MEDIA BRIEF: NAF APPRAISES ACTIVITIES IN 2016

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday (6-01-2017) held a media brief to apprise its activities in year 2016. The objective was to give account of NAF stewardship in the light of its statutory roles in the preceding year. Areas of focus include operational activities, logistics, training, research and development, and provision of infrastructural, educational and welfare facilities. Excepts of the paper presented by the Director of Operations, AVM Oladayo Amao during the briefing is enclosed below.

BRIEF ON NIGERIAN AIR FORCE ACTIVITIES IN 2016

INTRODUCTION

1. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in furtherance of its statutory roles of defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria carried out various activities in 2016 which contributed greatly to the restoration of peace, security, humanitarian efforts and wellbeing of Nigerians. During this period, the NAF projected air power in various roles that softened the ground for the surface forces and led to the eventual decimation of the operational capability of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) in the North East (NE). It also contributed troops for Internal Security operations. Being mindful of the importance of human capacity development and improved welfare of its personnel, the NAF also carried out training activities both within and outside the country as well as providing basic infrastructural facilities to enhance service delivery.

TEXT OF PRESS BRIEFING BY MAJOR GENERAL LEO IRABOR COMMANDER OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE TODAY THURSDAY 23RD JUNE 2016 IN MAIDUGURI

1. In line with our tradition to keep the public abreast with the ongoing operation in the North East of Nigeria, it is my pleasure to address you today as our troops have continued to progress in the fight against Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs). I intend to mention some of the major operations carried out with the attendant successes recorded since our last meeting. During the period under review, the following operations were conducted:

a. Clearing Patrol around KALA BALGE General Area. On 7 Jun 16, troops on patrol made contact with BHT around TILANI, RANN and KALMA in KALA BALGE general area. Consequently, in the process one was killed while others who suffered gunshot wounds fled. Among the items recovered were 3 motorcycles and a bag containing the sum of N466,000.00 only. Additionally, 8 abducted persons made up of 2 adult females, 2 female teenagers and 3 male children were rescued from BHT captivity. However, one male minor sustained injury and has been treated at our medical centre. All the rescued persons are in our custody for further screening and profiling.