The Nigerian Air Force( NAF), on Wednesday said the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (AC OPHK), repelled terrorists’ attack, destroyed their gun-truck and killed several jihadist fighters during an air raid of a location, 5 kilometres west of Kukawa.
A statement by Director Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, said that the NAF airstrikes dealt a devastating blow to terrorists in Kukawa, Borno State through two separate but related missions.
In the first, Akinboyewa, NAF fighter jets destroyed a gun truck and killed several fighters, while the second was to provide close air support to repel an attack on ground troops.
This was as the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar called on Air Warrant Officers (AWOs), and Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs), in all NAF units to mentor younger personnel in the service to continually bring them up to speed with NAF’s tradition of discipline, bravery, hard work and accountability.
NAF Spokesperson said that the first operation began with credible intelligence on the location of a terrorists’ gun truck, stating that NAF fighter jets swiftly responded, acquiring and attacking the target with precision, destroying the gun truck and crippling the terrorists’ capacity.
“In the second operation, the AC OPHK responded to a distress call from ground troops in Kukawa, who were under intense attack by terrorists on motorcycles.
“The NAF air assets rapidly responded, engaging the terrorists at various intervals. The strike neutralised many terrorists, and our ground troops recovered over 20 abandoned motorcycles. Following the strike, ground troops are capitalising on the momentum, pursuing wounded and fleeing terrorists.
“The NAF reaffirms its commitment to the collective effort to restore peace and security in the country, and will continue to provide airpower in support of our ground forces and other security agencies”.
Also, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar observed that AWOs and RSMs, are potential mentors to their subordinates given their years of experience and knowledge about the Service.
Speaking at the fourth quarter 2024 CAS Conference with Air Warrant Officers (AWOs), and Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs), in Abuja, Abubakar said that as the most senior non-commissioned personnel in the NAF, they are the backbone of the Service, the guardians of customs and values, and the mentors of airmen and airwomen.
According to him, “Let me also reiterate that you AWOs/RSMs must be well acquainted with my Command Philosophy as you play a vital role in its accomplishment.
“Basically, mentorship is about providing guidance to subordinates by sharing knowledge, skills and experience with the mentees to enable them to progress professionally.
“As AWOs and RSMs, you are all potential mentors to your subordinates given your years of experience and knowledge about the Service.
“However, I have observed, over the years, that mentoring within the non-commissioned officers’ cadre has been declining”.
Linus Aleke
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