Page 48 - Air Forces Monthly - September 2017

FORCE REPORT Nigerian Air Force Part One

OUT OF THE SHADOWS

is making efforts to A
The Nigerian Air Force frica’s most populous Among these, the announcements
and richest country
well-publicised
about the group’s
degraded capability
in terms of gross
become an efficient, domestic product, Nigeria Operation Lafiya and imminent demise,
Dole against Boko
modern air arm in is plagued by serious socio- Haram included the the stark reality is
the face of constant economic and security problems, accidental bombing that Boko Haram
terrorist threats and despite ongoing attempts by of a refugee camp at remains a serious
sectarian violence. In its military and security forces Rann, which killed a threat, the solution
to which requires more
the first of a two-part to counter and defeat them. large number of civilians than military engagement.
on January 17 this year.
The resurgent Nigerian Air Force
study, M Mazumdar (NAF), which celebrated its 53rd The NAF leadership ascribed As the leading nation in West
unravels some of the anniversary in April, is in the thick the tragedy to a ‘communications Africa, Nigeria’s air force also
confusion and secrecy of multiple counter-insurgency gap’ in the operational chain. maintains commitments to
surrounding the NAF. (COIN) and internal security Meanwhile, Lafiya Dole international peace support,
(IS) operations, supporting the continues unabated as Boko deploying transport and combat
army, navy, police and security Haram regroups after each aircraft under the African Union-
Above: Hard-working C-130H NAF forces on many fronts. offensive and continues to attack led African International Support
913 is one of three Hercules that Last year, for example, it Nigerian and Multinational Joint Mission to Mali (AFISMA) in 2013
are in active service with the
301 (ex-201) Heavy Airlift Group was simultaneously engaged Task Force (MNJTF) forces. – and to Senegal and Gambia in
‘Buff aloes’ based at Ikeja IAP. in five combat operations. Despite repeated official January and February this year,
48 // SEPTEMBER 2017 #354 www.airforcesmonthly.com