Category: Nigerian Air Force

  • Air Force Officer Heroically Foils ‘One-Chance’ Robbery Attempt In Abuja

    Air Force Officer Heroically Foils ‘One-Chance’ Robbery Attempt In Abuja


    In a remarkable display of courage and quick thinking, Air Commodore John Ijudigal, a serving officer in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), successfully thwarted a robbery and kidnapping attempt by notorious ‘one-chance’ operators in Abuja on February 14, 2024. The incident unfolded at Accra Road, Wuse Zone 5, resulting in the apprehension of three suspects and the rescue of two kidnapped victims.

    At approximately 7:28 pm, Air Commodore Ijudigal, commuting home in his staff car, encountered a distressing scene—an Abuja-painted taxi (Mazda 323, registration BWR 232 XB) reversing at high speed, with terrified passengers screaming for help. A black Toyota Land Cruiser was in pursuit. Air Commodore Ijudigal instinctively joined the chase, using his official vehicle to block the escape route of the criminals.

    In the ensuing collision between the ‘one-chance’ vehicle and Air Commodore Ijudigal’s official car, significant damage occurred to both vehicles. The impact forced the ‘one-chance’ vehicle into a nearby garden. Undeterred, Air Commodore Ijudigal pursued one of the fleeing suspects into a nearby bush with the assistance of onlookers. The driver of the ‘one-chance’ vehicle and two other suspects (a male and a female) were apprehended, while two female victims were successfully rescued.

    Air Commodore Ijudigal promptly contacted the nearest police post and personally handed over the three criminals to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Mr. Benneth Igweh, at his office.

    FCT Commissioner of Police Mr. Benneth Igweh commended Air Commodore Ijudigal for his courage, emphasizing that his intervention not only thwarted a potential tragedy but also contributed significantly to the apprehension of criminals posing a security risk in the FCT. The Commissioner praised the senior officer’s act as a demonstration of bravery and unwavering commitment to public service, stating that, “The swift and decisive measures taken no doubt averted a potential tragedy, reinstating confidence in the security forces.”

    Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, expressed commendation for Air Commodore Ijudigal’s bravery and selfless service. The senior officer, a former NAF Deputy Director of Sports and currently the Deputy Director of Logistics at the Defence Headquarters, received recognition for his exceptional actions during a critical security incident.

  • Major Air Strikes Disrupt Criminal Networks Across Nigeria

    Major Air Strikes Disrupt Criminal Networks Across Nigeria

    In a resolute move to counteract the activities of criminal elements undermining national security, the air component of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) has executed a series of precision air strikes targeting illegal refining sites, militants’ camps, and terrorist hideouts across different states of Nigeria.

    On August 27, 2023, OPDS initiated air interdiction missions against illegal refining sites located at Cawthorne Channels, Bille, and Gogokori in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.

    The airstrikes were meticulously executed to eliminate these hubs of illicit activities, contributing to instability and adversely affecting law-abiding citizens. A Cotonou boat laden with illegal refined products was also neutralized at Gogokori as it attempted to escape into open waters.

    Expanding the scope of the operations, OPDS carried out similar strikes on refining sites in Idama (Akuku-toru Local Government Area) and Omoma (Degema Local Government Area) of Rivers State.

    The strikes were based on actionable intelligence indicating ongoing refining activities at these locations. The sites were promptly targeted, leading to the destruction of active illegal refining sites and the incineration of suspected reservoirs containing illicitly refined products.

    In a parallel operation on August 25, 2023, identified militants’ and pirates’ camps in Cross River State became targets for the air component of OPDS. Notorious camps including Big Joe’s Camp, Sunny’s Camp, Davids’ Camp in Bakassi Local Government Area, and Amos Camps in Calabar South Local Government Area were subjected to precision airstrikes.

    The operation aimed at dismantling these criminal strongholds and apprehending their occupants. The strikes led to several criminals being neutralized, and efforts to escape were met with overwhelming force.

    Additionally, on the same day, the air component carried out targeted strikes at the Chinene hideout in the Mandara mountains, known as a persistent terrorist gathering point in the Northeast region. This location has been targeted previously due to its history of harboring and facilitating the activities of terrorists. The recent operation resulted in several terrorists being eliminated and others fleeing the scene.

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) remains dedicated to delivering tangible results in the battle against criminal elements. The relentless efforts of the NAF and other security agencies underscore their commitment to securing the nation.

    However, the collective involvement of all Nigerians is crucial in addressing these challenges effectively. Citizens are urged to provide actionable information to security agencies, thus becoming an integral part of the solution in maintaining peace and stability across the country.

  • NIMASA Fostering Growth Of Nigerian Seafarers Through Cabotage Implementation

    NIMASA Fostering Growth Of Nigerian Seafarers Through Cabotage Implementation

    Central to the Cabotage regime is the principle of enhancing local involvement in the crewing of vessels operating within Nigerian waters.

    NIMASA has been dedicated to ensuring that Nigerian seafarers are placed on board Cabotage vessels, aligning with its role in placements and the provisions of the Cabotage Act of 2003.

    A significant stride has been made in this regard, as applications for Cabotage crew placements now come with the stipulation that all foreign crew, particularly Ratings on vessels, must be replaced with Nigerian seafarers or cadets within a period of two to three weeks of commencing operations. As a result, a total of 539 Nigerian seafarers have been recommended for such replacements in the initial quarter of 2023.

    Under the leadership of Dr. Bashir Jamoh, NIMASA, in the current administration, achieved the placement of 3,705 seafarers on Cabotage vessels in 2021, followed by 7,238 seafarers in 2022, and an additional 1,013 seafarers from January to July 2023. This cumulative effort has led to the successful placement of 11,956 Nigerian seafarers on Cabotage vessels between January 2021 and July 2023.

    Streamlining administrative processes, NIMASA has digitized the registration and documentation procedures. The establishment of the e-registration platform facilitates the online and real-time registration of maritime labor participants such as seafarers, dockworkers, maritime labor employers (including shipping companies, manning/crewing agents, stevedoring companies, and terminal operators), as well as various operators in the maritime sector. This digitalization aims to enhance efficiency and accuracy while also serving as a valuable database for statistical analysis, national planning, policy formulation, and research purposes. The intention is to host this e-registration platform on the NIMASA website.

    In addition, the years 2021 and 2022 saw the registration of 3,219 and 3,619 seafarers, respectively, with 1,176 registrations recorded from January to July 2023. In the same timeframe, the issuance of MLC, 2006 certificates amounted to 24 in 2021, 49 in 2022, and 63 from January to July 2023. Consequently, a total of 8,014 seafarers were registered from 2021 to 2023 (January to July), with 136 MLC, 2006 certificates issued after inspections during the same period.

    Furthermore, a total of 65 stevedoring companies, 26 terminal/jetty operators, and 1,395 dockworkers were duly registered between 2021 and 2023 (January to July).

    In 2008, NIMASA initiated the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) with the primary objective of training Nigerian youths as seafarers and Naval Architects, contributing to the enhancement of maritime capacity. This program was designed to provide comprehensive education up to degree level in Marine Engineering, Nautical Sciences, and Naval Architecture at select Maritime Training Institutions (MTIs) abroad.

    The aim was to equip beneficiaries with the skills to effectively compete in the global maritime industry and contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

    Notably, in December 2022, NIMASA sent off 235 Nigerian youths to India and Greece as Batch B of a total of 435 young Nigerians to be trained under the NSDP as Licensed Deck and Engine Officers, including Naval Architects. This batch followed an earlier sponsorship of 200 individuals under Batch A.

    During this initiative, NIMASA Director-General Dr. Bashir Jamoh, highlighted the importance of mutual recognition of Certificate of Competency (CoC) in collaboration with countries that support this understanding, which influenced the selection of training institutes for beneficiaries. It’s also noteworthy that NIMASA has succeeded in providing “seatime” experience for all NSDP beneficiaries, laying the foundation for them to earn foreign currencies and contribute to the nation’s remittances.

  • Amid Recent Helicopter Crash, Nigerian Air Force Counters Terrorist Propaganda

    Amid Recent Helicopter Crash, Nigerian Air Force Counters Terrorist Propaganda

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has responded to a video circulating on social media platforms, which allegedly shows the aftermath of a MI-171 helicopter crash near Chukuba Village in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State.

    The NAF, known for its dedication to combatting terrorism, usually refrains from addressing such claims, particularly when propagated by terrorists.

    However, the concerns expressed by concerned citizens regarding the need to counteract this misinformation have prompted the NAF to make a statement.

    In the course of military operations against insurgency and terrorism, unfortunate incidents such as fatalities, mishaps, and crashes can occasionally occur.

    Over the past eight years, the NAF has intensified its air operations to combat the activities of criminal elements and terrorists within the nation.

    This increased operational tempo, driven by a bolstered fleet, has naturally raised the likelihood of air mishaps and accidents due to various factors.

    During a meeting with Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State recently, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff, acknowledged the direct correlation between the frequency of aircraft accidents/incidents and the heightened level of air operations.

    While the NAF deeply regrets these unfortunate events, especially when they result in the loss of fellow servicemembers’ lives, the organization remains committed to investigating the causes of each incident to prevent future occurrences.

    In light of those who may inadvertently or intentionally support the propaganda efforts of terrorists by disseminating videos depicting the alleged crash site along with graphic images of deceased military personnel, it is vital to consider the far-reaching consequences of such actions.

    Not only do these actions undermine the morale of troops and inflict pain on the families of the fallen, but they also pose a threat to the overall national security of Nigeria.

    The NAF, along with the entirety of the Armed Forces, stands undeterred and resolute in its mission to address the current security challenges faced in Niger State and other troubled regions across the country. In fact, the determination to confront these threats head-on is stronger than ever before. The commitment to bring adversaries to their knees remains unwavering.

    According to the force, “As we call upon all Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces and collaborating with security agencies in the fight against our shared enemies, the NAF expresses its gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his words of condolence and encouragement. Also the NAF extends its appreciation to other compassionate Nigerians who have provided their support during these challenging times.”

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