Cas To Naf Combat Pilots: Adapt, Innovate To Stay Ahead Of Enemies

Troops Eliminate 147 Terrorists and Apprehend 381 Others in One Week

Abuja – The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, praised Nigerian Air Force (NAF) combat pilots for achieving a significant flying milestone of 10,000 flight hours on the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft fleet in Kainji, Niger State. Abubakar urged the pilots to continuously adapt, innovate, and evolve their tactics to outpace emerging threats. He emphasized the necessity of staying ahead of the nation’s adversaries as new challenges arise.

The Nigerian military reported that coordinated operations across all theatres resulted in the deaths of 147 terrorists and the capture of 381 others within one week. Additionally, 23 perpetrators of oil theft and economic sabotage were apprehended, and 113 kidnapped hostages were rescued.

CAS Abubakar acknowledged that reaching 10,000 flight hours was a significant accomplishment underscoring years of dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to NAF’s mission. He commended the exceptional skills, professionalism, and resilience displayed by NAF’s brave men and women. The air chief also attributed the milestone’s incident-free achievement to the NAF’s strict adherence to safety measures.

During the celebration, the CAS paid tribute to fallen heroes, emphasizing their sacrifices, courage, and commitment. Despite the dynamic security environment, Abubakar reminded the pilots of their crucial role in supporting ground offensives and encouraged them to remain united and resolute in protecting the nation and its interests. The Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Nnamdi Ananaba, noted that achieving 10,000 flying hours in just three years without any mishap was remarkable and worthy of celebration even among the most advanced air forces in the world.

The A-29 Super Tucano fleet, which was inducted in August 2021, has successfully undertaken numerous missions against terrorists, bandits, and other violent non-state actors across Nigeria. Its night and precision munitions delivery capability have significantly enhanced NAF’s versatility, flexibility, and lethality in operations.

Meanwhile, the Director Defence Media Operation Maj Gen Edward Buba disclosed that within one week, 147 terrorists were killed, 381 were arrested, and significant amounts of confiscated petroleum products were recovered by troops in the Nigeria Delta areas. The troops deactivated 84 illegal refining sites and secured large quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined AGO and PMS. Furthermore, various weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and other items were seized during the operations, leading to the disruption of criminal activities and an increase in the nation’s crude oil production.

Maj Gen Buba assured that the military remains committed to annihilating terrorists and ensuring the safety of citizens across the country. Ongoing operations are continuously evaluated and adjusted to effectively combat the enemy wherever they are hiding.