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Fighter Conference in London: CAS Speaks on Air Power Strategies Adopted to Tackle Insecurity
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, has disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken measures to enhance its airpower capabilities for the conduct of irregular warfare and counter-terrorism in support of surface forces. Some of these measures, according to the CAS, include doctrinal development and human capacity building as well as aircraft and equipment acquisition and sustenance. Air Marshal Amao disclosed this while delivering the keynote address at the International Fighter Conference 2021 held in London, United Kingdom.
A statement credited to the Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said in a paper titled, “Operational Insights, Current Capabilities and Future Priorities of the NAF”, Air Marshal Amao noted that sustaining air power capabilities, given its diverse nature, was a challenge for the NAF in the past. Even more challenging was the drive to ensure the availability, responsible use, and effectiveness of critical airpower capabilities for counterterrorism and counterinsurgency. To address these challenges however, the CAS stated that measures such as the development of an operational doctrine to guide all operational commanders, staff and personnel were emplaced. The NAF doctrines are also expected to stimulate reflective, critical and creative thinking, engender best ethical practices and foster professionalism in employment of our airpower”, he said.
Speaking further, the CAS observed that in efforts at enhancing and sustaining critical airpower capabilities required for joint employment, the NAF has accorded considerable energy and resources towards the development of the most critical component of its fighting power, the airmen. He went on to state that the NAF has also ensured that its trainings are deliberately targeted to address knowledge deficits and manpower needs as well as enhance the professionalism of the airmen. Air Marshal Amao also noted that with the support of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, the NAF has acquired several platforms including trainers, rotary wing aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems and fixed wing aircraft. “Through this support, the NAF has since 2015 flown over 40,000 combat and combat support hours in operations against terror groups, insurgents, bandits and other armed militants across the country”, he said. While analyzing Nigeria’s security environment as well as the main threats to national security, the CAS informed the gathering that the capacity of terror groups in the country has largely and significantly been degraded. He however noted that the threat posed by terrorism would require a far greater and comprehensive approach in collaboration with contiguous states and international partners.
In projecting into the future, Air Marshal Amao stated that he envisions a NAF that is well equipped and postured to adequately contend with threats and challenges in a digital environment. He is also optimistic that the NAF of the future would seek additional capabilities that would allow it to engage adversaries in the digital and information environment, whilst still prepared to respond to humanitarian needs occasioned by climate change. The CAS however stated that for these to be actualized, the NAF must immediately begin to improve on educational standards and enable creativity in the mindset of the airmen. According to him, “We must deliberately keep pace with technology, albeit in a cost-effective manner, within the wider context of aerospace power. We must acquire capabilities to enable us operate in a digital environment, which state and non-state actors are likely to find more attractive.”
The International Fighter Conference is a yearly event now in its 19th year. It has over the years built a reputation as the world’s premier event for all elements of the fighter aircraft community with attendance spanning from all over the world. This year’s edition, which had in attendance over 200 participants, specifically dwelled on the utility of combat air, air-integration into multi-domain operations, and continuing interest in both next generation and light attack platforms.
Edward Gabkwet
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force
5 November 2021
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Prof Mike Ozekhome, has insisted that former President Muhammadu Buhari should be blamed for his successor, Bola Tinubu’s preference to appoint persons from his ethnic Yoruba language group to key government positions.
Ozekhome, while delivering an address at a symposium on human rights organised by the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) held in Abuja on Wednesday, claimed that the Buhari-led administration polarised Nigeria along ethnic and religious lines.
The rights activist noted that it is not surprising that President Tinubu was following a similar trajectory since it was tolerated by gullible Nigerians when Buhari was at the helm.
“When I hear today the northerners complain that Tinubu has ‘Yorubanised’ Nigeria, with so many Yorubas in the highest places in Nigeria, they are indeed making a point. But the question I would ask is: where were you when Buhari, for eight years, literally ‘northernised’ every position in Nigeria? You were either a northerner or a Muslim,” he said.
“I cried, I cried, I wrote and wrote. I wrote tons of articles. One of the 50 books which I presented on my 67th birthday was titled: ‘How Buhari Mismanaged Nigeria.’ Some people called it ‘na we,’ this is our man, and even if he is riding roughshod over all of us, it doesn’t matter.
“Hear no evil, see no evil because he is our man. Even if it is not benefitting us, the fact that he is our man is sufficient. Once it is no longer our man, we must also take up arms. No country grows like that.”
At the event under the theme; “Unity in Diversity: Embracing Freedom, Equality, and Dignity for All,” he warned those in positions of authority against compromising the unity of Nigerians in pursuit of tribalism, ethnicity, and sectionalism.
He described the 1999 constitution (as amended) as flawed, adding that there is a need for a new constitution with inputs from Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic and religious differences, on the way forward for the country.
“We need to redefine ourselves, not the present system where thieves are rewarded with doctorate degrees,” he said.
The Commission’s Ambassador-at-Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, emphasized that this year’s theme presents a significant opportunity, drawing attention to the complexity of human rights linked to the multicultural and multi-ethnic composition of over 250 ethnic groups and more than 500 languages spoken in Nigeria.
He remarked that recurring ethnic and religious conflicts have threatened Nigeria’s national unity and stability, noting that the diversity of Nigeria’s population offers both challenges and opportunities for cultural exchange and understanding, which can promote national unity and cooperation.
According to him, the one-day symposium, held on Wednesday, 11th December 2024, consequently offers a singular opportunity to acquire knowledge and reinforce ties with other stakeholders to promote “Unity in Diversity: Embracing Freedom, Equality, and Dignity for All.”
Additionally, he mentioned that the occasion signifies the official swearing-in of IHRC’s new officials: Ambassador Dr. Malami Shehu Ma’Aji (MFR), who was appointed IHRC Special Advisor on Intergovernmental Affairs for the Africa Region, with Chief John Paul Ochemba serving as IHRC Advisor on Special Monitoring Mission Nigeria, and Dr. Kingsley Nwokoma as IHRC Commissioner in Nigeria, all of whose appointments were duly approved by the IHRC Secretary-General, Prof. h.c. Rafał Marcin Wasik.
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, has issued a restraining order against human rights activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi, prohibiting him from further publishing, selling, distributing, or advertising his controversial book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
The ruling was delivered by Justice Peter Kekemeke following an ex-parte application brought by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, and managing partner at Afe Babalola’s law firm.
The court’s order extends to Farotimi’s agents, publishers, distributors, sellers, or anyone else involved in the dissemination of the book, whether in hard copy, digital formats, or through electronic or social media channels.
The injunction will remain in effect pending the determination of a motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction, filed on December 6, 2024.
Justice Kekemeke also directed the Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Services, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and other security agencies to seize all physical copies of the book wherever found.
These agencies are required to submit an affidavit of compliance within 72 hours of receiving the order.
In a related case, the Oyo State High Court granted a similar interim injunction against Farotimi, barring him or any associates from further printing or distributing the book.
Justice Mufutau Adegbola issued the order after hearing an ex-parte application filed on December 9, 2024, by Adebayo Adenipekun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Afe Babalola’s firm.
The Oyo court directed Farotimi’s lawyers to be notified of the motion, which has been adjourned for hearing on January 7, 2025.
An Allied Air Cargo aircraft with registration number 5N-JRT, on Wednesday, skidded off Runway 22 of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, prompting a temporary shutdown of the airport.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed the incident, which occurred at 10:05am, adding that five people were on board the aircraft. All passengers were safely evacuated without injury.
FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, said: “The Airport Emergency Response Team is on the scene along with accident investigators.
“The runway is being cleared and is expected to reopen for operations as soon as possible. We would like to thank the aviation community and the general public for their understanding and patience. We also request that all speculation be put on hold until the preliminary report is released by the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).”
The evacuees were taken to the FAAN clinic for medical checks as a precautionary measure. The incident has drawn the attention of aviation stakeholders, while efforts are underway to restore normal airport operations.
