NAF Deploys More Special Forces, Equipment to North-East

NAF Deploys More Special Forces, Equipment to North-East

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has introduced additional measures aimed at increasing its operational capability in the ongoing counterinsurgency operations in the North East.

The measures include the deployment of additional NAF Special Forces and personnel of the Regiment Specialty to reinforce Base security and also fight alongside the Nigerian Army troops and NAF Special Forces that were already on ground.

In addition, the NAF has deployed thermal imaging cameras aimed at adding more value to the current efforts at detecting and checkmating the activities of suicide bombers before they carry out their suicide missions. This follows the spate of suicide bombings that have been recently recorded in Maiduguri. The thermal imaging camera uses infrared and reads temperature differences up to an appreciable distance away and can identify a person at an acceptable distance.

The cameras, which are mounted on NAF aircraft, can also penetrate obscurants such as smoke, fog and haze.

The NAF, in recent times, has stepped up its counterinsurgency operations to further decimate the ability of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) in the North East. The focus has largely been the conduct of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions as well as interdiction missions on identified BHT targets.

This is in addition to range of other air operations and humanitarian intervention schemes aimed at winning the heart and minds of the populace in the conflict areas. The NAF remains appreciative of the support it is enjoying from Nigerians in its efforts at putting an end to the madness in the North East Geopolitical Zone of our country.

A video clip of some of the Special Forces disembarking from the C-130 Hercules aircraft is available on you tube.

NAF DEPLOYS AIR ASSETS, PERSONNEL TO KAFANCHAN TO KEEP PEACE

As part of efforts to ensure lasting peace in Southern Kaduna, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed an armed helicopter with force protection elements and other logistics support to Kafanchan. The deployment, which is at the instance of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, would complement the efforts of the surface forces already on

The deployment, which is at the instance of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, would complement the efforts of the surface forces already on ground to keep peace in the area. The personnel and other supporting staff will operate from a newly established NAF Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kafanchan and will be reinforced with the NAF Special Forces to protect lives and property towards stopping the incessant clashes in the area.

The NAF also recently deployed air assets and personnel to Takum, Taraba State to maintain peace and provide air cover for the ground troops in the area. It is equally worthy of note that the NAF has made appreciable contributions in different theatres of operations across the country and has also extended its reach. The latest expansion was the commissioning of 213 FOB in Katsina and the Quick Response Wing (QRW) in Daura as part of its continued efforts to extend the reach of the NAF to the Northwest Geopolitical Zone thus reducing the NAF’s response time to crisis situations in the Zone. It will be recalled that lately, Kajuru Local Government in Southern Kaduna erupted in violence due to communal clashes in which lives and properties were lost.

OLATOKUNBO ADESANYA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force

NAF OPERATIONALISES UNITS IN KATSINA STATE

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on 26 July 2017, commissioned the 213 Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Katsina and the Quick Response Wing (QRW) Daura thus formally marking the beginning of operations in the 2 units.

The idea behind the establishment of the new units is to extend the reach of the NAF to the Northwest Geopolitical Zone, having already made appreciable contributions in different theatres of operations across the country.

The 213 FOB is thus structured to shorten NAF’s response time while extending its reach in supporting air operations to deal with threats to Nigerians.

While commissioning the new units, the Special Guest of Honour, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Right Honourable Aminu Bello Masari, lauded the decision of the Federal Government in establishing the NAF units in Katsina.

He stated that NAF’s presence in Katsina was long overdue considering its strategic importance, being a border state. He expressed his belief that the presence of the NAF in Katsina would go a long way in complementing the efforts of the Nigerian Army troops in boosting security in the State. He therefore requested members of the NAF’s host communities to give maximum support to the NAF.

Governor Masari was also full of praises for the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who he acknowledged had done so much to reposition the NAF as one of the best air forces in Africa.

He particularly commended the standard of buildings on the bases, saying that they indicated a leader that cares for the welfare of his personnel, adding, “the other arms of the Armed Forces should emulate the NAF”.

In his remarks at the occasion, the CAS stated that the 213 FOB would accommodate some platforms and specialized equipment whenever the need arises.

He added that the regiment wings in Katsina and Daura, with their specially trained personnel, would provide the necessary protection for personnel and equipment, in addition to responding in aid to civil authority, when called upon to do so.

He then charged the NAF personnel to conduct themselves professionally and treat all citizens with respect and dignity. Air Marshal Abubakar, who seized the opportunity to announce the establishment of a Central Flying School in Katsina, also expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for creating the enabling environment for the NAF to fulfil its statutory responsibilities. Meanwhile, as part of the NAF’s corporate social responsibility to its host communities, the CAS handed over a fully furnished block of 4 classrooms constructed by the NAF at Muhammadu Buhari Primary School in Daura.

The CAS and his team had since returned to Abuja.

OLATOKUNBO ADESANYA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force