DEFENCE
NAF Reaffirms Commitment to protect Territorial Integrity
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to continue to protect the nation’s territorial integrity against any form of threat.
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, made this known in his remarks at the Inter-denominational Church Service as part of the activities to mark the service’s 57th Anniversary Celebration at the Protestant Church, NAF Base, on Sunday in Abuja.
Amao expressed gratitude to God for His mercies which have continued to keep NAF as the pride of the nation over the past 57 years since its establishment as one of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“I can say without any contradiction that God has been good and faithful to the service.
“It has been able to surmount any challenges, in its progress towards maturity whilst growing in size, spread and equipment holding to fulfill its constitutional role.
“It is very heartening to note that from having only a few trainer and transport aircraft in its early years of establishment, NAF currently has a sizeable order of battle arsenals, comprising multiple aircraft types with capabilities to perform a wide spectrum of missions.
“We have also continued to build upon the foundations laid by our noble predecessors by re-activating several aircraft that were hitherto grounded, while also acquiring and inducting new platforms into the service as well as increasing the strength of personnel to meet national security imperatives.“
According to the CAS, all these efforts were geared towards having a professional service capable of deploying effective and efficient airpower in the protection of the nation’s territorial integrity against any form threat internally or externally.
Amao, however, cautioned that while the service is celebrating these achievements, a lot needs to be done to ensure the security of the country and its citizens at this trying time.
“Anniversaries such as this, therefore, affords us yet another opportunity to reflect, take stock and chat new ways of moving the service forward.
“Therefore, in line with this, we chose the theme of the celebration as `Enhancing Nigeria Air Force Airpower Capabilities for Effective Joint Operations’.
“This is to enable us focus more critically on how the service can be more effective and efficient in joint operations to speedily bring to an end the security challenges in the various troubled sports across the country, especially in the North-East, North-West and North-Central,“ he said.
The CAS, however, re-assured the country of the service’s undaunting commitment and determination to ensure a secured, united and prosperous nation.
“Yes, it is achievable working in concert with sister agencies and other security outfits,“Amao added.
He noted that the service had done particularly well over the past few years as evident in the number of new platforms it acquired, such as JF-17 Thunder and A-29 Super Tucano aircraft among other laudable achievements.
Amao noted further that such a feat would not have been possible without the total support of President Muhammadu Buhari, and members of the Executive Management Team, the Minister of Defence, and National Assembly.
“I urge you to keep all hopes alive and continue to pray for the peace, stability and development of the country and its leaders.
“I also enjoin you to remain faithful, committed and dedicated to your duties in our various places of assignment. That way, we can see the desired progress in every facet of the service to nation,“
Earlier, the Director of Chaplaincy, Roman Catholic Church, NAF Headquarters, Rev. Father, Philip Kwasau, prayed that God almighty continue to guide, protect, and direct the service in its quest to protect the country against any form of threat.
Kwasau noted that the service had made a name in so many areas of human endeavour, especially in the ongoing fight against the insurgents and other security threats across the country.
He reminded the personnel that it was not the number of the aircraft, the type of the aircraft or how well they were trained, but their protection from the almighty God that mattered.
He urged them to be very prayerful as they go about carrying out their core mandate of protecting the country’s territorial integrity against any perceived threat to its existence.
“What is also important is self sacrifice, with self sacrifice, whatever we aspire to acquire will surely come to pass. There is nothing God cannot do, that is why He is the omnipotent.
“I have no doubt that through sacrifice, the country will overcome the present challenges and become great again as an indivisible corporate entity everyone can be proud of.“ (NAN)
The troops of 6 Brigade, Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have destroyed several bandits camps and recovered ammunition in Taraba.This is contained in a statement on Sunday in Jalingo signed by Capt. Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations.It said the successes were recorded in a series of clearance operations under Commander of the Brigade, Brig.
Gen. Kingsley Uwa, across multiple bandits hideouts in Taraba. “The operation code named OP GOLDEN PEACE commenced after extensive confidence building patrols, clearance missions, and stakeholder engagements, which proved effective in the northern part of the state.“The latest phase of the operation began on 28 November 2024 in Takum Local Government Area (LGA), focusing on known bandit and terrorist hideouts around Lijam High Ground.”The statement indicated that during the operations, several bandit camps were destroyed, and troops recovered 27 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one AK 47 Magazine, one handheld Baofeng radio and 2 motorcycles.“To further solidify the safety of residents, troops projected force into the Akume and Ananum areas of Donga LGA on 30 November 2024, reinforcing the Brigade’s commitment to securing lives and property throughout Taraba State.”The statement quoted the Commander of the 6 Brigade who commended the troops, urging them to remain vigilant.“Together, we will ensure peace and security across Taraba State and beyond.“This is our determined effort to ensure a safe and secure environment for the ongoing farm harvest season and the forthcoming yuletide and to ensure that the state does not become a safe haven for criminals,” the commander is quoted as saying.(NAN)
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says cybersecurity is the bedrock of operational readiness and the key to mission success of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
Abubakar said this on Tuesday in Abuja, at the opening of NAF’s Cybersecurity Awareness Training.
He said the training was a vital initiative that would highlight the future of national security in the increasingly interconnected world, where artificial intelligence and advanced technologies play pivotal roles.
According to him, the integration of technology into warfare has ushered in a new era where digital bits and bytes are as formidable as physical bullets and bombs.
“The integrity of our nation’s defence systems, the security of our communications, and the sanctity of our data depend on the strength and resilience of our cybersecurity framework.
“For the NAF, which has distinguished itself as being more technological advanced than other services, cybersecurity is not just an IT concern; it is the bedrock of our operational readiness and the key to mission success.”
The CAS also said that the workshop would serve as a vital part of NAF’s efforts at ensuring that its personnel were equipped to meet the demands of securing the nation’s collective cyber environment.
He added that the recent global events had highlighted the severe consequences of cyberattacks, which could disrupt critical operations and undermine national security.
He disclosed that NAF’s platforms depended on secure digital communications, making them vulnerable to potential hijacking or operational disruptions.
According to him, these vulnerabilities emphasise the urgent need for a proactive and robust approach to cybersecurity within our ranks, which is precisely the focus of our gathering here today.
“Cybersecurity is a continuous journey that demands vigilance, ethical conduct, and a commitment to protecting our nation’s digital infrastructure.
“Let us continue to build a resilient cybersecurity posture that will enable us to stand ready against any threat, known or unknown that may arise in the digital age.”
In his remarks, the Chief of Communications and Information System, NAF, AVM Suleiman Usman, said the training was designed to equipped personnel with the necessary knowledge and tools to protect both physical borders and digital frontiers.
Usman explained that the training had dominated CAS’ strategic intent to develop and sustain optimal operational effectiveness in the NAF.
He said the cybersecurity training was an essential part of their collective mission to secure the integrity of NAF’s information networks.
“Cyber threats are more sophisticated than ever, hence the need for robust and resilient cybersecurity measures against evolving threats becomes ostensible.
“We are not just guarding the airspace but also protecting data, communications and systems that are integral to the success of every mission we undertake,” he said.
In his lecture titled, “Global Trends and Pillars of Cybersecurity for NAF”, Dr Asogbon Godwin, said that NAF must develop comprehensive cyber security policies and laws that addressed various types of cybercrimes.
He said that the cybercrimes include hacking, identity theft, phishing, and malware attacks.
Godwin urged the air force to invest in raising awareness about cybercrime risks and best practices for staying safe online and training investigators and prosecutors on digital forensics and other technical skills needed to investigate cybercrimes.
He also advised NAF to void ‘Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) police and also practice Zero Trust Principle.(NAN)
The Defence Headquarters says the Nigerian troops have in the last one week apprehended a notorious terrorist leader, Abubakar Ibrahim (AKA) Habu Dogo in Sokoto and seven IPOB/ESN commanders in South-East.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, in a statement on Saturday, said that Habu Dogo was apprehended at Rumji Village in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
According to him, Habu Dogo is a wanted terrorist on the watch list of security agencies both in Nigeria and in the Niger Republic because of the cross border nature of his terrorist activities.
He said the alleged IPOB/ ESN terror operatives apprehended include; Dr Nnamdi Chukwudoze and Chigozie Ezetoha (AKA Chapet) who were nabbed in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra.
“Others are , Mrs Ngozi Chukwuka and Mr Oyekachi Ohia who were arrested in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia,”he said.
He said others are, Mr Ifeanyi Eze , Mr Augustine Udemba and Mr Onyedikachi Udemba were arrested in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia while, Elijah Mmaduipeya Obumneke was arrested in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo.
“The ongoing counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations has continued to degrade the combat capacity of terrorists across the country,’’ he said. (NAN)
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