The Nigerian Army is strengthening its aviation quality management systems to improve flight safety, aircraft reliability and operational readiness.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, stated this at the opening of the Nigerian Army Aviation Command Workshop on Aviation Quality Management Systems on Monday in Abuja.

Represented by the Chief of Standard and Evaluation, Maj.

“The effectiveness and sustainability of these capabilities depend not only on the availability of aircraft and trained personnel, but also on robust quality management systems that ensure safe, standardised and reliable aviation operations,” he said.

Shaibu said aviation operations required the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, standardisation and continuous improvement.

He said the systems would help identify risks, ensure compliance with approved standards and prevent recurring deficiencies.

“As Nigerian Army Aviation continues to expand its operational and technical capabilities, institutionalising such a system is essential to building a resilient aviation organisation and sustaining operational readiness,” he said.

The army chief noted that since the re-establishment of Nigerian Army Aviation in 2014, efforts had been made to develop the platforms, personnel, infrastructure and systems required to support land operations.

He said the workshop would provide an opportunity for participants to examine practical approaches to quality assurance, safety management, maintenance practices, documentation and standardisation.

Shaibu expressed confidence that the deliberations would produce actionable recommendations for institutionalising an effective quality management system across Nigerian Army Aviation.

He urged participants to develop sustainable measures to strengthen aviation safety culture, improve operational processes and enhance the reliability of aviation assets.

The Commander, Nigerian Army Aviation Command, Brig.-Gen. Al-Amin Ibrahim said quality management was fundamental to aviation safety, aircraft availability, mission effectiveness and combat readiness.

“For the Nigerian Army Aviation Command, quality is not merely an administrative requirement; it is fundamental to operational safety, aircraft availability, mission effectiveness, accountability and sustained combat readiness,” Ibrahim said.

He said the workshop was designed to establish a structured framework for standardisation, accountability, disciplined documentation, effective monitoring and continuous improvement across the Command.

The commander stressed that quality management should be embraced as a shared responsibility by all personnel involved in aviation operations.

“Quality must also be embraced as a culture. It is not the sole responsibility of an inspectorate or quality assurance office.

“Rather, it is the responsibility of every officer, soldier and civilian staff member involved in planning, flying, maintenance, logistics, administration, training and support,” he said.

Ibrahim said the Command must prioritise preventing deficiencies rather than waiting for them to occur before taking corrective action.

He urged participants to develop practical recommendations with measurable outcomes that could be implemented and monitored across the Command.

“Our emphasis must be on prevention through discipline, effective supervision, risk awareness, adherence to approved procedures, timely reporting and organisational learning,” he said.

Ibrahim added that the proceedings and recommendations would be compiled into a compendium to guide the implementation, monitoring and periodic review of quality management initiatives.

The five-day workshop, which began on Monday, ends on Friday, brought together stakeholders to strengthen quality management and promote a culture of operational excellence in Nigerian Army Aviation. (NAN)

From Ifeanyichukwu Nwannah, Gusau

The troops of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) have neutralised Explosive Devices Planted along Magami–Hannutara–Dansadau road, Maru, in Zamfara State.

Reliable military sources revealed that the troops of Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, have recovered and neutralised explosive devices planted by terrorists in the axis.

It was gathered that the devices were reportedly planted to kill and endanger the commuters plying the busy route.

According to the sources, the troops, acting on credible intelligence, secured the affected area and conducted a thorough search, and identified two locations where explosive devices were said to have been planted.

It was also learnt that an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was quickly deployed to handle the threat, saying that the team successfully destroyed one of the devices and safely recovered and rendered the second device useless.

The sources noted that the troops have intensified patrols and surveillance along the road and surrounding communities to secure the lives and properties of the residents, ensure the safety of commuters and prevent further insecurity in the area.

The management of Operation Fansan Yamma has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and timely report suspicious objects or activities to the nearest security agency.

The operation underscores the importance of timely intelligence and proactive security measures in preventing attacks and safeguarding lives and property in Zamfara State.

The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has released the names of personnel and passengers in the crashed NAF 931 aircraft.

This is contained in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

The crew members and passengers lost their lives in the crash involving Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday.

Ejodame listed the crew members as Sqn. Ldr MI Aburime (Flight Captain), Sqn. Ldr AP Man-Ugwueje (Co-pilot), Flt.-Lt. IS Bako (Co-pilot), Warrant Officer Abubakar A (Aircraft Technician) and Cpl.

He said the passengers included Flt.-Lt. TL Lazarus, Flt.-Lt. M Akinloye, Flying Officer IM Adeshina, Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F, Master Warrant Officer Matini BA, Warrant Officer Nuhu FS, Flight Sergeant James RB and Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI.

Others he said were Sgt. Ani AE, Sgt. Izibenikien SI, Sgt. Alafuka C, Sgt. Mbadugha AN, Lance Cpl. Ugwuba FC, Lance Cpl. Eledan GE, Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.

The NAF director of public relations and information also said that the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke had expressed condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers.

He quoted Aneke as describing the incident as a deeply painful moment for the NAF and the nation.

The CAS expressed heartfelt sympathies to families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives.

He assured the bereaved families of the service’s full support during the difficult period, while also directing a comprehensive investigation to establish circumstances surrounding the accident.

He also assured that the NAF would continue to provide timely and verified updates as investigation progresses and urged the public to refrain from speculation and circulation of unverified information, while respecting privacy and dignity of affected families.

“A condolence register has been opened at Headquarters NAF, Abuja, for senior government officials, members of diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies, and other well-wishers who may wish to pay respects and convey messages of sympathy to families of the deceased and the NAF,” he said.

25 persons comprising five crew members and 20 passengers were onboard the aircraft which was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the crash occurred.

It was reported that search and rescue procedures were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board.(NAN)