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HMOD AFFIRMS FG’S COMMITMENT TO STRENGTHENING NAF’S OPERATIONAL CAPACITY TO COMBAT EMERGING THREATS
HMOD AFFIRMS FG’S COMMITMENT TO STRENGTHENING NAF’S OPERATIONAL CAPACITY TO COMBAT EMERGING THREATS
By: Olusola F Akinboyewa
The Honourable Minister of Defence (HMOD), Dr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar mni, has affirmed the commitment of the Federal Government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to bolstering the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) towards effectively addressing emerging security threats. This was revealed by the HMOD, during the 2024 NAF Training, Operations and Safety Seminar which commenced today, 4 December 2024, at the NAF Officers Mess and Suites in Kado, Abuja.
The HMOD, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Kana mni, also commended the NAF’s leadership under Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar for its proactive posture and decisive action in countering threats such as insurgency, terrorism and banditry through effective utilization of newly acquired assets and platforms. He noted the remarkable progress achieved by the NAF and other defence and security agencies in restoring stability to the Northeast and other parts of the country, attributing this success to the synergy between deliberate mission-oriented training and effective operational execution.

Speaking further, the HMOD highlighted the importance of the Seminar to sustaining the gains in enhancing Nigeria’s security. According to him, “the Northeastern part of the country now enjoys relative peace and calmness owing to the selfless contributions and dedication of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. All these would not have been possible if not for the constant need to assess performance and identify shortcomings in our operational activities and I believe this is what gave birth to a forum like this, where we would rub minds and examine areas that require improvement”.
The CAS, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support to the NAF, describing the current period as a “Golden Era” for the Service. He highlighted significant advancements under the Tinubu administration, including the acquisition of 12 advanced aircraft over the past year, such as KA-360i and DA-62 planes, as well as T-129 ATAK and AW-109 Trekker helicopters. Additionally, the CAS announced forthcoming deliveries of various high-performance platforms, including M-346FA jets, CASA-295 aircraft, and AH-1Z attack helicopters. He also noted the procurement of 12 pre-owned Alpha Jets from the French Air Force, with 6 to be operationally restored and 6 allocated for spare parts. These developments underscore the NAF’s enhanced operational readiness and modernization efforts. Accordingly, the CAS urged all participants at the Seminar to be fully engaged, absorb the lessons to be shared and apply them rigorously in their respective areas of responsibility. “Together, we can strengthen the Training, Operations as well as Safety posture of the NAF, thereby enhancing our ability to protect the integrity of the Nigerian Airspace, as we serve our Great Nation”, he added.

The Chief of Training and Operations, Air Vice Marshal FO Edosa, while delivering the training highlights before the winging of 28 new NAF pilots and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operators, informed of significant strides in fleet expansion and pilot training under the leadership of Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar. He added that with 14 new platforms delivered and 50 more expected soon, the need for increased skilled aircrew cannot be overemphasized. The pilots and UAV operators were recognized for completing rigorous courses, including fighter, helicopter, and UAV pilot training conducted in Nigeria, Egypt, and the United States. According to him, the training programs focused on advanced tactical, operational, and safety skills to enhance the NAF’s readiness for contemporary security challenges.
The Seminar, themed “Agile and Resilient Air Power for National Security: Enhancing Safety and Optimizing NAF Air Operations to Combat Emerging Threats,” emphasises the critical role of safety, advanced training, and innovation in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges. Scheduled to last two days, the 2024 NAF Training, Operations, and Safety Seminar has brought together experts to deliberate on key strategies to optimize NAF operations and enhance safety measures.
Day-One of the event featured several significant activities, including the winging of 28 newly trained NAF pilots and the presentation of awards for gallantry and exceptional performance to deserving personnel. Additionally, key milestones were achieved, such as the signing of reviewed memoranda of understanding between the NAF and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), as well as between the NAF and Hybrid HSE. The event also witnessed the historic presentation of an accreditation certificate as an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) to the Air Traffic Services Training Centre (ATSTC) by the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). This milestone achievement by the NAF has repositioned ATSTC for delivery of world-class capacity development not only for NAF and Nigeria’s civil aviation sector, but also for international partners.

The Training, Operations and Safety Seminar 2024 reinforces the NAF’s commitment to operational excellence and safety as well as its resolve to decisively address evolving threats to national security.
HMOD AFFIRMS FG’S COMMITMENT TO STRENGTHENING NAF’S OPERATIONAL CAPACITY TO COMBAT EMERGING THREATS
News
Bandit kill police operative, cart away service weapon in Bukuyum in Zamfara
Bandit kill police operative, cart away service weapon in Bukuyum in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
A mobile police operative attached to Operation Restore Peace has been killed in an ambush by armed bandits in Adabka village, Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred on Tuesday at about 11:44 a.m. when the officer, deployed from Mopol 15, Ilorin, left his duty location in Adabka en route to Tibis village to purchase essential supplies.
Security sources in Bukkuyum told Zagazola that the operative was attacked at the outskirts of Adabka by armed bandits concealed in the surrounding bushes.
The attackers reportedly opened fire on the officer, killing him instantly before carting away his service riot gun.
“Field teams deployed to the scene recovered the body of the fallen operative, which was evacuated to Adabka Primary Health Care Centre for documentation,” the source said.
Sources said that the mode of attack aligns with operational tactics used by bandit factions linked to the Dan-Karama Gwaska and Dansadau networks, known for precision ambushes and rapid withdrawal.
Bandit kill police operative, cart away service weapon in Bukuyum in Zamfara
News
GSU’s Public Administration Dept hosts maiden int’l conference
GSU’s Public Administration Dept hosts maiden int’l conference
Stakeholders comprising academics, policymakers, security experts and public-sector practitioners have deliberated ways of tackling insecurity in the country through a multi-faceted approach that includes economic empowerment, improved governance, and enhanced security cooperation.
They made the submission during the maiden International Conference organised by the Department of Public Administration, Gombe State University (GSU).
The conference was declared open on Tuesday by Prof. Sani Ahmed Yauta, the Vice Chancellor of the institution who stated that any engagement aimed at proffering solutions to the security challenges of the country was an engagement borne out of the need to fast-track national development and stability.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Danladi Umar, Yauta urged participants to leverage the conference to contribute to ongoing efforts at addressing security challenges so as to enhance peace and development in the country.
In his keynote address, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, Secretary to the Gombe State Government, linked good governance to enhanced security and national development.
Njodi stressed that good governance remained a critical tool to earning citizens’ trust needed to maintain peace and to strengthen development across the country.
He stated that discourse around Nigeria’s governance had become imperative in view of the current security challenges confronting the nation and threatening national development.
He stressed the need for subnational governments to drive national development, adding that they have massive roles to play in determining Nigeria’s progress.
“It is the aggregation of subnational experiences—state successes and failures—that ultimately determines Nigeria’s trajectory.”
Njodi cited the Gombe State governance model and how it had contributed to improvement in human capital development as well as the development of the state and therefore resulting in the peaceful status that the state had enjoyed under Gov Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State’s leadership.
“The state’s development trajectory under Gov. Yahaya offers a practical demonstration of how visionary leadership, institutional innovation and participatory governance can transform a subnational entity within Nigeria’s federal system.
Speaking earlier, the Head of Public Administration Department, Prof. Matthew Funsho Bello, described the event as historic for both the department and the university.
Bello said that the conference’s theme, “Governance, Insecurity and National Development in Nigeria: Issues and Challenges,” was timely given the complexities of the nation’s socio-economic and security challenges.
“This gathering of distinguished scholars, public-sector experts, policymakers and practitioners from across the country marks a major milestone in our collective quest to address the vexing issues affecting our national life,” he said.
According to him, the theme reflects “the urgent need for academia, security agencies and public-sector experts to engage in constructive dialogue on how addressing insecurity and governance can drive sustainable development in Nigeria.
Security experts amongst other professionals made their presentations during the conference which are expected to form part of the recommendations at the end of the two-day event.
Dr Lawal Abdullahi Oladimeji, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the Conference, lauded all participants and invited guests for the success of the maiden event.
Oladimeji said that recommendations from the conference would be given to relevant stakeholders towards enhancing national security and development.
GSU’s Public Administration Dept hosts maiden int’l conference
News
21 villagers abducted in kano communities as Security forces intensify search operation
21 villagers abducted in kano communities as Security forces intensify search operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Twenty-one persons have been abducted by suspected bandits in three villages of Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the coordinated attacks occurred in Sundu, Biresawa and Masaurari villages.
According to community members, two women were taken from Sundu, while five women and two children were abducted at Biresawa.
In Masaurari, nine men and one woman were reportedly seized, bringing the total number of abducted persons to 21 comprising nine men, eight women and two children.
The Police Command in Kano confirmed the attack noting that efforts had been intensified to rescue all victims unhurt.
The sources added that additional operatives had been deployed to the affected axis, while the area was being combed in collaboration with local vigilance groups and other security agencies.
The command assured residents of its commitment to restoring peace and urged the public to provide credible information that could aid ongoing operations.
21 villagers abducted in kano communities as Security forces intensify search operation
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