CAS
reminded the personnel that so much was at stake in the fight to
rid the Nation of insurgents, terrorists, armed bandits and other
criminal elements. Accordingly, he urged them to remain resolute
while intensifying their efforts and maintaining continuous
vigilance to defend the liberties and values Nigerians hold so
dear.

Air Marshal Abubakar seized the opportunity to thank the
government and people of Borno State as well as the Shehu of Borno
and other traditional rulers in the State for their continued
support to the NAF through the ATF OPLD. He equally appreciated
President Muhammadu Buhari for his unflinching support to the NAF
by ensuring the enabling environment and providing the necessary
resources for the Service to perform its assigned duties. He noted
that the delivery of the 2 Agusta 109 Power attack helicopters was
a testimony of this immense support. He remarked that the NAF,
working in concert with sister Services and other security
agencies, would continue to reciprocate by sustaining its
operations, not only in the Northeast but also in the Northwest, in
order to ensure that Nigerians are able to pursue their legitimate
aspirations, without fear.

Earlier in his welcome address, the ATF Commander, Air Vice
Marshal (AVM) James Gwani, expressed the appreciation of the
officers and men of the ATF to the CAS for his consistent presence
in Maiduguri, which he said, was not only a huge source of
motivation, but also a staunch indication of his commitment to the
welfare and morale of the personnel. He thanked the CAS for
providing all necessary facilities to ensure effective service
delivery and pledged their unwavering loyalty and commitment
towards ensuring mission accomplishment. Branch Chiefs and other
senior officers from Headquarters NAF accompanied the CAS to the
luncheon, which also had the Lawan of Gomari and other members of
the Gomari Community in attendance.

In a similar vein, the CAS had earlier feted ATF troops in Yola
at an Easter Luncheon on 21 April 2019. The CAS, who was
represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP) Headquarters
NAF, AVM Emmanuel Anebi, commended the troops for their commitment
and resilience in the fight against insurgency noting that
Nigerians were appreciative of their enormous sacrifices and
efforts at ensuring the territorial integrity and security of the
Nation. He emphasised that the get-together was also aimed at
fostering comradeship and regimentation among troops, while
charging them to maintain continuous vigilance at all times.

The CAS appreciated the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,
President Muhammadu Buhari, for his unflinching support to the NAF
by ensuring the enabling environment and providing the necessary
resources for the Service to perform its assigned duties. According
to him, “We can only show our gratitude for the President’s support
to the NAF by remaining a disciplined force and exhibiting the
highest level of professionalism in all our activities. I therefore
enjoin you all not to relent in your efforts”, he said.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force
……

NAF Eliminates in Zamfara Forest
The Air Task Force (ATF) for Operation DIRAN MIKIYA has neutralized
no fewer than 10 armed bandits at Sububu Forest area in Zamfara
State. This was achieved yesterday, 22 April 2019, while the ATF
was responding to a request for close air support by ground troops
of Sector 7 Area of Responsibility of Operation SHARAN DAJI, who
had come into contact with armed bandits in Shinkafi Local
Government Area (LGA).

Accordingly, the ATF dispatched 2 Alpha Jets and an attack
helicopter to provide the needed support and also conduct armed
reconnaissance over identified locations in Shinkafi LGA as well as
Sububu and Dumburum Forests and environs. At Sububu Forest, one of
the Alpha Jets spotted a group of armed bandits, who fired at the
aircraft with their rifles, whilst running for cover. The Alpha Jet
engaged the bandits, neutralizing no fewer than 10 of them while
others escaped with injuries.

The NAF, working in consonance with surface forces and other
security agencies, will sustain its operations to flush the bandits
out of the Northwest of the Country.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force