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HMOD AFFIRMS FG’S COMMITMENT TO STRENGTHENING NAF’S OPERATIONAL CAPACITY TO COMBAT EMERGING THREATS

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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

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.

Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.

Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.

The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.

The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.

Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.

The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.

Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.

The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.

“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.

However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.

“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”

In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.

“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.

The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.

Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

By: Michael Mike

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.

Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.

According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.

Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.

Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.

He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.

The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.

The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.

Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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