Aid workers confirmed to have been killed in the bombing included the officials of Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres), International Committee of the Red Cross and some refugees.

It was learnt that the accidental air strike happened at about 9am in Rann, in the far north of Borno State as aid workers distributed food to Internally Displaced Persons.

A resident of the area, Abba Abiso, told AFP on the telephone, “This morning, a military jet mistakenly bombarded Rann, instead of (nearby) Kala.

“In recent weeks, Boko Haram has moved base to Kala from Sambisa Forest and obviously, a military jet mistook Rann for Kala and bombarded it, killing many civilians. At least 25 were killed and many more injured.”

The MSF, however, said in a statement, “MSF teams have seen 120 wounded and 50 dead following the bombing.”

MSF said its teams were trying to provide emergency first aid at its facility in the camp and were stabilising patients to evacuate the wounded from the scene.

“Our medical and surgical teams in Cameroon and Chad are ready to treat wounded patients. We are in close contact with our teams, who are in shock following the event,” it added.

An official of the Borno State Government, one of those helping to coordinate the evacuation of the injured by helicopter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said 100 people had been killed.

MSF later, on Tuesday, put the figure of the dead at 95, admitting that it had yet to confirm the figure.

The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. Gen. Lucky Irabor, who heads the military operation against the militants, said the Nigerian Air Force had been given coordinates of Boko Haram terrorists in the Kala-Balge area.

“This morning, we received a report about the gathering of Boko Haram terrorists around the Kala Balge area of Maiduguri,” he told reporters at a briefing in Maiduguri on Tuesday.

“I coordinated and I directed that the air component of the operation should go and address the problem.

“Unfortunately, the strike was conducted but it turned out that the locals, somewhere in Rann, were affected.

“So far, it is a little bit disturbing; death has occurred. There are casualties; there were deaths and injuries but on the actual number of casualties, we would get back to you later.

“I am yet to get the number of casualties of civilians killed, but two soldiers were also affected.

“Some humanitarian staff of Medicines Sans Frontiers and some staff of International Committee of Red Cross were also affected.

“We are sending helicopters to evacuate those that were critically wounded, including our wounded soldiers.”

Six workers of the ICRC were among the dead, while 13 others were said to have been injured.

The Red Cross said it was “deeply concerned” about the reported casualties among civilians and humanitarian workers in the air strikes on Rann.

The ICRC spokesperson, Ms. Matijevic Aleksandra, who confirmed the casualty figure of their workers, said the injured had been moved to a medical facility in Rann.

She said, “We regret that among the casualties of today’s air strikes in Rann, there are six Nigerian Red Cross members killed and 13 injured. They brought desperately needed food for over 25,000 displaced persons.

“We have been coordinating emergency efforts in Rann with the relevant authorities and other aid actors.”

Follow Us

The post Tragedy hits Borno as NAF jet bombs IDP camp, kills over 100 appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar made the disclosure at a breakfast briefing with Editors of Online Media in Abuja at the weekend.

Air Marshal Abubakar said “I want to say that we have been enjoying support from other countries. (Sometimes arm procurement) is shrouded in a lot of politics. Unfortunately, I’m not a politician, so I cannot be able to say much on that.

“But what I can tell you is that right now as I speak to you, we are expecting the Pakistani Chief of Air Staff in Nigeria soon. Pakistan has accepted to sell ten trainer airplanes. And that is why the Pakistan Chief of Air Staff is coming for the induction ceremony which is going to take place in Kaduna.

“We are really getting support from many countries. Similarly, we have trained so many people in Pakistan, China. In the US, we have pilots that are training right now. We have other pilots that have just finished training from the United Kingdom.

“We have additional pilots that are training in South Africa. We have more pilots that are training in the Egyptian Air Force and so many other places including Russia…We are really getting support”, he said.

On the competence of Nigerian fighter pilots, Abubakar said “In the last 18 months, we have flown almost 3000 hours with no incident. In terms of competence I can tell you that the Nigerian Air Force pilots are amongst the most competent. Because the training curriculum is very clear. And that is why now in the Air Force you look at the wings, pilots wear wings.

“We have categorized the wings according to their skill levels. We also organize simulation training for our pilots, we organize evaluation visits where pilots are evaluated without any notice. We have also sent over 700 personnel of the NAF to different parts of the world to train and acquire the skills required for them to be effective.

The Chief of Air Staff said the air force is currently assisting the Nigerian Army and Navy in the North and South in countering criminal activities of terrorists and militants through operational strategy, air interdictions strategy and soft-core strategy.

He explained that the main objective of is to create an enabling environment for the ground and surface forces, to be able to operate with little or no hindrance.

“Another substrategy under this is the reactivation of airplanes. We have embarked on the reactivation of airplanes and today as I speak to you we are on the thirteenth aircraft. What I mean by reactivation is that aircrafts that were not in involved in any fight before the coming of the present federal government; they were parked before but are today part of the fight.

“The thirteenth aircraft as I speak to you is being worked upon in Yola and we are hoping that before the end of this month that airplane will be flying. When you train, you must reactivate the platform to be used in flying.”

The Air force boss also denied a recent rumour of helicopter crash in Makurdi. Explaining the incident involving Agusta AW 101 helicopter handed over to NAF by President Muhammadu Buhari, he said: “What happened in Makurdi was not a crash. Immediately we received the aircraft from the Presidency, we took one of them to Kaduna to paint it into desert camouflage. They removed the seal of the President and painted it into a combat machine.

“When they finished the painting, they were supposed to go to Maiduguri but they needed to go to Makurdi to pick certain things before proceeding to Maiduguri. So the aircraft took off from Kaduna, landed perfectly in Makurdi. They were just taxiing to go and park when the incident happened. I don’t want to pre-empt whatever investigation that is going on.

“Those same pilots were the ones that picked the 21 Chibok girls that were moved out in the night and brought them back to Maiduguri and from Maiduguri to Abuja. So accidents happen and we are investigating to find out why it happened and we will make it public when we get the picture of what really happened.”

The Chief of Air Staff also disclosed that the welfare of air men and other officers in the Airforce have been improved upon through provisions of accommodation, agricultural programs, housing schemes and other welfare packages. He added that people in host communities are also beneficiaries of its services through the provisions of health facilities, water boreholes, schools and skill acquisitions centres.

Follow Us

The post Nigeria expects aircrafts, helicopters from Pakistan, Russia appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

Umar, the commanding officer of 114 TF battalion of the Nigerian Army was ambushed by 9. 30 am Tuesday alongside his troops between Bita and Piridang.

“His vehicle stepped on an improvised explosive device, but he was not hurt. He came out to assess the damage on the vehicle and Boko Haram opened fire and killed him in the process,” the source said.

Eight other soldiers were injured and evacuated to Michika, Adamawa State, for treatment.

The soldiers were said to be on their way to Yola in Adamawa State from Bita in Borno State when the incident occurred, sources said.
The full casualty from the attack is not yet clear.

Umar, who recently took over the command of the 114 battalion about three weeks ago, was a member of the 48 Regular Course in the Nigeria Defence Academy, NDA.

The killing of Umar occurs about a week after another Lieutenant Colonel, Muhammed Abu-Ali, and his troops were killed in another ambush by Boko Haram.

The attacks by the Boko Haram have continued despite ongoing negotiation with the federal government. The negotiations already led to the release of 21 of the over 200 Chibok girls kidnapped by the sect in 2014.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said it has carried out a recent attack on Boko Haram insurgents’ location outskirt of Malkonori in northern Borno State.

The latest attack was a follow-up to the close air support operation that repelled the insurgents who attacked own ground forces at Kangarwa.

Survivors among the insurgents had fled to Dogochuku where they were also attacked by NAF fighter aircraft and forced to relocate to Malkonori.

Ground forces confirmed a number of the insurgents were killed and their vehicle destroyed from the latest air strike at Malkonori.

Follow Us

The post Boko Haram kill another Nigerian lieutenant colonel as Airforce attacks terrorists locations in Malkonori appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

The troops on Internal Security Operation MESA went on quick cordon and search in the affected areas following covert surveillance and intelligence reports on the activities of the bandits to recover suspected weapon cache and arrest the suspected persons.

During the gun duel that ensued, troops killed eight of the bandits. A statement by Army spokesperson, Col Sani Usman, reads further:
“Contrary to statements attributed to some questionable vested interests, the troops were on legitimate official duty aimed at safeguarding lives and property of citizen in the area.

“While approaching and deploying to carry out their lawful duty, the troops came under simultaneous and sporadic shootings in all the three locations.

“They however responded as necessary in line with the rules of engagement. Sadly, an officer and 8 soldiers of the Nigerian Army and 2 Airmen of the Nigeria Air Force lost their lives in the line of national duty.

Additionally, one soldier is still missing while 2 of their colleagues were seriously wounded.

“The suspected gun runners and armed bandits also burnt down 4 operational vehicles and vandalized 2 others. Bandits also carted away 4 AK-47 rifles and one Fabrique Nationale (FN) rifle belonging to the deceased soldiers.

“The troops also killed 8 of the armed bandits and arrested 57 others. They also recovered large quantity of arms and ammunition.

“The recovered items include; 3 AK-47 rifles,10 Local AK-47 Rifles, 9 Locally made Pistols, 6 Revolver guns, which fires 7.62mm (Special ammunition), 45 Loaded Dane guns, 10 Clubs and Cudgels, 41 Arrows, 18 Bow cases, 122 Cutlasses and Machetes as well as 20 Daggers.

“Other items recovered include 31 Axes, 63 rounds of 7.62 (Special) Ammunition, 10 Bajaj Motorcycles, Assorted Charms and Amulets, 2 Vehicles, 38 mobile telephone handsets, a wristwatch, 5 Identity Cards, Passport Photographs, Cash sum of N23,870.00k, 5 Japanese Yen and 35 different denominations of old Nigerian currency, 15 Catapults, 8 Torchlights, 2 Gun Powder bottles, 4 empty cases of Ammunition and 41 Cartridges. The troops also seized a military Waist Belt and a pair of military Combat Boots.

“It is important to stress that the nefarious activities of the gun runners and the armed bandits has direct bearing with the influx of weapons and general insecurity in some parts of the Federal Capital Territory and the North West geo-political zone of the country.

“The same gun runners have been confirmed to be the suppliers of arms to armed robbery gangs that were involved in series of armed robbery attacks along Minna-Bida road and the general environment.

Although the situation is under control, the military will not rest on its oars until all those involved are arrested and brought to justice.

“The military will continue to deal with any violent threat to our national security. All law abiding citizens are enjoined to go about their lawful duties as the cordon and search operation continues in the general area and if necessary expand to other identified areas to keep our people safe.”

Follow Us

The post Gunmen kill 11 military officers in Niger village gun duel appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

The Airforce said in a statement that the assurance becomes necessary, following media report on apprehension and panic by members of the public living around the area and to allay the fear of the people with a view to sustaining public confidence and support for the ongoing operations against pipeline-vandals codenamed OPERATION AWATSE in the South West region of the Country.

The NAF is careful to ensure that only legitimate targets, such as observation post, anti-aircraft gun position, boats laden with suspected stolen petroleum products and armed combatants, are selected for strike. In aligning with this global best practice, the NAF usually undertakes surveillance flights before and after each strike to mitigate incidental harm to civilians and property.

The statement further stressed that while pre-strike assessment missions were undertaken to help identify and select legitimate military targets for neutralisation, post-strike or Battle Damage Assessment missions are meant to ascertain whether the desired degree of impact was achieved or not, and if a follow-up re-attack is required.

“It may also be necessary to state that NAF pilots are adequately trained, and as professionals, would not engage in human right violations and abuses.”

It said that the successes recorded in the past five days since the NAF commenced strike mission in Arepo, in support of surface forces under OPERATION AWATSE, attest to the display of absolute professionalism by NAF pilots involved in the operation as no single incident of collateral damage has been recorded.

“Meanwhile, it is necessary to add that the NAF, working in collaboration with men of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Services (SBS), has set on fire the hideouts and camps used by the pipeline vandals in AREPO.

As a result, Community leaders and members of the public with useful information on the whereabouts of the fleeing vandals and other criminal elements are please requested to oblige such information to the Security Agencies.

“Furthermore, the civil populace is please advised not to panic but to go about their legitimate businesses.”

Follow Us

The post Arepo air operation carefully planned to avoid collateral damage – Nigerian Airforce appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

The president, who spoke on Wednesday in Gusau, Zamfara State on the occasion of the commemoration of Army Day celebration, commended the Chief of Army Staff for his foresight and initiative and for mobilizing adequate resources to ensure precision in the conduct of the exercise.

He also applauded the collaboration with sister services and other security agencies in order to degrade and decimate the miscreants and urged the security agencies to intensify and perfect current strategies, approaches, techniques and tactics towards curtailing all forms of lawlessness across the country.

The president said he was delighted to be in Gusau, Zamfara State to witness the Grand Finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2016, stressing that he was particularly glad with the choice of Gusau for the conduct of this exercise and for the wisdom of incorporating a live Field Training Exercise into the celebration to clear remnants of cattle rustlers and armed bandits terrifying innocent citizens in this general area.

“The remarkable success recorded during the conduct of the exercise has no doubt served the purpose and aptly drive the realization of the theme of the celebration which is, Optimizing the Capability of the Nigerian Army to meet Contemporary Security Challenges.”

President Buhari sympathized with the people of the area for the enormous losses they suffered as a result of the incessant activities of the insurgents and cattle rustlers whose actions, he said, have made farming, livestock management and other economic activities more difficult even in the face of the general economic challenges.

He expressed optimism that the operations of the last few days will surely lead to the restoration of economic activities of surrounding communities bedevilled for some time now by the menace of cattle rustling and banditry.

“It is quite gratifying to inspect the equipment displayed which showcased the robust capability of the Nigerian Army to ward off internal and external aggression against the nation. The Command Post Exercise also reminds me of the importance of staff work in the field during the civil war in the 60s and the Chadian Operations in the 80s.

“I am pleased at the dexterity, prowess and level of professionalism displayed by various components including the combat airborne jump by personnel of the Nigerian Army supported by the Nigerian Air Force. I am quite confident that the Nigerian Armed Forces have been amply repositioned more than ever before to resolutely confront contemporary and emerging security challenges in the country.”

The applauded the involvement of private partners in the defence sector especially in terms of provision of specialist equipment under the Public Private Partnership and urged the Armed Forces to leverage on this opportunity towards enhancing capacity.

He assured of the government’s resolve and continued support to enhance the operational efficiency of the Nigerian Armed Forces to effectively discharge their constitutional roles. “We remain committed to ensuring that you are provided with the required resources and impetus to operate professionally and efficiently.,” he said.

Follow Us

The post Buhari applauds military’s counter-terrorism initiatives, assures of adequate support appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar who stated this while on a visits to military formations and traditional institutions in Borno State announced that “the Nigerian Air Force is exploring the possibility of expanding the Air Force group in the North-East to ensure the total restoration of peace is achieved in the shortest time possible.”

Air Marshall Abubakar explained that “With the planned expansions more personnel will be deployed and more platforms created to widen our operations towards timely and speedy response in counter-insurgency campaigns

“We are already widening the roles of our regiments as special combat forces to secure and protect key points after successful operations.”

Air Marshal Abubakar who commended the military in the ongoing campaign against terrorists, said the citizens have a lot of roles to play.

He said that “The public should complement the gallantry of our armed forces by being security conscious through timely reporting of suspicious objects, movements, or strange persons to the nearest security agencies.

“Security is a collective effort not only that of security agencies as government alone cannot provide security absolutely to its citizens without the support and cooperation of its citizens.”

While commending the support and encouragement from President Muhammadu Buhari to the Nigerian armed forces, the Airforce Chief urged the states to do the same in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.

During his visit to the palace of Shehu of Borno, the traditional ruler, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Ibn Umar El Kanemi called on the government to work assiduously towards ensuring the return of Internally Displaced People to their villages.

Alhaji El-Kanemi said that “most of the IDPs in the state are prepared to go back to their homes to enable them prepare for the farming season. I wish to therefore appeal to the government to facilitate their return in collaboration with the state government and other donor agencies as well as the security agencies by providing adequate security and conducive living environment for the displaced persons.”

Follow Us

The post War on Terror: Nigerian airforce to expand airforce platforms appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

Several ‘high value terrorists’ were killed in the operations, officials said.

The Deputy Theatre Commander, Air, of Operation Lafiya Dole, Air Vice Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao, who stated this at a media briefing in Maiduguri stated that the air strikes and bombardments were conducted by the Air Component of the Operation Lafiya Dole in the North-East. In the process, several ‘high value terrorists’ were killed.

Amao said the ongoing and sustained air operations and surveillance within the theater of operation in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States were intensified between December 2015 and January 2016 towards ending the Boko Haram menace.

“In continuation of the counter insurgency, the air component in the last one month conducted 286 operational sorties against terrorists’ targets from 25 December to date in the Sambisa forest covering an area of 157,000km2 which is equivalent to the total land mass of South Korea, Portugal and Togo in a total of 536 hours, 21 minutes were flown by various platforms engaged in the operations,

“This translates into 316,637.5 litres of aviation fuel which amounts to N60.3 million, excluding the cost of maintenance and armament expended.”

He further explained that prominent operations among the missions carried out included an air strike on December 25 last year where some terrorists’ leaders and junior commanders, who gathered for a leadership meeting in Sambisa Forest, were neutralized by a precision strike which led to the killing of several Boko Haram terrorists.

There was also a significant strike conducted on January 17, 2016, following intelligence report on the location of a High Value Terrorists (Boko Haram HVT) leader taking refuge at a location south of Arra village in the Sambisa Forest, where air strikes neutralized the target.

He added that some areas of the successful airstrikes conducted to include; Gadzama, Ngwalimiri, Dure and Dure Takwalla, Ajigin, Bitta, Gulumba Gana, Sigel, Damasak and Kumshe communities now occupied by insurgents.

Other areas that came under strike include; Yajiwa, Asaga, Tumbun Gini and Mada towns, amongst others, as well as medical evacuation missions which were also carried out at Marte Local Government area and Banki town of Borno state on January 21 this year.

The deputy commander however maintained that the Nigerian Air Force, through its Component in Operation Lafiya Dole, is focused on sustaining air operations and providing support to ground troops of the Armed Forces as they strive to rid Nigeria of the Boko Haram insurgency.

Amao further added that all the areas bombarded were thoroughly monitored on intelligence surveillance and eye services before the attacks or shelling.

Most of the targets included Boko Haram fuel pump storages, Solar Panels, Meeting Points and hideouts in the samuba forests as most of the areas were identified first before the air strikes.

Follow Us

The post Nigerian Air Force intensifies bombardment of Sambisa forest, kills ‘high value terrorists’ appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

The two aircraft are among the four Alpha Jets bought from the United States in 2015 by the immediate past administration to enhance the operational capability of the NAF to combat Boko Haram insurgency in the North East.

However, the aircraft could not be deployed to the theatre of operation before now due to the inherent weapon delivery deficiency hence its limited use for training purposes.

A statement on Tuesday by Group Captain AK Famuyiwa, Director of Public Relations & Information, said that the urgent need, in recent times, to commit more NAF platforms to OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE to enhance the success of the counter insurgency operation necessitated the Service to look inward to seek ways of achieving its drive for self reliance through research and development.

The statement claimed that NAF had earlier looked overseas for assistance without much success to get the aircraft reconfigured for combat roles.

It said that a number of vendors invited to Nigeria to assess the platforms had concluded that it would be difficult or almost impossible to undertake the project since the Original Equipment Manufacturer had long closed down the production line.

It said further that a few others who agreed to the possibility of having the aircraft reconfigured to carry munitions also submitted proposals for initial assessment fees ranging from $20,000 – $30,000 before they could come up with the actual cost of the project.

“Convinced that the project would work, the NAF consequently assembled a team of technicians to develop a feasible model for the project. The model worked on ground, and has since been mounted on the Alpha Jets, and test flown successfully.

“This feat is a major research and development breakthrough for the NAF and the Nation as a huge foreign exchange saver given that the project only cost about N400,000.00 compared to what would be required to have it done abroad,” the statement stressed.

Follow Us

The post Nigerian airforce reconfigures trainer jets for combat appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

A statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the acting Army Director of Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, said more terrorists had also indicated willingness to lay down arms.

The statement said the ground troops had also adopted routes blocking strategy in a bid to “constrict and snuff out the Boko Haram terrorists from their hideouts.”

“Many of the terrorists that willingly surrendered painted images of mass panic and hysteria among their erstwhile colleagues.

“They said their colleagues are feeling the noose tightening on their necks with the relentless efforts of troops and renewed vigour in the operations inspired by the personal leadership of the Chief of Army Staff.

“Terrorists also seem to have an inkling of what happens to surrendered suspects as regards screening and de-radicalisation of innocent ones among them,” it said.

The statement said the Nigerian Army, in conjunction with the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies, would continue to employ effective strategies to bring the insurgency to a speedy end.

It said the military would continue to receive surrendering suspects and assured innocent ones among them that “surrendering is the only option open to them.”

Follow Us

The post B’ Haram members panic, surrender to troops – Army appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.