NAF Bolsters Airpower, Neutralizes 3,496 Terrorists, Acquires 15 New Aircraft
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has significantly boosted its operational capabilities, acquiring 15 new aircraft and neutralizing over 3,496 terrorists in the last year, with an additional 49 platforms expected by the end of 2026.
This was revealed by Air Vice Marshal Edwards Gabkwet, speaking on behalf of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal HB Abubakar, at an Expanded Parley with Media Executives hosted by the Chief of Defence Staff, General CD Musa, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet highlighted the NAF’s commitment to becoming an agile and resilient force. He stated that the goal of the Chief of Air Staff is to establish a well-equipped service capable of operating effectively independently or jointly with other services to deliver airpower in any operational environment.
In the past two years, the NAF has seen a significant boost in its operational capabilities with the acquisition of 15 brand-new aircraft. These include six T-129 ATAK helicopters, two AW-109 Trekkers, three Beechcraft King Air aircraft, and four Diamond 62 aircraft. Looking ahead, the NAF anticipates receiving an additional 49 platforms before the end of 2026, including three CASA 295 aircraft, ten AW 109 Trekker helicopters, twelve AH 1Z helicopters, and twenty-four M 346 fighter aircraft. These new platforms are expected to further reinforce the NAF’s readiness to meet Nigeria’s airpower demands effectively.
The newly acquired platforms have demonstrably enhanced the NAF’s operational effectiveness, enabling a surge in missions across various theaters. Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet detailed the extensive flight hours and sorties conducted: over 4,500 hours in 2,304 sorties for 1,974 counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency (CTCOIN) missions within the past year. From January to May this year alone, the NAF has flown over 832 hours in 469 sorties for CTCOIN. For anti-banditry missions, over 4,670 hours in 2,713 sorties were flown for 2,610 missions between 2023 and 2024. This year, the NAF has already flown 2,000 hours in 919 sorties for anti-banditry operations.
In counter-crude oil theft missions, 1,450 hours in 453 sorties were flown for 366 missions between 2023 and 2024. From January to May this year, 751 hours were flown in 340 sorties for these missions, contributing significantly to an improvement in Nigeria’s crude oil and condensate production. These missions have been crucial in attaining operational objectives and bolstering national security.
The NAF has also made significant strides in in-country maintenance and aircraft reactivation.
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Through the “meticulous efforts of our aircraft and armament engineers and technicians,” the NAF successfully conducted its first-ever in-country 4800 hours inspection on a Do 228 aircraft. Additionally, a Do-228 aircraft that had been grounded for approximately 23 years was successfully reactivated. Other reactivated aircraft include two AW 109EM, one Mi 35p, and one Mi 171 helicopters, and one ATR 42 aircraft. Platforms currently undergoing reactivation include one Super Puma helicopter, one Citation 680 aircraft, one ATR 42 aircraft, one Bell 412 helicopter, and two AW 109EM helicopters. These efforts have resulted in an average serviceability rate of about 72 percent, enabling the NAF to sustain its operations.
The NAF’s air operations have yielded significant results in combating insecurity across various regions. In Operation HADIN KAI (Northeast), from June 2023 to date, the Air Component has neutralized over 3,496 terrorists, destroyed 775 structures/logistics, and eliminated 218 combat vehicles. In Operation FANSAN YAMMA (Northwest), since October last year, the Air Components have neutralized over 2,154 terrorists, destroyed 669 structures, and about 271 motorbikes.
In Operation DELTA SAFE, kinetic and non-kinetic airpower employment has positively impacted the Nigerian economy, leading to a significant improvement in Nigeria’s crude oil and condensates production.
Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet emphasized the NAF’s commitment to accountability and continuous improvement. He acknowledged mishaps and stated the NAF takes full responsibility, striving for continuous improvement in operational safety and civilian harm mitigation. Just last month, the NAF launched its civilian harm mitigation and response plan to guide the effective employment of airpower and prevent collateral damage.
Beyond operations, the welfare of personnel remains a top priority. Over 482 infrastructural projects have been initiated across NAF bases, with 30% focused on accommodation. This has reduced the housing deficit by 25%, with a target of 50% by mid-2025.
In the past 24 months, the NAF has intensified its training and capacity development initiatives. Thousands of officers and airmen have received training locally and abroad. Within the last year alone, over 565 personnel completed foreign courses, comprising 177 flying courses and 455 ground training courses. The NAF has also deployed new simulators and immersive learning technologies to prepare for the future of warfare.
Despite these achievements, Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet highlighted key challenges impeding the NAF’s efforts. These include funding given current economic realities, and overstretched assets due to the widespread nature of joint military or multi-agency operations across all geo-political zones in Nigeria.
This frequent redeployment of limited air assets across vast geographical areas overstrains resources and limits the ability to concentrate force. Furthermore, international politics and Western sanctions against some countries have hindered the procurement of aircraft, spares, maintenance activities, and training. Additionally, some countries and international organizations link arms sales to human rights conditions, leading to delays in the availability of needed munitions and aircraft based on perceived or actual human rights abuses.
Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet concluded by reaffirming that, despite the challenges, the Nigerian Air Force has continued to “soar higher, stronger, and more resilient than ever” over the past two years, asserting control over the skies and advancing human capital.
By PRNigeria
