Military
ENHANCING NAF COMBAT POWER: CAS LEADS TECHNICAL TEAM TO ITALY FOR M-346 JET, AW-109 TREKKER HELI PROCUREMENT
ENHANCING NAF COMBAT POWER: CAS LEADS TECHNICAL TEAM TO ITALY FOR M-346 JET, AW-109 TREKKER HELI PROCUREMENT
By: Our Reporter
A team of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) experts, led by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, along with officials from the Ministries of Defence and Finance, recently participated in a Programme Management Review Meeting in Italy with Messrs Leonardo S.p.A.
The meeting aimed to finalise arrangements for the NAF’s acquisition of 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack (FGA) jets as well as an additional 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters to the 2 already procured by the NAF.
While in Italy, the CAS made a strategic stopover at the Leonardo Headquarters in Rome, where he engaged with top executives to consolidate a long-term partnership between the NAF and the company. He also inspected the first batch of 6 M-346 jets, noting that 3 are nearing completion, and evaluated key support systems required to boost the NAF’s operational readiness.
In the Review Meeting, the CAS received updates on the delivery schedules, confirming that the first 3 units of 24 M-346 aircraft to be built for Nigeria are expected by early 2025, with subsequent deliveries running until mid-2026. Meanwhile, with 2 Trekkers already acquired, the additional 10 are expected by early 2026.
The CAS recommended the establishment of a Programme Management Office to oversee the collaboration and ensure smooth project implementation. He also stressed the need for a maintenance hub in Nigeria to provide long-term support, especially for the M-346 fleet.
As part of the visit, the Leonardo Aircraft Division put on an aerial display to showcase the performance of the M-346 and highlight its advanced features. Capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, the M-346 will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s air combat capabilities.
On its part, the AW-109 will bolster combat support roles such as Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), tactical airlift and Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) amongst others.
The M-346 and Trekker acquisitions are key steps towards fleet renewal, in consonance with the CAS Command Philosophy to transform the NAF for greater agility and resilience, with emphasis on the optimization of force structure and establishment for enhanced operational effectiveness.
Ends
Military
Military and Civilian Joint Task Force Ambushed by Armed Bandits, Two Bandits Killed, Several Injured
Military and Civilian Joint Task Force Ambushed by Armed Bandits, Two Bandits Killed, Several Injured
By: Zagazola Makama
A team from Operation Fansar Yamma (OPFY), alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CPG), came under heavy gunfire on April 6, 2025, as they responded to a distress call along the Doka-Agama Lafia Road in Tsafe Local Government Area.
The military personnel and CPG members were ambushed by unknown armed bandits, resulting in a fierce gun battle.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that two armed bandits were shot dead during the engagement.
However, three military personnel and one CPG member sustained gunshot injuries. The injured victims were swiftly evacuated to the General Hospital Tsafe for medical treatment.
Military and Civilian Joint Task Force Ambushed by Armed Bandits, Two Bandits Killed, Several Injured
TROOPS OF OPERATION SAFE HAVEN ARREST KILLERS OF REVEREND FATHER IN KADUNA
By: Samson Nantip
Troops of Sector 7 Operation SAFE HAVEN have arrested killers of a Reverend Father, Sylvester Okechukwu murdered after he was kidnapped in Tachira village in Kaura local government area (LGA) of Kaduna State.
The suspects were arrested on 25 March 2025 following a raid on the prime suspect’s hideout located at Ruga settlement in Warsa-Piti village in Lere LGA of Kaduna State. During preliminary investigation, the prime suspect, Pate Yau 33 year-old confessed to have been contracted by one Douglas Henry living in the same house with the slain priest to kidnap him.
Troops in a follow-up operation arrested Douglas Henry at Agwan Sariki Tachira in Kaura LGA of the State. The arrested suspects are in custody undergoing further interrogation.
TROOPS OF OPERATION SAFE HAVEN ARREST KILLERS OF REVEREND FATHER IN KADUNA
Troops Foil Bandit Attack in Katsina, Recover Motorcycle
By Zagazola Makama
The troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA successfully foiled a banditry attack along Inono Feeder Road, near Gidan Zuma, after a swift response by security forces forced the assailants to flee into the Saminaka Forest in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that at about 8:08 p.m., a large number of bandits armed with sophisticated weapons attempted to block the road, likely targeting travelers and local residents.
Upon receiving the distress call, security agencies swiftly mobilized to engage the assailants in a gun duel.
The bandits, overwhelmed by superior firepower, fled into the nearby Saminaka Forest, sustaining severe gunshot injuries in the process.
Security forces recovered one Honda motorcycle, suspected to belong to the fleeing bandits.
Troops Foil Bandit Attack in Katsina, Recover Motorcycle
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