• NAF expresses preparedness to take delivery of AH-1Z helicopters from US manufacturer
Linus Aleke in Abuja and Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto
Suspected Lakurawa terrorists, Wednesday night, attacked a mosque in Dadinkowa community, Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State, killing five worshippers and injuring three others.
The attack occurred during Taraweeh prayers and was reportedly a reprisal for a failed ambush on the convoy of Maj.-Gen. Bemgha Koughna, General Officer Commanding 8 Division, on February 24.
The Kebbi Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, confirmed the attack, stating that the terrorists targeted the mosque after their ambush was foiled, resulting in the neutralisation of five attackers.
“The attack was a reprisal by suspected Lakurawa terrorist elements following a failed ambush on troops of the Nigerian Army attached to the 8 Division,” Usman said.
The incident began on February 24, when the GOC’s convoy came under heavy gunfire from armed terrorists believed to be members of the Lakurawa group while navigating the forested terrain near Mayama Hill.
Troops responded with superior firepower, engaging the attackers in a fierce gun duel and neutralising five of them, thereby foiling the ambush.
The attack on the mosque has raised concerns about security in Kebbi State, particularly in rural areas vulnerable to reprisals by armed groups.
The injured were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has expressed full preparedness to receive the AH-1Z helicopters from their American manufacturer, as the United States Government commended the Service for its high level of readiness ahead of the aircraft delivery.
The commendation also acknowledged the state of designated NAF facilities where the helicopters would be domiciled.
This was disclosed in a statement yesterday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
The spokesperson highlighted the development following a three-day high-level engagement between a United States Government delegation from PMA-276, led by Robert Galan, and senior NAF stakeholders at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja.
The discussions centred on a comprehensive programme and support plan aimed at ensuring the seamless integration, sustainment and operational effectiveness of the incoming AH-1Z fleet.
The engagement reviewed critical operational, technical and logistical frameworks necessary for the successful induction of the helicopters into service.
Representing the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, at the meeting was the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdullahi.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to aligning all operational, technical and logistical requirements to guarantee immediate operational readiness upon delivery of the aircraft.
The engagement further underscored the steady progress in Nigeria–United States defence cooperation, anchored on mutual trust, shared security objectives and institutional professionalism.
It reflected the strengthening partnership between both countries in the area of defence capability development.
weakness rather than leadership,” he said.
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