Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Nigerian Air Force

  • Akeredolu inaugurates Amotekun in Ondo, tasks FG on more police funding

    Akeredolu inaugurates Amotekun in Ondo, tasks FG on more police funding

    Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has inaugurated the pioneer officers of Ondo State Security network Agency Amotekun Corps.

    During the inauguration ceremony in Akure, the state capital , Governor Akeredolu expressed delight with the performance of the pioneer Amotekun corps officers, who recently completed their training.

    In his remark, the Governor urged the corps officers to put to good use the knowledge gained from the training to ensure security of life and property in the state.

    Akeredolu who pleaded with the Federal Government to allocate more fund for equiping the police, explained that the Amotekun Corps is designed to support the existing security framework in the state.

    READ ALSO:

    Babalakin-led Governing Council sacks UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ogundipe

    Stressing that with a workable synergy among the leadership of the security agencies and that of Amotekun, the Governor expressed confidence that a water-tight strategy capable of arresting crimes even before they occur could be achieved.

    At the ceremony, the Governor commissioned some equipment that will aid the effective operation of the corps officers, including vehicles, motorcycles, and other communication gadgets.

    In his remarks, the Commander of Ondo State Amotekun Corps, Ade Adeleye commended Governor Akeredolu for making the dream of the security outfit come alive.

    Commander of the Ondo State Amotekum Corps, Ade Adeleye, addresses guests and men of the security outfit at the inauguration ceremony.

    Adeleye said that the Amotekun Corps was a child of necessity born out of the need to explore other means of securing communities across Ondo State.

    The Ondo Amotekun Corps inauguration was well attended by government officials, traditional and religious leaders, including representatives of the Nigerian Police Force, Ondo Command.

    Ondo is the latest Southwest state in Nigeria to inaugurate its own command of the Amotekun Corps, which came to light by the determination of Governors in the region to tackle growing insecurity.

    The governors of the Southwest met and agreed to establish a security outfit that will support the security framework of the region.

    At the early stage, the plan to own a regional security outfit was greeted with mixed reactions, while some persons said it was a good idea, others believed Amotekun is a ploy to decentralize the police through the back door.

    One of the worries of those against the security outfit was that Amotekun will be a tool in the hands of politicians to fan their self-interest.

    On the ground of a number of concerns, the Federal Government frowned at the Soutwest governors and even went ahead to declare illegal, the establishment of the security outfit.

    In a communique in January 2020, Special Assistant, Media and Public Relations (Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice), Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu declared on behalf of government that “The setting up of the paramilitary organization called “Amotekun” is illegal and runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian law”.

    READ ALSO:

    Sanwo-Olu Commissions Oshodi-Abule Egba BRT Corridor, Unveils New Smart Ticketing System

     

    The Federal Government maintained that “the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) has established the Army, Navy, and Airforce, including the Police and other numerous paramilitary organisations for the purpose of the defence of Nigeria”.

    The Federal Goverent’s initial resistance to the regional security outfit led the Southwest governors to meet the President, which resulted in unanimous resolutions that allowed states in the region to proceed with Amotekun.

    The resolutions include: That the structure of Amotekun should align with the Federal Government’s community policing strategy; that necessary legal instruments be put in place by each state to give legal backing and regulatory measures to Amotekun.

    More photos:

    In this photo, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is seated next to the Commander of the Amotekun Corps in Ondo State, at the inauguration of the security outfit.
    Members of the Amotekun Corps mount a guard of honour at the inauguration of the Ondo State arm of the security outfit

  • Suspected killers of Arotile handed over to Nigeria police

    Suspected killers of Arotile handed over to Nigeria police

    Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has officially handed over to the Nigeria Police Force the three suspects: Nehemiah Adejoh, Igbekele Folorunsho and Festus Gbayegun, involved in the incident that led to the death of Nigeria’s first female helicopter combat pilot, Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile.

    Giving brief highlights during the handover at the NAF Base Kaduna, the Commander 453 Base Services Group (453 BSG), Hadi Ahmed, recalled how, on  July 14, at about 4.30pm, a KIA Sorento SUV, with registration number: AZ 478 MKA (Kaduna), driven by Adejoh, with two other passengers, knocked down Arotile when she was walking along Air Marshal Ibrahim Alfa Road in the Base, leading to her eventual death.

    Ahmed highlighted that the three persons involved in the accident, who were former schoolmates of the late Flying Officer at the Air Force Secondary School in Kaduna, were on their way to visit the wife of a serving senior officer residing in the Base before the accident occurred.

    He stated that NAF would continue to cooperate with the Nigeria Police and provide all necessary support to enable it carry forward the case to its logical conclusion.

    It would be recalled that NAF, during a press conference on July 19 to give details of the outcome of its preliminary investigations, had informed Nigerians that the three persons involved in the accident would be handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and possible prosecution in line with extant laws.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Photos: Flying Officer Tolu Arotile buried with full military honours

    Photos: Flying Officer Tolu Arotile buried with full military honours

    Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot, has been laid to rest at the military cemetery in Abuja.

    The funeral on Thursday was attended by many dignitaries, which include the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq.

    Late Arotile, who died on July 14 from head injuries sustained from a freak accident at the Nigerian Airforce base in Kaduna, was described as the pride of NAF, was bestowed full military honours.

  • Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile died of trauma, civilians involved in custody – NAF

    Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile died of trauma, civilians involved in custody – NAF

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has on Sunday confirmed that the death of Flying Officer Tolupe Arotile was caused by blunt force trauma to the head and significant bleeding resulting from being struck by a vehicle.

    This confirmation was contained in a preliminary investigation report signed by NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore, Ibikunle Daramola.

    He stated that: “Traffic Officers from the Kawo Police Station and the Kaduna State Police Command as well as Road Traffic experts from the Federal Road Safety Corp were also called in to provide support during the investigation.

    “Having carefully considered the foregoing, the preliminary investigation concluded that:

    “The death of Flying Officer Arotile was caused by blunt force trauma to the head and significant bleeding resulting from being struck by the vehicle”, the report read in part.

    The report, which followed public sentiments and allegations of foul play in the death of Arotile established that no serving officer of the NAF was involved in the accident that led to the unfortunate incident.

    Air Commodore Daramola stated that the three civilians, who were former classmates of the deceased at the Air Force Secondary School (now Air Force Comprehensive School) Kaduna are now in custody.

    “Being a civil case, the matter will be handed over to the Nigeria Police with a view to further investigating and charging the suspects to court in accordance with extant laws.

    “The Nigerian Air Force, being a highly professional and disciplined organization, will not join issues with any individuals or groups regarding the spurious allegations of ‘foul play’ espoused in some quarters. Suffice it to say that Flying Officer Arotile was a pride of the NAF in whom the Service had invested massively in terms of resources, time and energy. Consequently, it is ludicrous for anyone to even remotely insinuate malevolent intent on the part of the Service against one of its most prized assets’, he stated.

    Read full report below:

    1. On 14 July 2020, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), and indeed the entire Nation, was thrown into mourning as a result of the death of one of our shining young stars in the person of Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, the NAF’s first female combat helicopter pilot. Her unfortunate demise has elicited an overwhelming outpouring of condolences, prayers and support to the NAF as well as the Arotile Family. This has no doubt been so, not just for Tolulope’s outstanding accomplishments at the tender age of 24, but also because of her sterling personal qualities of excellence, hard work, dedication to duty, confidence and courage, which endeared her to her superiors, subordinates and peers in the Service. Unfortunately, because of the peculiar circumstances of the incident that led to her death, a rash of falsehoods, innuendos, conspiracy theories and the likes have been propagated in the public space, especially on Social Media. The NAF sincerely hopes that the findings of the just-concluded preliminary investigation into this unfortunate and painful incident will address the misinformed issues raised in the Social Media on the tragedy.
    2. Moreover, while it would have been ideal for the entire investigation to be concluded before details on the incident are released, the NAF, in sensitivity to public concerns occasioned by the spread of false information, appreciates the imperative to provide more clarity at this very difficult moment. Please note that the details being revealed today have already been communicated to the Arotile Family, who ideally should be allowed to mourn their daughter and sister in peace, but for the unfortunate nature of the sad occurrence.
    3. In line with the normal procedure in the Nigerian Air Force during such occurrences, an investigation was immediately instituted to formally determine the circumstances of the incident. Accordingly, the preliminary investigation has revealed the following details:
    4. The Late Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, a Squadron Pilot at the 405 Helicopter Combat Training Group (405 HCTG) Enugu, attached to the Air Component of Operation GAMA AIKI in Minna, having recently completed her Promotion Examinations, was in Kaduna awaiting deployment for her next assignment. During this period, she stayed with her sister, Mrs Damilola Adegboye, at Sabo Area in Kaduna, visiting the NAF Base whenever necessary.
    5. On 14 July 2020 at about 10.55am, Late Flying Officer Arotile received a phone call from her colleague, Flying Officer Perry Karimo, a fellow helicopter pilot from the 405 HCTG, who wanted to discuss arrangements for their return to Enugu, requesting that she comes to the Base so that they could work out the modalities. Subsequently, at about 10.58am, the Late Arotile placed a call through to Squadron Leader Diepiriye Batubo, the Group Operations Officer (GOO) of 405 HCTG, who was in Minna at the time, to clarify issues regarding her deployment. It must be highlighted that the call FROM Flying Officer Karimo as well as the one TO the Squadron Leader Batubo both took place before 11.00am, over 5 hours before the incident which led to her death.
    6. Flying Officer Arotile was later conveyed from Sabo to the NAF Base Kaduna by her sister, Mrs Adegboye, where the Deceased dropped her phone for charging at a house in the Instructor Pilots’ Quarters belonging to Squadron Leader Alfa Ekele. Her elder sister later dropped her off at the Base Mammy Market at about 4.00pm, where she proceeded to photocopy and laminate some documents. It was while she was returning from the Mammy Market at about 4.30pm that 3 of her former schoolmates at the Air Force Secondary School (now Air Force Comprehensive School) Kaduna; Mr Nehemiah Adejoh, Mr Igbekele Folorunsho and Mr Festus Gbayegun, drove past her in a Kia Sorento SUV, with Registration Number AZ 478 MKA. It is noteworthy that Messrs Adejoh, Folorunsho and Gbayegun are all civilians who live outside NAF Base Kaduna, but were on their way to visit one Mrs Chioma Ugwu, wife of Squadron Leader Chukwuemeka Ugwu, who lives at Ekagbo Quarters on the Base.
    7. Upon recognising their schoolmate, Arotile, after passing her, Mr Adejoh, who was driving, reversed the vehicle, ostensibly in an attempt to quickly meet up with the Deceased, who was walking in the opposite direction. In the process, the vehicle struck Flying Officer Arotile from the rear, knocking her down with significant force and causing her to hit her head on the pavement. The vehicle then ran over parts of her body as it veered off the road beyond the kerb and onto the pavement, causing her further injuries.
    8. Flying Officer Arotile was subsequently rushed to the 461 NAF Hospital Kaduna for treatment, while Mr Folorunsho (one of the occupants of the vehicle) who is also an Accident & Emergency Nurse at the St Gerard Catholic Hospital Kaduna, administered First Aid.
    9. Flying Officer Arotile was confirmed dead by the On-Call Doctor at the 461 NAF Hospital at about 4.45pm on 14 July 2020, as a result of the head injuries.
    10. The trio of Messrs Nehemiah Adejoh, Igbekele Folorunsho and Festus Gbayegun were immediately detained at the Air Provost Wing, 453 Base Services Group Kaduna as investigations began. They were subjected to Toxicology Tests at the 461 NAF Hospital but no traces of alcohol or psychotropic substances were found in their systems. It was however discovered that the driver of the vehicle, Mr Nehemiah Adejo, did not have a valid driver’s license.
    11. Traffic Officers from the Kawo Police Station and the Kaduna State Police Command as well as Road Traffic experts from the Federal Road Safety Corp were also called in to provide support during the investigation.
    12. Having carefully considered the foregoing, the preliminary investigation concluded that:

    a.. The death of Flying Officer Arotile was caused by blunt force trauma to the head and significant bleeding resulting from being struck by the vehicle

    1. Being a civil case, the matter will be handed over to the Nigeria Police with a view to further investigating and charging the suspects to court in accordance with extant laws.
    2. The Nigerian Air Force, being a highly professional and disciplined organization, will not join issues with any individuals or groups regarding the spurious allegations of ‘foul play’ espoused in some quarters. Suffice it to say that Flying Officer Arotile was a pride of the NAF in whom the Service had invested massively in terms of resources, time and energy. Consequently, it is ludicrous for anyone to even remotely insinuate malevolent intent on the part of the Service against one of its most prized assets.
    3. Furthermore, it is extremely sad and disheartening that, rather than allow the Arotile Family and the Nigerian Air Force to grieve for our dearly departed Tolulope in peace, many have chosen to politicize her death, while others are using the incident to push meritless, misguided ethnic and religious agendas. The Nigerian Air Force wishes to implore everyone to respect the sensibilities of all those who have suffered most by this loss, those who really knew Tolulope – her family, her friends and her Nigerian Air Force colleagues. It is of absolute importance that the memory of this Fallen Hero and our precious child is not tainted by the propagation of misplaced sentiments and wild shenanigans. Before I end this august address, may I respectfully, on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, the entire personnel of the NAF as well as members of the Arotile Family, express my profound appreciation to all those who in one way or the other have shown concern, support and sympathy over this unfortunate incident. Thank you for your attention.

     

    IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA

    Air Commodore

    Director of Public Relations and Information

    Nigerian Air Force

    19 July 2020

  • Pressure mounts for probe of Arotile’s death, as NAF plans burial

    Pressure mounts for probe of Arotile’s death, as NAF plans burial

    Nigerians from all walks of life have been mounting pressure on the authorities of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to probe the circumstances surrounding the death of first female combat helicopter pilot, Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile.

    This was coming as NAF announced that the remains of late Arotile would be laid to rest with full military honours at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja on July 23.

    Late Arotile died on July 14 at the age of 24, when she was inadvertently hit by the reversing vehicle of an excited former Air Force Secondary School classmate while trying to greet her. She died as a result of head injuries sustained from the accident.

    The controversial circumstances leading to her death have led many Nigerians to call on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government, most especially NAF to probe Arotle’s death.

    Late Arotile’s elder sister, Damilola Adegboye, demanded a probe on her death, saying: “We in the family are not convinced that Tolu can just die like that in a freak accident.

    “I know that the military is well trained in the art of investigation, we want them to carry out a thorough investigation that can convince us beyond all doubts that the incident that led to her death was real.”

    Meanwhile, the Chief of the Air Staff, Sadique Abubakar, Friday received some members of the Federal Executive Council as well as members of the National Assembly who visited him at the NAF Headquarters to condole with him over the unfortunate demise of the young NAF pilot.

    Those who came calling include: the Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, as well as the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed.

    Also, a joint delegation from the upper and lower houses of the National Assembly, comprising 20 lawmakers, was led by the Chairman Senate Committee on Air Force, Bala Ibn-Na’Allah, and the Chairman House Committee on the Air Force, Shehu Koko.

    Speaking during her visit, Tallen, who was accompanied on the visit by the Director-General of the National Council for Women Development as well as leaders of some other Women’s Groups, said she received the news of the death of Arotile with great shock, from which she said it would be difficult for her to recover.

    She, however, noted that the death of the young pilot would not be in vain as she would forever be remembered for her gallantry and contributions towards ensuring a secured Nigeria.

    The minister prayed God to comfort the entire NAF family and grant the departed officer’s soul eternal rest.

    While conveying his condolences, Mohammed, on his part, prayed God to grant Arotile’s soul peaceful repose and her family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

    Also, Ibn-Na’Allah stated that the committee, and the Senate as a whole, lacked the words to express how painful her death was to them.

    He said they were however consoled that there was no greater honour than when one dies while in service to one’s nation. He described the late Arotile as a dedicated and goal-oriented young woman who lived an exemplary life that was worthy of emulation by other young Nigerians.

    While reiterating that the Nigerian Senate shares in the pain of the Service as well as that of the Arotile family, he urged NAF to continue to give opportunities to many young Nigerian girls to realise their dreams of serving their country as pilots in NAF.

    Also, Koko, while recalling the day Arotile was winged as the first female combat helicopter pilot in NAF, noted that the lawmakers were aware of the many exploits the young officer made in her short but impactful career.

    He said her passing was extremely painful, but they took solace in the fact that she had left a lasting legacy. He therefore urged the chief of air staff, and through him, the family of the deceased young officer to be consoled by the good deeds she left behind.

    Responding, Abubakar expressed his appreciation to the esteemed dignitaries as well as all Nigerians for their overwhelming show of support to the NAF over the passing of Arotile.

    He noted that NAF would never forget her, not only because she was the first female combat helicopter pilot in the service, but also for her legacy as a very intelligent, highly committed and extremely patriotic officer who excelled in virtually every endeavour.

    The chief of air staff recalled how, while on basic helicopter course in South Africa, she was selected, because of her excellent performance, to undergo a more advanced flying course on the Agusta 109 Power Attack Helicopter in Italy before returning to finish the basic course along with her other colleagues in South Africa.

    Such, Abubakar said, was her commitment to excellence on the job.

    “This was what gave us confidence to assign her to introduce the Agusta 109 Power Attack Helicopter to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, during the induction ceremony at the Eagle Square in Abuja on 6 February 2020; which she did excellently,” he added. 

    Abubakar added that late Arotile had left her mark in the sands of time, explaining that when it comes to displaying excellence and adding value to the society, age or gender should not be barriers.

    He noted that her contributions through combat missions conducted, along with her colleagues, in the fight against armed banditry and other criminal activities in the country would also never be forgotten.

    The chief of air staff disclosed that NAF would therefore continue to give equal opportunities to female officers in terms of training, noting that a total of 11 female student pilots were currently undergoing flying training both within and outside Nigeria. 

    While reiterating the huge loss Flying Officer Arotile’s death was to NAF, Abubakar noted that the Service would continue to be consoled by the legacy she left behind.

    He assured that NAF, in honour of her memory as well as all those who had paid the supreme price before her, would continue to work assiduously to ensure success in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other security threats for the overall peace and prosperity of a united Nigeria.

    By Idowu Sowunmi

  • Tolulope Arotile: Possibly killed by Boko Haram sympathiser, Afenifere, family, ‘ex-soldier’ allege

    Tolulope Arotile: Possibly killed by Boko Haram sympathiser, Afenifere, family, ‘ex-soldier’ allege

    Pan-Yoruba sociocultural group, Afenifere says it suspects foul play in the death of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) first female combat pilot, 23-year Tolulope Arotile, whom authorities reported to have died “as a result of head injuries sustained from a road traffic accident at NAF Base Kaduna”.

    In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the group, Yinka Odumakin, Thursday, Afenifere accused the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) of being economical with the truth on how the young combat pilot died and therefore demands a coronner inquest into her death.  

    READ ALSO: Photos: First female Nigerian Air Force combat helicopter pilot is dead

    “A statement by the Nigerian Air Force told some truth that she died but spewed some untruth in saying that”:

    ‘it  is with great sorrow that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) regretfully announces the unfortunate demise of Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile who died today, 14 July 2020, as a result of head injuries sustained from a road traffic accident at NAF Base Kaduna.‬’, Afenifere quoted NAF.

    The group expressed doubt about the sincerity of NAF because the detail of Flying Officer Arotile’s death was only revealed by eyewitness account.

    “It was only eyewitness accounts that unofficially released that it was a colleague of hers who reversed his car to knock her down on the road”, the group stated.

    READ ALSO: Buhari, Aisha mourn first female NAF combat helicopter pilot, Tolulope Arotile

    Referring to NAF’s statement on Arotile’s death which stated that:

    ‘Until her death, ‪Flying Officer Arotile, who was commissioned into the NAF in September 2017 as a member of Nigerian Defence Academy Regular Course 64, was the first ever female combat helicopter pilot in the Service.‬ During her short but impactful stay in the Service, late Arotile, who hails from Iffe in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, contributed significantly to the efforts to rid the North Central States of armed bandits and other criminal elements by flying several combat missions under Operation GAMA AIKI in Minna, Niger State’.

    Afenifere, who also stated unofficial accounts which disclosed late Arotile had just returned from a combat operation before she was knocked down to death, alleged that the young flying officer might have been deliberately killed by sympathisers of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT), who have infiltrated the Nigerian Military.

    “We therefore do not accept that her death was an accident until the report of a coroner says how she died and how a supposed attempt to stop and greet could come with a death impact.

    “We say this against what is known of the infiltration of the forces by sympathizers and agents of Boko Haram.

    “We recall the report years back of such agents revealing the routes and timing of movements of our troops to Boko Haram who ambushed them”, Afenifere said in the statement.

    READ ALSO: [Video] NDDC Drama: How Governor Wike rescued Joy Nunieh from arrest

    Furthermore, the group, while sympathizing with the family of the late promising NAF officer, whom Nigerians have described as a hero; demanded that: 

    “The inquiry should look into all the links of the colleague who killed her and we must know the identity”.

    in the same vein, late Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile’s family has also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the sudden death of Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot.

    “We in the family are not convinced that Tolu can just die like that in a freak accident,” Ms. Damilola Adegboye, immediate elder sister to the deceased Flying Officer told Punch Newspaper.

    “I know that the military is well trained in the art of investigation, we want them to carry out a thorough investigation that can convince us beyond all doubts that the incident that led to her death was real”, she added.

    Meanwhile, during a live radio programme – The Big Three Stories for Today on Nigeria Info FM 99.3 anchored by one Sandra Ezekwesili, a man who claimed to be an ex-soldier, choosing to be anonimous, called in from Ilupeju, Lagos Nigeria by telephone and alleged that the Nigerian Army is not only infiltrated by sabotages pretending to be soldiers, but pervaded by leaders who are pilfering the humongous resources budgeted yearly to fight insurgency in the country. 

    READ ALSO: NDDC: Buhari speaks on unfolding drama, orders coordinated investigation

    The acclaimed ex-soldier had in the course of the conversation with the radio presenter categorically stated that: “I was shot on purpose by my fellow soldier for always killing Boko Haram”.

    Watch Video:

    Similarly, some Twitter users, who commented on the tweet posted by Nigeria Info FM and their presenter, Sandra Ezekwesili, corroborated the allegation by the acclaimed ex-soldier. 

    One Vique, who tweeted via @viqueta stated that: “This is no joke Sandra, this guy isn’t lying at all, my friend in the military band corps was sent to the NE because his boss didn’t like him, he had to flee the war zone because they were always been attacked, some solders were divulging info to BH terrorists”.

    Another Twitter user named Nonso Chukwu who commented via @n_nonsochukwu explained the experience of a relative:

    “Sandra i was listening to your show right at the moment he made that statement in Hausa. We lost a cousin of mine in 2018. Similar story. But he was unlucky as he did not survive the shot. He was shot by his colleague right at their post.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria’s-Air Task Force hits terrorists camp with devastating airstrikes in Borno

    “Sandra, we never officially got any information from the Army that he was killed. He was buried in a military cemetery there in Maiduguri. No explanation came from the Army as to the cause of his death”, Chukwu added. 

    The controversy surrounding the unfortunate death of Tolulope and other claims of unexplained deaths of relations has now brought to the front burner issues of maltreatment of rank and file by the leadership of the Nigerian Military formation, including allegations that some high ranking officers are taking advantage of the fight against Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) to enrich their pockets; a possible reason why insurgency in Nigeria might not have ended since about a decade now.

    By Tobiloba Kolawole

  • Nigeria’s Air Task Force hits terrorists’ camp with devastating airstrikes in Borno

    Nigeria’s Air Task Force hits terrorists’ camp with devastating airstrikes in Borno

    The Air Task Force of Nigerian Military Operation Lafiya Dole yesterday July 15, 2020 destroyed a Boko Haram Terrorists’ (BHTs’) Camp and killing several fighters belonging to the group during massive air strikes executed at Ngwuri Gana along the Gulumba Gana – Kumshe axis in the Northern part of Borno State, Nigeria.

    The air strike operation was on Tuesday disclosed in a statement by the Coordinator of Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters, Major General, John Enenche, who stated that the operation was carried out after receiving human intelligence reports that confirmed the raided settlement was one of the locations used by Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) to launch attacks against Nigerian troops and villages around Kumshe area.

    According to the defence chief noted that aerial surveillance missions also confirmed the heavy presence of a large number of BHTs in the settlement, some of whom were seen slinging their rifles.

    “The Air Task Force therefore launched coordinated attacks on the various targets within the settlement, employing an enhanced force package of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets and helicopter gunships. 

    “The attack aircraft took turns in engaging the designated locations within the settlement, scoring devastating hits which led to the destruction of several structures, including the Communication Centres, as well as the neutralization of several terrorists”, Major General Enenche said.

    Enenche further disclosed that  the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, commended the Air Task Force team for their dedication, dexterity and professionalism. 

    “The Defence Headquarters equally urges them to intensify the air offensive against the terrorists and all other criminal elements threatening the peace and security of our beloved country”, Major General Enenche added. 

    Defence Headquarters believes that the successful air strike operation is In continuation of the sustained offensive against terrorist elements in the North-East of the Country.

    Photos:

    Aerial view of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) camp in Ngwuri Gana along the Gulumba Gana – Kumshe axis in the Northern part of Borno State, Nigeria, captured by Air Force fighter jets, July 15, 2020. Credit: Defence Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria.
    Aerial view of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) camp in Ngwuri Gana along the Gulumba Gana – Kumshe axis in the Northern part of Borno State, Nigeria, captured by Air Force fighter jets, July 15, 2020. Credit: Defence Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria.
    Aerial view of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) camp in Ngwuri Gana along the Gulumba Gana – Kumshe axis in the Northern part of Borno State, Nigeria, captured by Air Force fighter jets, July 15, 2020. Credit: Defence Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria.

    By Tobiloba Kolawole

  • Photos: First female Nigerian Air Force combat helicopter pilot is dead

    Photos: First female Nigerian Air Force combat helicopter pilot is dead

    Nigerian Air Force first female Flying Officer, 23-year old Tolulope Arotile is dead.

    The sad news of the young combat helicopter pilot, who died on July 14, as a result of head injuries sustained from a road traffic accident at NAF Base Kaduna, was announced in a statement by NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, Tuesday in Abuja.

    READ ALSO: US withdraws controversial policy to eject international students studying online

    “It is with great sorrow that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) regretfully announces the unfortunate demise of Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, who died on July 14, as a result of head injuries sustained from a road traffic accident at NAF Base Kaduna.

    “Until her death, ‪Flying Officer Arotile, who was commissioned into the NAF in September 2017 as a member of Nigerian Defence Academy Regular Course 64, was the first ever female combat helicopter pilot in the Service.

    “During her short but impactful stay in the Service, late Arotile, who hails from Iffe in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, contributed significantly to the efforts to rid the North Central States of bandits and other criminal elements by flying several combat missions under Operation GAMA AIKI in Minna, Niger State.

    READ ALSO: Jonathan appointed ECOWAS special envoy to Mali

    ” The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on behalf of officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of the NAF, commiserates with the family of late ‪Flying Officer Arotile over this irreparable loss.

    “We pray that the Almighty God grants her soul eternal rest,” he said.

    Photos:

     

  • Nigerian Air Force foils Bandit attack

    Nigerian Air Force foils Bandit attack

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has foiled an attack by armed bandits along the Kwauya-Tsamiya village axis in Kaduna State.

    This is according to a statement issued on Monday by the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters, Major General, John Enenche.

    According to the statement, the personnel of the 404 Force Protection Group (404 FPG) NAF Base Kaduna thwarted the planned attack in the early hours of Sunday.

    Major General Enenche explained that this followed “reports that some cattle rustlers/armed bandits had raided the Fulani settlements adjacent to the NAF Base and seized some heads of cattle from some herders at gun point.”

    The statement further noted that a Rapid Response Force (RRF) Team was dispatched to pursue and recover the rustled cattle.

    “The RRF Team, supported by NAF Special Forces deployed to Operation BADAMAMAKI, in conjunction with the local vigilantes, quickly located the bandits and engaged them in a firefight causing them to retreat in multiple directions abandoning 40 cattle in the process,” the statement added.

    “While there were no casualties to any civilian or NAF personnel in the encounter, some of the bandits managed to escape with gunshot wounds.”

    This is as the statement commended the officers for their gallantry and urged them “to sustain their efforts to curb the activities of bandits and all other criminal elements threatening the peace and security of our beloved country.”

    – Channels TV