Boko Haram: Air Force fighter jet missing in Adamawa

The Defence Headquarters has declared an Air Force Fighter Jet with two pilots missing in Adamawa State.

A statement signed by the Director of Defense Information, Major General Chris Olukolade on the incident said, “An Alpha Jet (NAF 466) belonging to the Nigerian Air Force is missing around Adamawa State. The aircraft, with two pilots on board, left Yola at about 10:45 a.m. on 12 September 2014 on a routine operational mission and was expected back by 12:00 noon. Since then all efforts to establish contact with the aircraft have not yielded any positive result.

Pilots still missing

Meanwhile, search and rescue effort is ongoing to establish contact with the crew”.
There were fears that the fighter plane may have been shot down by Boko Haram terrorists using rocket propelled anti-aircraft guns.

It was gathered that the plane was overflying Mubi, Michika, Bazza, Gulak, Madagali, Gwoza axis when it suddenly disappeared from the radar.

Sources told Vanguard that the (AA) anti-aircraft guns used by the Boko Haram insurgents  may have been used by the terrorists on the aircraft.

There are strong indications however that the missing Fighter Jet may have been located in Lala in Gombi Local Government area of Adamawa state. Sources close to the Airforce base in Yola who confirmed this did not give further details.

Meanwhile, Adamawa State Acting Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has sympathized with the Nigeria Airforce over the loss of one of its Fighter Jets which was confirmed to have crashed in the State while on a mission to flush out insurgents in some towns.

The Acting governor’s message was contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Comrade Solomon Kumangar.

He, however, saluted the resilience of the Nigerian Military and the gains they are making in the war against the insurgents.

We are determined to reclaim all towns,  says Military

Meanwhile following recent successes recorded by troops of the Nigerian military over Boko Haram insurgents in several battle fronts and the positive feedback from Nigerians, the Defence headquarters has assured that troops will continue to march forward until all Nigerian communities were reclaimed.

It will be recalled that Nigerian troops supported from the air by the Nigerian airforce fighter jets and helicopter gunships, have dealt heavy blows on the insurgents in battles at Kawuri, Bama, Bimtim, Michika, Gulak and Konduga.

While noting that citizen’s acknowledgement of the efforts of the military was encouraging, DHQ said troops’ morale has been boosted by this in recent days.

Several tweets posted on DHQ handle in this regard read, “We acknowledge our citizens’ increased goodwill recently. The troops are boosted by your support”.

No place for the feeble minded in the armed forces — Jonathan

In a related development, against the backdrop of reported cases of soldiers deserting the army and abdicating responsibility in the battle to dislodge Boko Haram from the North East, President Goodluck Jonathan has said there is no place for the feeble minded and heartless in the Nigerian armed forces.

Speaking at the combined passing out parade of the 61 regular course and Short Service Course 42 Army Cadets in Kaduna weekend, Jonathan said traditionally, our military have always consisted of bold and brave officers.

Towards sustaining this virtue, he directed the institution of a special programme to honour men and women of the armed forces who lose their lives in active service.

He warned that on no account should the nation abandon its citizens who pay the supreme price while serving their fatherland.
Maintaining that the officers and armed forces men were fighting so that the rest of the country can live in peace, he promised them that the nation will not abandon them.

Jonathan’s words “On this special occasion, I am directing the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs to institute a special programme to honour our men in uniform who lose their lives in active service.
“On no account must our country abandon those who serve loyally and pay the supreme price. This honour is to ensure that their memory and service live with us and our nation forever.

“You are passing out at a critical moment for our country. Those of you who are fortunate enough to be deployed to areas of national challenge have a unique opportunity to distinguish yourselves in your chosen career.

“A career in our armed forces is not the place for the heartless. Our men and women in uniform are bold and brave. They are our pride and our nation will continue to honour and appreciate those who stand strong in defence of our country.

“This administration is committed to due process, equity, merit and the rule of law, because they are the cardinal pillars of a democratic society.

“As members of our Armed Forces, your constitutional responsibilities are very broad but clearly defined. I urge you, therefore, to engage only in noble and rewarding actions that will enhance your professionalism and career prospects, as well as maintain and deepen the confidence that the Nigerian people repose in you.”