Bashir Yusif

PERSONNEL FITNESS: NIGERIAN AIR FORCE CONDUCTS 2023 ANNUAL 10KM WALK/JOG

As part of efforts geared towards ensuring a high level of physical fitness and mental alertness for operational readiness and effectiveness, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has conducted the year 2023 Annual 10km Walk/Jog for its personnel in Abuja and other units across the country. In his remarks after the exercise in Abuja, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar commended the participants for showcasing high level of fitness noting that the citizens depend on the members of the Armed Forces for their safety of lives and properties which cannot be achieved without physical fitness and mental alertness. The CAS emphasized that sporting events like the 10 Km Walk/Jog was also aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence amongst personnel and their families as well as, serve as an avenue for discovering new talents for the upcoming 2024 Armed Forces Games.

While highlighting the importance of regular exercises to keep fit, the CAS stated that it essential for military personnel as it prepares them for occupational demand of roles. According to the CAS, “whether being deployed in an operating theatre or undertaking routine tasks, we are expected to always maintain a high level of physical and mental readiness. As airmen and airwomen, the success of the NAF directly reflects on our skills and competence which are also tied to our physical, mental and intellectual wellbeing, which is critical to attaining our overall objective.”

Speaking further, Air Marshal Abubakar reminded the personnel about the prevalent security challenges facing the nation, while noting that the concerted efforts of the NAF alongside other security agencies would ensure that all forms of criminality and the criminals' freedom of movement are reduce to the barest minimum. The CAS disclosed that through the commitment of the Federal Government, the NAF has witness a total overhaul and enhancement of its Ord

ARMY DSS TROOPS AVERT BHT PLANNED ATTACK ON KANO IN JOINT RAID OPERATION

Joint troops of the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services have successfully averted an imminent attack on Kano by insurgents. In a dawn raid operation carried out on the terrorists' hideout in the early hours of today Friday 3 November 2023, troops of 3 Brigade Nigerian Army in close cooperation with the Department of State Services (DSS), conducted a well-coordinated raid operation in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State. The operation was aimed at uncovering and apprehending suspected Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) believed to be planning a major operation in Kano State.

Consequently, the troops swiftly swung into action and apprehended two BHT suspects, who are now in custody. During the operation, the joint troops of the Nigerian Army and the DSS recovered five AK 47 Rifles, five AK 47 Rifle Magazines, one Rocket Propelled Gun (RPG), five RPG Bombs, six Hand Grenades, five pairs of Desert Camouflage Uniforms, 10 pairs of magazine pouches and some Improvised Explosive Device (IED) making materials.

The interagency cooperation between the Nigerian Army and other security agencies as exemplified in the conduct of this operation, is a testament of the strength of our collective resolve to defeat insurgency and other security challenges.

The successful raid operation reinforces the Nigerian Army's unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property of our citizens.

The NA remains resolute in its effort to counter and degrade insurgency and other forms of security challenges across the country.

We entreat members of the public to be vigilant and collaborate with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid in the ongoing operations to curb insecurity.

The Nigerian Army reiterates its dedication to the protection of our beloved nation and appreciates the support and trust of the Nigerian people.

ONYEMA NW

Courtesy visit to Joint Maritime Security Training Centre, Lagos by the Denmark delegation, led by Denmark's Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Sune Krogstrup on Thursday 2 November 2023.

BE GOOD EXAMPLE TO YOUR SUBORDINATES, GOC 3 DIVISION CHARGES NEWLY PROMOTED SENIOR OFFICERS, SOLDIERS

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General AE Abubakar, has charged newly promoted senior officers and soldiers of the Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN, to be good example to their colleagues and subordinates. The GOC/Commander OPSH gave the charge today 31 October 2023, while decorating newly promoted senior officers of the ranks of Lieutenant Colonel and Major to their respective new ranks as well as newly promoted soldiers at Headquarters 3 Division, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba Jos.

In his remarks at the colorful ceremony, the GOC/Comd OPSH, said the senior officers and soldiers have been promoted due to their hard-work and dedicated to service. He revealed that promotion comes with added responsibilities and urged them to be innovative while proffering solutions to the challenges of insecurity in the country.

General Abubakar also remarked, that the newly decorated senior officers must earn the respect of the populace by being responsible and available to defend them against criminal elements. He also charged them to draw inspiration from the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff of leading a "People centric Armed Forces" and being the "Peoples' Army", noting that their allegiance is to the citizens and the constitution.

He further charged the newly decorated officers to continually see to the welfare of their families and personnel placed under their command. He revealed that the military profession thrive on leadership by example and further averred that "One of the key elements of the COAS Command philosophy is Administration and Welfare of troops and their families which you must take seriously" he charged.

Speaking on behalf of dignitaries present at the ceremony, the Deputy Monitor-General National Institute for Policy and Strat

Graduation Ceremony of Operation Safe Haven Batch 01 Pre-Deployment training was on Tuesday 31 October 2023 at Joint Maritime Security Training Centre, Navy Town, Ojo Lagos. The Special Guest of Honour, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu was represented by the Command's Chief Staff Officer, Rear Admiral Daniel Atakpa

Courtesy visit of the Executive Committee and Members of 39 Regular Course United Welfare Association to Naval Headquarters on Tuesday 31 October 2023

On Monday 30 October 2023, the Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy(NDA), Major General JO Ochai paid a special visit to Naval Headquarters to present 7 triumphant Naval Cadets who excelled at the recent People’s Liberation Army & Navy First Sea Warrior International Sailing Skills Competition and Naval International Week in China.

Join the Nigerian Air Force as a Recruit. Online portal, www.nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng, opens on 30 October 2023.Registration is FREE

HMOD, CAS IN TURKIYE TO FACILITATE SPEEDY DELIVERY OF ATTACK HELICOPTERS TO NAF

The Honourable Minister of Defence (HMOD), Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar are currently in Turkiye to facilitate the speedy delivery of the T-129 ATAK helicopters acquired for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) by the Federal Government. As part of programmes lined up for the visit, the HMOD held talks with his Turkish counterpart, Lieutenant General Yasar Guler (Rtd), on critical bilateral and defence cooperation issues. General Guler promised the HMOD of every support required from the Turkish military and defence companies to further strengthen and accelerate the defeat of terrorism and other criminal challenges facing Nigeria.

The Minister and the CAS also visited some selected Turkish companies, including Turkish Aerospace Industries, MKE, Aselsan and Roketsan. These companies are among highly rated global defence companies renowned for the production of quality defence and military equipment. While at these companies, the HMOD called for improved synergy between the companies and Nigeria through the transfer of defence technology to Nigeria.

Recall that the Federal Government procured 6 T-129 ATAK helicopters from Turkish Aerospace Industry, out of which 2 are to be delivered to the NAF in the coming weeks. The remaining helicopters are expected before the end of Second Quarter of 2024.

Edward Gabkwet
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force

29 October 2023

PERSONNEL WELFARE: CAS RECEIVES LAND DOCUMENTS FOR POST SERVICE HOUSING SCHEMES IN KADUNA STATE

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, was on 25 October 2023, presented with documents for 43.746 hectares of land allocated to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) by the Kaduna State Government. The documents were handed over to the CAS in a brief ceremony held at NAF Headquarters by the Administrator of the Kaduna Capital Territory Authority (KCTA), Sam Aruwan, who represented the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Uba Sani. After the presentation, an elated CAS expressed his gratitude to Governor Uba and the good people of Kaduna State for the kind gesture which symbolizes the enduring and harmonious relationship between the NAF and Kaduna State, dating back to the 1960s. Air Marshal Abubakar also noted that Kaduna State, being home of NAF’s premier Base, remains home to the NAF and its personnel, serving and retired, irrespective of their states of origin. He then assured that the land would be put to good use for the development of affordable Post-service Housing Estates that would mostly benefit NAF Senior Non-Commissioned and Non-Commissioned Officers.

Speaking further, the CAS noted that under his leadership, the NAF remains committed to the well-being of its personnel bearing in mind that the operational successes of the NAF are majorly hinged on a highly motivated force. According to the CAS, “The most valuable resource that the NAF possesses is its personnel and without well-motivated and dedicated personnel, the most sophisticated weapon system will be ineffective.” He also added that the plan to develop the allocated land for the development of affordable houses for NAF personnel aptly aligns with one of the key enablers of his Command Philosophy of maintaining a highly motivated force by strengthening both welfare and infrastructure.

The allocated 43.746 hectares of land is the first of two approvals expected from the Kaduna State Governme

GENERAL LAGBAJA EMBARKS ON ASSESSMENT TOUR OF ABOGO LARGEMA MILITARY CANTONMENT... Directs immediate enrollment of personnel, families in NHIS

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja on Thursday 26 October 2023 conducted an on the spot assessment of Nigerian Army units namely, 231 Battalion and 331 Artillery Regiment in Abogo Largema Military Cantonment, Biu in Borno state. The respective Commanding Officers of the two units, Lieutenant Colonels Aliyu Garba and Muphtau Arilesere gave the COAS a combined brief on the security situation in their area of responsibility, infrastructural status and challenges of the units. Amongst others, the Commanders stressed the need for increased capitation for the Cantonment MRS since it is serving both units.

Responding to issues raised by the Commanders, Gen Lagbaja directed that all personnel and their families in the cantonment be enrolled in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) under the Cantonment Medical Reception Station (MRS) to enable them access free medical care, adding that capitation depends on the number of enrollees. The COAS also promised to address the challenge of infrastructure deficit in the Cantonment.

In his address to officers and soldiers of the units, the COAS appreciated them for their service to the nation in ensuring peace and stability in their area of responsibility, adding, that socio economic activities have been restored in the general area. General Lagbaja informed the troops of the Federal Government's intervention in providing comfort to serving and deceased personnel, as well as their families through the disbursement of funds to clear the backlog of beneficiaries of the Group Life Insurance Scheme and the Nigerian Army Personal Accident Assurance Scheme. He assured the troops that challenges of inadequate and dilapidated accommodation, as well as decaying infrastructure are receiving earnest attention across formations and units of the Nigerian Army. He