The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Tag: NAF

  • NAF Helicopter Makes Precautionary Landing in Benue

    The Nigerian Air Force has said that one of its helicopters that landed on a farmland in Makurdi, the Benue State capital was returning from an operation against suspected kidnappers along the Enugu-Benue boundary.

    It weas gathered that the aircraft, on Wednesday, landed on a farmland in Utur Tse-Igboji community, Bar Council Ward along Welfare Quarters to Mopol 13 Ring Road in Makurdi, the state capital.

    According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the helicopter had successfully disrupted the activities of suspected kidnappers during the operation.

    The statement read in parts, “The helicopter had successfully provided close air support to surface forces during an operation targeting suspected kidnappers in the Ogbadigbo area of Benue State, near the Enugu-Benue boundary. The operation disrupted the activities of the criminal elements and supported the advance of surface forces.

    “Following the successful completion of the mission, the pilot, on return to base, exercised his professional discretion to execute a precautionary landing approximately 10 nautical miles from the airfield.

    “This is in accordance with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions. The helicopter has returned to base.

    “The NAF remains committed to sustaining pressure on criminal elements, providing close air support to surface forces and protecting communities through coordinated air and ground operations.

    “The successful outcome underscores the NAF’s continued resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action and support efforts to restore safety and security to affected communities.”

    The helicopter was forced to land on Wednesday night at Utur Tse-Igboji, Bar Council Ward, along Welfare Quarters in Makurdi. Punch

  • NAF Probes Ondo Crash as FG Moves to Strengthen Aviation Safety

    NAF Probes Ondo Crash as FG Moves to Strengthen Aviation Safety

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Nigerian Air Force has commenced a comprehensive investigation into Monday’s military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as recovery teams continue efforts to locate the wreckage and remains of those on board.

    The aircraft, an ATR-42 operated by the NAF, crashed in a swampy area of Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area, during a flight from Lagos to Benin City. Twenty-five people were on board, according to the Air Force.

    NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, had ordered a full investigation into the incident.

    He explained that the Air Force would follow its established aircraft accident investigation procedures and release the findings when the preliminary investigation was concluded.

    The investigation is being conducted alongside recovery operations, which have been complicated by the difficult terrain and dense vegetation around the crash site.

    A military source said specialists involved in aircraft accident investigations were already participating in the recovery operation, noting that evidence recovered from the site would form part of the investigation.

    The source said a private construction company had deployed specialised amphibious equipment to clear vegetation and create access to the submerged aircraft.

    The main fuselage had yet to be recovered as of Wednesday, while Navy personnel, divers, emergency agencies and local volunteers continued searching the area.

    Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, visited the crash site on Wednesday and directed that search and recovery efforts be intensified.

    Aiyedatiwa described the incident as a national tragedy and said the swampy terrain had significantly hampered rescue and recovery operations.

    He said body parts, clothing, personal belongings and aircraft components had been recovered from the area, but the main body of the aircraft remained submerged.

    The governor ordered the deployment of two amphibious machines to open access through the waterways and enable larger boats and recovery equipment to reach the crash site.

    The Nigerian Navy has also deployed specialised sonar equipment from its Hydrographic Department to search the mapped underwater area and locate the submerged wreckage.

    The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, said the sonar was being used because of the poor visibility caused by the highly turbid swamp water.

    FG Plans Aviation Safety Collaboration

    The crash has also prompted renewed efforts to strengthen cooperation between Nigeria’s civil and military aviation authorities.

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed on Wednesday that the Federal Government would establish a joint framework involving the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Air Force.

    Keyamo made the disclosure during a condolence visit to the Chief of Air Staff.

    He said the proposed collaboration would focus on areas including airworthiness, certification, training and other aviation safety matters.

    According to the minister, civil and military aviation authorities must work more closely because both sectors share responsibility for protecting lives and maintaining aviation safety.

    Keyamo said Air Force personnel would be allowed to participate in relevant training programmes organised by civil aviation authorities, while military aviation experts could also share their expertise with the civil sector.

    The Chief of Air Staff welcomed the initiative, saying both institutions had a responsibility to improve aviation safety and protect Nigerians.

    Calls for Broader Investigation

    Former Director of the Department of State Services, Mike Ejiofor, has called for a wider review of the Nigerian Air Force’s aircraft fleet, maintenance procedures and operational practices.

    Ejiofor said the frequency of military aircraft crashes in recent years warranted a broader assessment beyond determining the immediate cause of the Igbokoda incident.

    He also raised concerns over conflicting reports about the number of people aboard the aircraft, stressing the need for accurate record-keeping and reliance on the official passenger manifest.

    The NAF spokesman, however, clarified that 25 people were on board, comprising five active crew members and two additional personnel who were classified as crew but were travelling as passengers.

    Ejodame also dismissed speculation that the aircraft was outdated, saying it was acquired around 2010 and had been properly maintained.

    Ejiofor urged investigators to recover the aircraft’s flight recorders, popularly known as black boxes, saying they could provide crucial information about what happened before the crash.

    He cautioned against drawing conclusions from reports of a loud sound before the aircraft went down, stressing that the investigation must determine whether the sound resulted from an explosion or the impact.

    Nation Mourns Victims

    The crash has triggered widespread condolences from political leaders, traditional rulers and residents across the country.

    President Bola Tinubu expressed sadness over the deaths and ordered a full investigation into the incident. He also declared three days of national mourning for the victims.

    Former Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal, described the crash as a painful loss to the nation and sympathised with the families of the victims and the Armed Forces.

    The Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Frederick Akinruntan, also expressed condolences to the Federal Government, the Nigerian Air Force and the bereaved families.

    Abia State leaders equally mourned the death of Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, an indigene of the state who was among those killed in the crash.

    As recovery operations continue, authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and determine measures needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.

  • NAF Takes Delivery of Five New Helicopters for Security Operations

    NAF Takes Delivery of Five New Helicopters for Security Operations

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Nigerian Air Force has taken delivery of five new helicopters as part of efforts to strengthen its air operations and improve support for ground troops tackling extremist groups and other security threats across the country.

    The newly delivered aircraft comprise three AW109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

    Ejodame said the three AW109 Trekker B helicopters arrived in Lagos on September 15, 2026, as part of 10 aircraft recently acquired by the Federal Government.

    He said the remaining seven AW109 Trekker B helicopters were expected to arrive before the end of the year, while the two H125 helicopters had already been delivered.

    The latest acquisition is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to modernise the country’s airpower and improve the operational capacity of the Armed Forces in responding to evolving security challenges.

    Reacting to the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the delivery as another milestone in the government’s investment in the re-equipment and modernisation of the Nigerian Air Force.

    Aneke said the helicopters would increase the availability of operational aircraft and improve the service’s ability to respond to security situations across different theatres.

    “The arrival of these five helicopters provides greater flexibility in the employment of airpower in support of ground troops in ongoing operations,” he said.

    The Chief of the Air Staff also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his continued support for the Nigerian Air Force and its modernisation programme.

    He said the government’s investment was helping the service develop the capabilities required to carry out its operational responsibilities and respond to the country’s changing security needs.

    The NAF said the new platforms would further enhance its ability to conduct air operations and provide support to troops deployed across various parts of the country.

  • NAF officials says reports gathered by surveillance aircraft indicates that the missing aircraft might have crashed

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says intelligent reports gathered by its surveillance aircraft, Special Forces, and ground troops indicated that its missing aircraft might have crashed.

     

    A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, stated that the cause of the crash and the whereabouts of the two pilots remained unknown.

     

     

     

    According to Gabkwet, the pilots are Flt.-Lt. John Abolarinwa and Flt.- Lt. Ebiakpo Chapele.

     

    Meanwhile, extensive search and rescue efforts were still ongoing by NAF surveillance aircraft as well as NAF Special Forces and Nigerian Army troops on ground.

     

    He added that even at the point they were, NAF was not ruling out anything regarding the incident.

     

     

     

    He, however, remained hopeful that the crew would soon be found and rescued.

     

    The NAF Alpha-Jet aircraft (NAF-475) went off the radar with two crewmembers on board on Wed nesday March 31.

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.sunnewsonline.com

  • Nigerian military plane Beechcraft KingAir B350i crashes after 4 minutes in Abuja.

     

    The tranquility that characterises Nassau Village in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, was on Sunday disturbed when a jet belonging to the Nigerian Air Force crash landed in the area.

     

    Noise from aircraft is not strange to residents of the village, being one of the settlements that bordered the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport.

     

    But the Sunday experience was not only strange, it was a near-death experience for them.

     

    It started with a loud and unusual noise from the ill-fated aircraft, followed by a loud explosion and then billows of thick smoke and fire.

     

    By the time it all subsided, seven souls have been lost.

     

    The jet en route Minna in Niger State crashed close to the runway of the Abuja airport after reporting engine failure.

     

    The plane was said to be on its way to Minna to rescue 27 students and 15 staff of Government Science College, Kagara, who were kidnapped on Wednesday.

     

    As of the time our correspondents arrived the scene of the accident which was said to have occurred at about 11am, distraught residents who were watching rescue operations from a safe distance were telling stories of how it happened and how they were saved by luck.

     

    We thought it was a bomb blast –Residents

     

    One of the residents, who witnessed the accident, Ebube Onyedi, told our correspondents that they initially took the loud sound that characterised the crash for a bomb blast

     

    “The accident happened around some minutes to 11am this (Sunday) morning and it caused confusion in Nassau, which as you can see is one of the communities bordering the Abuja airport.

     

    “Many of us ran out of our houses when we heard the explosion. It really caused so much panic, as initially, people thought it was a bomb blast,” he struggled to say while still catching his breath.

     

     

    Casualty figure would have been more

     

    Another resident, who simply identified himself as Gboyega, said he saw the aircraft struggling to land but it eventually crashed and burst into flames.

     

    Gboyega applauded the pilot of the aircraft, as he stated that the pilot averted what would have turned out to be “a greater casualty figure.”

     

    He said, “The pilot tried not to crash the plane on buildings because it was almost falling on some structures before it eventually dropped where there was no building.

     

    “It burst into flames after crashing and people in their respective homes around the area ran out in fear.

     

    “If not for the pilot’s efforts, we would have seen a greater casualty figure.”

     

    Bodies were burnt beyond recognition – Toyheeb

     

    Another resident of the area, Sunkonmi Toyheeb, said he was working in a building in the community when the aircraft crashed.

     

    “We were among the first set of people who rushed to the accident scene because I was working in a building close to the areas where the aircraft fell.

     

    “The fire service men tried, well may be because this place is close to the airport. But before they could put out the fire, the people inside the plane have been burnt beyond recognition.”

     

    Responders couldn’t save victims – Nnaemeka

     

    Another eyewitness, Ruth Nnaemeka, said the sight of the crash had continued to make her shiver.

     

    She noted that although responders from the airport rushed to the scene in good time, they could not save the occupants of the aircraft from being burnt.

     

    She said, “I saw the plane before it crashed. At first, it hovered as if it wanted to land and before you know what was happening, it moved up again into the sky.

     

    “It then kept swinging from one side to the other. In fact, the sight was terrible. It tried moving towards the airport where other airplanes use to land.

     

    “From afar, I saw it going down and at a point it disappeared and the next thing that followed was a bang which led to the eruption of fire and thick smoke.

     

    “And I was like, ‘Oh God, these are humans burning in this fire.’ The situation got me scared and worried and I couldn’t eat after seeing what happened to that plane this morning.

     

    “Fire service men and ambulances rushed down as early as they could because this place is close to the airport, but they could not save the passengers from being burnt because the explosion was huge.”

     

    Officials of the Ministry of Aviation said the NAF jet crashed after it had reported an engine failure at about 10.39am.

     

    They said firefighters from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the National Emergency Management Agency were among first responders to the crash site.

     

     

    “A Nigerian Air Force NAF201 B350 aircraft departed Abuja at 1033UTC with six persons on board including two crew,” the Director, Public Affairs, FMA, James Oduadu, stated in a brief update about the accident.

     

    He added, “Aircraft reported engine failure at time 1039 and crash landed on the final approach path of Abuja Runway 22 at time 1048UTC.

     

    “Fire services are already at the scene of the accident. All six persons on board reported dead.”

     

    The incident was also confirmed by the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, who identified the aircraft as King Air 350.

     

    He said via his official Twitter handle that “A military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure enroute Minna.

     

    “It appears to be fatal. We should remain calm and wait for the outcome of investigation by the military, while we pray for the departed soul souls.”

     

    The General Manager, Public Affairs, FAAN, Henrietta Yakubu, told one of our correspondents that the authority had to respond by sending its fire fighters to the accident scene.

     

    She, however, stated that the accident would be investigated and further updates provided by the NAF as the aircraft involved was not a commercial jet.

     

    Also, the spokesperson, Accident Investigation Bureau, Tunji Oketunbi, said the accident involved a military aircraft and the AIB would not investigate such situation based on its mandates.

     

    He, however, noted that the AIB would only investigate the matter when called upon by the military to be involved in the investigations.

     

    We recovered seven bodies from plane crash site – FERMA

     

    The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency said it recovered seven bodies from the crash site.

     

    The FERMA Director-General, Alhaji Abass Idriss, said the remains of the aircraft passengers had been deposited at the Nigeria Air Force morgue.

     

    Speaking to The PUNCH on the phone on Sunday, Idriss denied reports that some persons were killed on the ground by the aircraft, noting that only the seven passengers on the plane died.

     

    He said, ‘’We recovered seven bodies from the crash site and the remains have been taken to the NAF morgue. The NAF has the manifest and they know all those on board. The plane did not crash into any building or individuals on the ground, so all the people on board have been accounted for.’’

     

    The Nigeria Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal I. Amao, had ordered an immediate probe of the accident.

     

    Daramola said, “This is to confirm that a Nigerian Air Force Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure enroute Minna. First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all seven personnel on board died in the crash.

     

    “The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal IO Amao, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.

     

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    “While urging the general public to remain calm and await the outcome of investigation, the CAS, on behalf of all NAF personnel, commiserates with the families of the deceased.”

     

    Female victim alive but burnt –Witness

     

    An eyewitness who have her name as Vivian Idoba, revealed that a female passenger on the ill-fated military aircraft was still alive when she (Idoba) got to the scene.

     

    She, however, noted that the victim’s lower parts were totally burnt, adding that she gave up the ghost shortly after.

     

    Idoba explained that four persons were successfully brought out of the smoking wreckage of the aircraft by first responders, noting that the unidentified female victim was still breathing then.

     

    She stated, “The woman was breathing when she was brought out of the crashed plane alongside four others. Her legs were totally burnt by fire but the upper part of her body wasn’t really affected by the fire. She eventually gave up the ghost shortly after.”

     

    A resident of Basa community, Andrew Odeh said the plane was flying very low shortly before it crashed.

     

    The businessman said he knew the aircraft was having problems the way it flew very low over the buildings in the area.

     

    He noted, “I was standing outside when I observed the plane flying very low. Instinctively,  I knew it was having problems because it was flying as if it would drop from the sky any moment.

     

    “I was still wondering what the issue was when it disappeared from sight. I heard a loud crash and we all ran towards the crash site but we couldn’t go close on account of the huge fire and smoke. It was terrible.”

     

    Pilot complained of engine failure minutes before Abuja crash

     

    The pilot of the ill-fated aircraft complained of engine failure barely moments after takeoff.

     

    A source at the control tower revealed this to The PUNCH on the strict condition of anonymity.

     

    The official said there been regular flights from Abuja to Minna since the abduction of the Kangara students last week.

     

    The source said, “The aircraft was on its way to Minna. Moments after, on getting to Bassa Local Government area, he informed the control tower that he had experienced an engine failure.

     

    “He was advised to return to the Abuja airport immediately but it crash-landed.”

     

    When asked if the identities of those on board had been ascertained, the official said they were in the process of doing so.

     

    “There have been frequent flights to Niger State since the abduction of the schoolkids. Last week some ministers also flew. Soon, we will know their identities,” he said.

     

    Buhari mourns victims, restates regime’s commitment to safety of airspace

     

    The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Sunday mourned victims of the military aircraft that crashed in Abuja earlier in the day.

     

    Buhari’s condolence was contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, titled “President Buhari sends condolences to NAF, families of victims of military plane crash.”

     

    The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari is deeply saddened by the fatal crash of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft on Sunday in Abuja that claimed the lives of seven personnel.

     

    “On behalf of the Federal Government, President Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to family members, friends and colleagues of those who died as a result of this tragedy.

     

    “The President joins the Nigerian Air Force, the military and other Nigerians in mourning the unfortunate loss of the dedicated and courageous personnel, who died in the line of duty.

     

    “President Buhari notes that while investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, the safety of the Nigerian airspace remains a key priority of the government.

     

    “He prays that God will comfort the bereaved families and nation, and grant the souls of the departed peaceful rest.”

     

     

    Senate President condoles with NAF, families of victims

     

    The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has expressed his shock and sadness over the tragic news of the crash.

     

    Lawan in a statement by his media adviser, Ola Awoniyi, condoled the families of those killed in the accident and prays that Allah would comfort them in this time of grief.

     

    He also commiserated with the Nigerian Air Force and charged the authorities to reinforce their safety measures against future occurrence.

     

    NAF officers on mission to rescue Kagara abductees – Reps

     

    The House of Representatives Committee on Air Force also commiserated with the Nigerian Air Force and families of the victims.

     

    The Chairman of the committee, Shehu Koko, said, “We highly regret the loss of our gallant officers who apparently were on a mission to rescue the kidnapped students in Kagara community in Niger State.”

     

    Koko on Sunday and titled ‘House Committee on Air Force commiserates with Nigerian Air force, family of victims,’ said he witnessed the incident along with the Chief of Air staff, Air Vice Marshal Isiaka O. Amao.

     

    NAF releases names of crash victims

     

    The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of the victims of the Beechcraft KingAir B350i which crashed while returning to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after reporting engine failure enroute Minna, on Sunday.

     

    The names were released after the NAF had informed the families of the deceased.

     

    The NAF spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola in a statement said the victims include the Captain, Fl Lt. Haruna Gadzama; Fl. Lt. Henry Piyo (Co-Pilot); Flying Officer Micheal Okpara (Airborne Tactical Observation System Specialist); Warrant Officer Bassey Etim (ATOS Specialist); Fl. Sgt. Olasunkanmi Olawunmi (ATOS Specialist); Sgt. Ugochukwu Oluka (ATOS Specialist) and Aircraftman Adewale Johnson (Onboard Technician).

     

    The statement said, “As earlier stated, the Chief of the Air Staff Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, has instituted an investigative panel to determine the remote and immediate causes of the accident.

     

    “While the panel has commenced its work, the NAF, having notified the Next- of- Kins/family members of the deceased, regretfully announces that the names of the seven personnel who lost their lives in the crash.”

     

    It explained that the CAS visited the scene of the accident in company of the Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi (retd.); Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika; Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen. Lucky Irabor, and other Service Chiefs.

     

    “The CAS, on behalf of officers, airmen and airwomen of the NAF, once more commiserates with the families of the deceased personnel and prays that the Almighty God grants their souls eternal repose,” the statement added.

     

     

    Source: www.punchng.com