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ENHANCING NAF COMBAT POWER: CAS LEADS TECHNICAL TEAM TO ITALY FOR M-346 JET, AW-109 TREKKER HELI PROCUREMENT

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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.
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Army troops ISWAP Attack Repelled in Gajiram

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Army troops ISWAP Attack Repelled in Gajiram

By: Zagazola Mamama.

Troops of the Nigerian military, late Monday night, repelled an attempted attack by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on Gajiram, headquarters of Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno.

Zagazola Makama gathered from security sources that the insurgents launched the attack at about 2200 hours but met stiff resistance from troops stationed in the area.

According to the sources, ISWAP fighters were unable to gain access into Gajiram town as they were engaged in a gun duel by security forces, leading to the foiling of the assault.

However, the attackers reportedly fired projectiles during the encounter, one of which landed in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp within the vicinity, triggering an inferno.

Army troops ISWAP Attack Repelled in Gajiram

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Troops neutralise suspected ISWAP informant in Borno ambush

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Troops neutralise suspected ISWAP informant in Borno ambush

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 3, MNJTF/Operation Hadin Kai, have neutralised a suspected ISWAP informant during a successful ambush operation in Karagawaru area of Kaga Local Government Area, Borno State.

Zagazola Makama was informed that the operation, which is part of the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity IV, was carried out by troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade in the early hours of Friday.

The source said the troops laid in wait at the suspected crossing point and at about 12:30 a.m., sighted and engaged the suspected informant.

“Troops neutralised one suspected Boko Haram informant and recovered one locally fabricated Dane gun and a bicycle used by the suspect,” the source disclosed.

The troops returned safely to base at about 3:40 a.m. without casualties.

Troops neutralise suspected ISWAP informant in Borno ambush

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Troops Eliminate Notorious Bandit Leader Kachalla Bello Kaura in Zamfara

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Troops Eliminate Notorious Bandit Leader Kachalla Bello Kaura in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA ave neutralised a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Bello Kaura, in a successful operation carried out in Goburawar Dawan Jiya village, located in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Reliable intelligence sources, told Zagazola Makama that the operation occurred during the weeklong offensive campaign resulting in the death of Kaura and several of his fighters during a tactical raid on their hideout.

Zagazola understand that Kachalla Bello Kaura was identified as a key terror figure responsible for numerous deadly attacks across Zamfara, Kebbi, and Sokoto States.

He was also linked to the terror group Ansaruddin, and was believed to have facilitated the group’s incursion into Bagega Forest and the Gando Game Reserve, where he reportedly received training in the assembly and use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Born in Sunke village in Anka LGA, Kaura was the younger brother of late Kachalla Alhaji Shadari, another infamous bandit kingpin who was eliminated by security forces in January 2023 during an operation in the Sunke Forest.

Following Shadari’s death, Kaura assumed leadership of the group and continued to orchestrate violent attacks, particularly in Anka, Bukkuyum, and Gummi LGAs of Zamfara State. He was also responsible for cross-border assaults in parts of Kebbi and Sokoto States, often attributed to Lakurawa by security agencies.

Security sources confirm that the operation was carried out after weeks of surveillance and coordinated intelligence efforts, resulting in a significant blow.

Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining pressure on terror and bandit networks in the North West zone and called on residents to continue providing credible intelligence to support ongoing military and security operations.

Troops Eliminate Notorious Bandit Leader Kachalla Bello Kaura in Zamfara

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