VIDEO: NAF Bombs Terrorists in Borno, Graduates 28 Young Air Officers in Kaduna

VIDEO: NAF Bombs Terrorists in Borno, Graduates 28 Young Air Officers in Kaduna
Video: https://youtu.be/llRi7uRLtwk

The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has inflicted heavy casualties on Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP) elements in devastating air strikes conducted at Tumbun Hamma on the fringes of Lake Chad on 24 May 2019.

The attack was conducted following credible intelligence reports indicating that the terrorists, who had fled the series of air strikes conducted by Nigerian, Nigerien and Chadian Air Forces, around the Malkanori-Tumbun Rego general axis of northern Borno State, had converged in Tumbun Hamma.

The attack was preceded by series of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions which confirmed heavy presence of terrorists in several structures, along with their logistics items, spread across the small settlement.

Accordingly, the ATF scrambled an Alpha Jet aircraft to attack the location, recording a successful direct hit in the centre of the target area leading to the neutralization of several terrorists as well as the destruction of their structures and logistics.

The NAF, operating in concert with surface forces, will sustain its operations to completely degrade the terrorists in the Northeast.

Meanwhile, the efforts of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to increase capacity for more effective and efficient engagement of internal security challenges facing the Nation have received another boost with the graduation of 28 officers from the Young Officers’ Course (YOC) 13/2019 at the Military Training Centre (MTC) Kaduna today, 24 May 2019.

The course is part of the NAF’s sustained effort to develop the capacities of its personnel in all aspects of its operations.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who was represented by the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Air Training Command (ATC), Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Muhammad Suleiman, urged the graduands to be prepared to apply themselves in battling the various security challenges confronting the country, having been equipped, both in character and skills, for the tasks ahead.

In his words, “The NAF does not compromise standards and our collective commitment to excellence is paramount, if the Service is to effectively discharge its constitutional role”. The CAS stated that the NAF would continue to accord priority to equipping its units and personnel whilst ensuring their welfare was adequately catered for. He therefore charged the graduands to be innovative and come up with more proactive ways of carrying out their duties diligently and professionally. He equally urged them to uphold the high standards of discipline and loyalty the NAF was known for while ensuring they do not compromise national security or act in any manner capable of denting the good image of the Service. The AOC also thanked the CAS for his commitment to capacity building at all levels in the NAF.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant MTC, Air Commodore Jubrin Usman, said that the course was designed to improve the knowledge of young officers with a view to enhancing their productivity. He stated that during the 12 weeks course, the students were exposed to lectures tailored towards developing their staff, analytical and communication skills as well as principles and practical field demonstrations on asymmetric warfare. The course further emphasized on the need to conduct military operations in strict compliance with the rule of law in order to foster the much needed Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC), which is essential in dealing with an enlightened citizenry under a democratic dispensation. The Commandant thanked the CAS for his keen interest and support for the training activities at the MTC.

Awards were presented to graduands who had distinguished themselves during the Course, particularly those who emerged First, Second and Third in Order of Merit. The Award Winners were; Flying Officers Oriade Onireti, Ubah Ikoko and Christopher Obasi. The AOC Ground Training Command, AVM Idi Amin; Commandant Air Force Institute of Technology, AVM Cletus Udeagulu, and Commanders of co-located NAF Units were among the dignitaries who graced the occasion.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations