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CAS REAFFIRMS LOYALTY TO C-IN-C, BACKS SENIOR LEADERS ON NAF TRANSFORMATION

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CAS REAFFIRMS LOYALTY TO C-IN-C, BACKS SENIOR LEADERS ON NAF TRANSFORMATION

By: Our Reporter

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reaffirmed the unwavering loyalty of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. The CAS also expressed strong confidence in the capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Senior Leadership to spearhead the ongoing transformation for greater agility and resilience, towards more effective airpower delivery in pursuit of Nigeria’s national defence and security imperatives. This was communicated during the CAS Second Biannual Meeting with Headquarters (HQ) NAF Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs) of NAF field commands and Commandants of Tri-Service and Major NAF institutions. The 2-day meeting began today, 17 October 2024, at the Air Marshal MD Umar Blue Room, HQ NAF. In his opening remarks, the CAS congratulated those newly appointed to their roles, emphasizing that the appointments were indicative of their pedigree of hard work and dedication. He urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and loyalty as they steer their respective Branches and Commands to greater heights.

Addressing the security challenges facing the nation, and speaking particularly to the expanded counterinsurgency operations in the North-West as well as anti-oil theft operations in the South-South, the CAS commended the transformational leadership of the AOCs and Branch Chiefs. He credited their tireless efforts for the significant results seen on the ground, but emphasised the need for continued innovation, resilience, and adaptability to confront evolving threats. The CAS also reflected on the NAF’s recent achievements, noting the induction of 12 aircraft into the Service inventory in the past year, with an additional 50 aircraft expected by 2026. He described this development as a “Golden Era” of transformation for the NAF, expressing optimism that under the leadership of the current Branch Chiefs and AOCs, the Air Force would continue to rise to the occasion and fulfil the airpower requirements of national security. The meeting serves as a platform for critical review and recalibration of strategies to enhance the operational effectiveness of the NAF. In this light, the CAS employed the analogy of Colonel John Boyd’s “Observe-Orient-Decide-Act (OODA) Loop” decision-making framework, to drive home the need for commanders to continuously assess, adapt, and act decisively to stay ahead of security challenges.

The CAS also used the opportunity to reaffirm the NAF’s commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a safer and stronger Nigeria, pledging the absolute support of the NAF in contributing to national security and stability. He noted in particular Mr President’s determination to ensure that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is equipped with the best weapons, platforms and logistics to effectively carry out it’s constitutional role.

The CAS also expressed appreciation to members of the 39 Regular Course there present, for their continued support and their enormous wealth of experience which undoubtedly had been a critical contributor to the NAF’s ongoing transformation. He called for open, objective and constructive dialogue during the two-day meeting, expressing confidence that the outcomes would further consolidate the NAF’s capabilities for decisive airpower employment to ensure the security, safety and prosperity of the country.

CAS REAFFIRMS LOYALTY TO C-IN-C, BACKS SENIOR LEADERS ON NAF TRANSFORMATION

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Nigerian Airforce neutralises bandits in coordinated airstrike in Mariga axis of Niger

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Nigerian Airforce neutralises bandits in coordinated airstrike in Mariga axis of Niger

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has neutralised several bandits in a coordinated air interdiction operation conducted along the Mariga axis of Niger State, following credible intelligence and surveillance reports of armed groups on the move with stolen cattle.

The precision airstrikes, carried out under the ongoing intensive counter-banditry campaign, targeted bandits’ movements around Yabawa, Bazana, Awallah, Dankolo, Kumbashi, and extending towards Kakihum, within Mariga Local Government Area.

According to verified local accounts, the operation struck a large convoy of armed bandits who were attempting to move with a herd of stolen cattle from Ragada and neighbouring villages. The air interdiction neutralised several of the criminals, while others fled in disarray into the surrounding forests.

A resident of Ragada, who narrowly escaped from the bandits during the strike, narrated his ordeal. “When the jet began bombing, God saved me; that was how I escaped from their hands,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Nigerian Air Force for the timely intervention.

Multiple eyewitnesses confirmed hearing several explosions followed by thick plumes of smoke and sporadic gunfire, as surviving bandits scattered in confusion. They described the operation as swift, precise, and highly coordinated.

Ground troops of the Nigerian Army, stationed in Rijau, Warari and Gulbin Boka, were reported to have provided complementary support by blocking possible escape routes and securing nearby communities hosting internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Residents of the affected communities hailed the success of the operation, describing it as the “most decisive response” to recent attacks by bandit elements in the area.

One of the local leaders, Mallam Musa Ali from Kumbashi, commended the military for its professionalism and courage. “We have not slept in peace for months, but this operation has brought us hope. The Air Force and soldiers have shown that the government is serious about ending banditry,” he said.

Further intelligence from reliable sources revealed that another armed group, moving with stolen cattle from Magama Local Government, was sighted advancing towards the Kakihum–Kumbashi axis, suggesting that additional operations may be imminent.

The operation was part of ongoing coordinated air and ground efforts to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks across the North Central region.

Local sources disclosed that at least seven separate bandit groups have been operating within the Mariga, Rijau and Magama corridor in recent weeks. However, with the latest air interdictions, several of their movements and attack plans have been effectively disrupted.

Residents across Yabawa, Awallah, and Dankolo expressed optimism that the sustained operations would lead to the restoration of peace and the return of displaced persons to their homes.

Nigerian Airforce neutralises bandits in coordinated airstrike in Mariga axis of Niger

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Troops repel bandits in Taraba, recover arms and uniforms

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Troops repel bandits in Taraba, recover arms and uniforms

By: Zagazola Makama

Nigerian Army troops have repelled an attack by armed bandits and recovered weapons and other items during a clearance operation in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Zagazola Makama learnt that the operation, codenamed Operation Lafiyan Nakowa, was conducted on Tuesday morning following credible intelligence on the hideouts of the criminals around Badekoshi, Fajul, Kurmi, and Dampar villages.

The troops made contact with the bandits at Badekoshi, forcing them to retreat towards Fajul. They were pursued into the nearby forest, where the soldiers overpowered them with superior firepower.

During the exploitation, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, a round of 7.62mm special ammunition, five blank cartridges, two fragmental jackets, two camouflage uniforms, and one Jincheng motorcycle suspected to have been stolen during a previous attack in Tapga.

The troops have since returned safely to their base in Dampar.

The general security situation within the area of operation was said to be calm but unpredictable, while troop morale and fighting efficiency remain high.

Troops repel bandits in Taraba, recover arms and uniforms

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Nigerian Journalist Recounts Her Eye-Opening Experience “As a Soldier” at Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji

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Nigerian Journalist Recounts Her Eye-Opening Experience “As a Soldier” at Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji

By: Zagazola Makama

A Nigerian journalist, Nokai Origin, has shared a captivating firsthand account of her transformative experience at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, during Exercise HASKE BIYU 2025, where she joined members of Course 47 in a month-long military immersion programme.

The exercise, designed to bridge civil-military understanding, offered participants an opportunity to experience life in uniform a rare glimpse into the discipline, precision, and mental toughness that define the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Recounting her experience, the journalist described it as “a journey of unlearning, learning, and relearning,” adding that she had little idea what awaited her when she set out for the prestigious military institution earlier in September.

“It was experiencing the military setup and routines, immersing in the tradition, drills, discipline, and conduct,” she said. “A time for some of us to get into the khaki and boots to feel and experience firsthand what our military personnel go through daily.”

One of the highlights of the exercise was a simulation tagged “A Day in the Life of a Soldier,” where participants were subjected to a series of physical and tactical challenges. Despite initial apprehension, the journalist rose to the occasion literally conquering the obstacle course and earning the Commander’s Medal for being the first female participant to ascend and descend the hurdles carrying a heavy military backpack.

“I wobbled at first when they placed the pack on me,” she laughed, “but it turned out to be the most outstanding part of the entire experience.”

Beyond the drills and physical exertion, she said the exercise provided deeper insight into the dedication and sacrifices of men and women in uniform. “I saw the military in a different light,” she noted. “It gave me a new understanding and appreciation for what they do to keep the country safe.”

Over the course of the programme, participants interacted with officers from across Nigeria and several African countries fostering bonds, friendships, and professional connections that transcended borders.

She expressed profound gratitude to the hierarchy of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the management of AFCSC for opening their doors to civilians, saying the experience has left her “forever inspired by the courage, commitment, and character of the military institution.”

Nigerian Journalist Recounts Her Eye-Opening Experience “As a Soldier” at Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji

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