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The Flying Coffins of Nigeria Armed Forces, Which Way Forward?
By Moses Idika
All over the world, the Air Force is the power base of the military, modern warfare is fought in the air, the land forces merely “clear the debris.”
The ongoing Israel and Palestine Conflict is a testimony of what modern warfare looks like. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
In Nigeria, however, our Air Force is the weakest link of the armed forces.
It is unexplainable that within three months the Nigeria Air Force has lost three of its planes. More confounding is the fact that Nigerian authorities are clueless as to why the situation persists.
Nigeria government in the last six years has been in frenzy with regards to “acquiring” new technologies and especially aircrafts for the country, yet we keep losing precious airmen as if it was normal.
Taking stock of the last three air disasters involving Nigeria Military carriers reveals an unfortunate pattern enmeshed in an unfeeling corrupt cabal within a government that obvious gives no hoot if all the plane in its fleet crashes provided the Presidential Jet in unaffected.
On Friday night, the nation’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 other military personnel perished at the Kaduna International Airport in an air crash involving a NAF Beachcraft 350 aircraft which burst into flames after it crash landed just few metres to the runaway.
According to the Spokesman of the Nigerian Air Force, the “air crash involving a Nigerian Air Force aircraft occurred this evening near the Kaduna International Airport. The immediate cause of the crash is still being ascertained. More details to follow soon,” the same story that has always been told each time the recurrent decimal takes place.
The latest crash is the third in the unfortunate series of crashes involving NAF planes with no convincing explanation as to what happened and how future crashes could be avoided.
On Sunday, February 21, 2021, another NAF Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crash landed just before the runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja killing all seven NAF personnel onboard. The crew of the ill-fated plane was said to had earlier reported engine failure.
In yet another unfortunate and perhaps the most painful accident involving NAF aircraft, on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, an Alpha-Jet aircraft that was in the battlefront in the endless war against Boko Haram terrorists and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) was lost and till today nothing has been heard about what happened to that jet or its crew.
While the insurgents claimed responsibility for downing the fighter jet, the Nigerian military denied the “shutdown” story, but has been unable to give a credible alternative explanation to what happened to aircraft or its tow pilots.
Just within three months a total of 20 Nigeria military personnel have lost their lives to air accidents that cannot be explained.
Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo on two occasions escaped death by whiskers when his chopper went down. First in June 2017 when the presidential chopper crashed after take-off in Gwagwalada town in the FCT and on February 2019 when the VP’s chopper once again went down in Kabba, a sleepy town in Kogi State. The VP is the real cat with nine lives obviously.
The above sad fortune of the Nigeria armed forces has led to questions being asked about the safety of military aviation in the country, as civil aviation has recorded no crash involving commercial flights in about a decade now, thankfully.
What could be responsible?
On Wednesday August 30, 2017, the Nigerian Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) released its report on the Nigeria Police Helicopter that crashed in a village near Jos, Plateau State that killed the then newly promoted Deputy Inspector General of Police, Haruna John and three other police personnel including the pilot of the chopper.
The report of the AIB was startling as it was revealing. That report gave insight into what may be happening to the Nigeria military as far as the recurring air crashes involving its aircrafts is concerned.
According to the details of the AIB’s report presented by its Commissioner, Akin Olateru at the bureau’s headquarters at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, the two pilots, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Garba Yelwa and Alexander Pwol-ja (co-pilot) that were in charge of the helicopter had no business flying the chopper as at the time it crashed.
Both pilots were not qualified to man the aircraft; they had no adequate training on the aircraft in line with global aviation rules.
According to the AIB report, Yelwa’s medical certificate and simulator recurrency had expired at the time of the crash, while the co-pilot was not equally type-rated on the helicopter brand, meaning that he did not have the proper certification to pilot the helicopter. It beats all imaginations that the Nigeria armed forces put two of its personnel with no adequate training or know-how of a plane on the cockpit, more so as the bird was to ferry one of its most senior officers.
Also, the report revealed that the engineer that released the helicopter prior to the flight was similarly unqualified!
The report revealed that the engineer did not have the necessary type-training and type-rating for the aircraft type he released to embark on the journey that eventually claimed the lives of the DIG, his orderly and the two unqualified flight crew. Imagine calling a radio technician to fix your car.
Nine years after that watershed AIB report, military aviation in Nigeria seem to have taken a deeper dip into chaos.
Despite the fact that the AIB, in its safety recommendations, called on the Nigeria Police Force, and by extension the military to provide the proper funding, to carter for proper training of its personnel and to provide a conducive working environment, and develop and implement a robust training program for its technical and operational personnel with adequate supervision and approved equipment to enhance safety, the question remains which part of that report was not clear to the authorities or have been implemented by our armed forces?
From all indications, the situation has obviously worsened. If not why would the Nigeria military lose 20 of its bright stars within a space of three months in air crashes and nobody is taking responsibility?
It is only in Nigeria that military and police vehicles breakdown on the roads with reckless abandon!
They have started treating our military aircrafts like patrol vans.
I can imagine the people in charge of maintenance of these aircrafts wondering while the government will be “spending such huge amounts of dollars to carry out routine maintenance on a plane that is not broken down.”
While Nigeria top military brass and the police high command build mansions in choice areas across the capitals of Nigeria, buying palatial villas in Dubai and London, the work tools of our armed forces become decrepit, worn out and thereby exposing service men to their untimely deaths.
This inability to get Nigeria airpower to function obviously explains why the Boko Haram insurgents and bandits are fast overrunning parts of the country, or how else can one explain why a ragtag militia men on motorbikes can continually inflict such mortal blows on the Nigeria military.
The Federal Government should for once take responsibility, take charge and abide by the rule books in handling security in the country by ensuring that proper steps in line with international aviation safety regulations are taking to save our military personnel from the flying coffins that our armed forces planes have become.
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Soludo’s Economic Blockade of Onitsha Is ‘Declaration of War’ Against Igbo People
A U.S.-based organization, The Rising Sun Foundation, alongside the global coalition for Biafra restoration, has warned Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, condemning his blockade of Onitsha’s business district and accusing him of betraying the Igbo people.
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In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by Dr. Maxwell Dede, representing The Rising Sun Foundation in the United States, the foundation described Soludo’s actions as “tyrannical” and a “flagrant betrayal” of promises he made four years ago to support a grand dialogue on the Igbo people’s future within or outside Nigeria.
“Governor Soludo stands accused of a profound and treacherous betrayal. Four years ago, he courted the support of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the aspirations of millions, publicly pledging to facilitate a grand dialogue for the Igbo people. Today, he actively persecutes the very people and principles that propelled him to power,” the statement said.
The group criticized the governor for deploying predominantly non-Igbo military and police personnel to blockade economic arteries, describing the move as “the act of a tin-pot dictator, not a democratic leader.”
It further claimed that the Onitsha crisis is “not a result of merchant disobedience but of gubernatorial failure and dictatorial impulse”.
“The governor is strangling the economic lifeblood of the people he swore to serve, shattering the fragile peace he claims to protect,” the foundation said.
It also condemned Soludo’s perceived comfort with the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the federal government, calling it evidence that Soludo is “a politician of convenience, not conviction.”
The Rising Sun Foundation warned that any harm inflicted on peaceful protesters or merchants exercising their rights would be interpreted as “an open declaration of war against the Igbo people and their fundamental human rights. The blood will be on Soludo’s hands.”
The group added that the world should hold the Government House in Awka responsible for any breakdown of law and order, insisting that “Governor Soludo fired the first shot with this unjust and provocative blockade”.
“We are a peaceful people, but we say no more killings. The era of Igbo governors colluding to spill the blood of Igbo youths is over. We will not stand idly by and watch history repeat itself,” the statement said.
The foundation also announced it was initiating steps to have Soludo declared persona non grata internationally for what it described as gross violations of democratic norms and economic rights, asserting that “his welcome on the international stage will be rightfully rescinded.”
Calling on international observers, human rights organizations, and the Nigerian federal government to take action, the foundation said, “The siege on Onitsha must be lifted. The path to peace in the South-East is through justice, dialogue, and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu—not through military barricades and economic suffocation.”
The group warned the governor, “Governor Soludo, you are at the brink. Pull back. Respect the people. Honor your forgotten promises. The world is watching.”
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New Year: Gov Ododo Calls for Unity, Commitment to Security of Lives, Properties
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state has called for Unity of the people in complementing government’s efforts to tackle rising insecurity in the state.
The Governor also solicited people’s support through hard work, and sustained patriotism as his administration intensifies efforts to deliver people-oriented governance.
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Ododo who made the call in his New Year message to the people of the state, thanked Almighty God for protection and guidance throughout the past year, noting that the period tested the resilience of the people but also strengthened their collective resolve.
The Governor said that despite challenges, the state recorded modest but significant gains across key sectors, including security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and youth and women empowerment, attributing the progress to discipline, unity of purpose, and the cooperation of citizens.
According to him, the New Year presents renewed hope and a stronger resolve by his administration to do more through prudent resource management, inclusive governance, and policies aimed at improving the quality of life of the people, expanding opportunities for youths, empowering women, and strengthening the state’s economy.
Governor Ododo reaffirmed that security remains a top priority of his government, assuring residents of deeper collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders to sustain peace across the state, stressing that meaningful development can only thrive in a secure environment.
He called on all Kogites to continue to reject division and embrace cooperation, describing the state’s diversity as a strength that must be harnessed to build a Kogi that works for everyone, both in urban and rural communities.
Reiterating his pledge to serve with integrity, transparency, and compassion, the Governor expressed optimism that the New Year would usher in shared prosperity and greater accomplishments for the state.
Governor Ododo also urged continued support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the President’s reforms have strengthened the economy and expanded resources available to sub-national governments for development.
He wished the people of Kogi State a peaceful, prosperous, and fulfilling New Year, while praying for continued progress for the state and the nation.
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One Community, One Honour: Item Okpi Kingdom Celebrates Prof. Arunma Oteh’s Global Legacy
By Abdulrahman Aliagan,
The ancient town of Item in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State was agog on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, as the Item Development Association (IDA) Incorporated trustees hosted the 2025 Item Day Celebration, a historic edition specially designed to honour a single, outstanding personality — Chief, Prof.
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The celebration, held at the playground of Akanu Item Primary School, Akanu Item, was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, clergy, captains of industry and sons and daughters of Item from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Themed “Building a Greater Item Through Collective Action: The Work Continues,” the 2025 Item Day marked a significant departure from previous editions that featured multiple awardees. This year’s event was deliberately structured around a single award and traditional honour, in recognition of Prof. Oteh’s exceptional contributions to the growth and development of Abia State, Nigeria, Africa and the global community.
A major highlight of the event was a Grand Civic Reception in honour of the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, whose presence further underscored the importance of the occasion.
At the ceremony, the Item Development Association formally presented the Item Grand Merit Award to Chief Arunma Oteh, OON, describing her as a worthy daughter of the soil whose global achievements have brought immense honour to Item Okpi Ancient Kingdom, Abia State and Nigeria at large.
The award plaque cited her “distinguished leadership and transformative contributions to global development and in appreciation of the great honour this has brought to our community.”
Prof. Oteh was also specially celebrated for her consistent role as a global ambassador of the Amaba-Ukwu Item community, projecting its image positively across international platforms. This singular contribution, the organisers noted, was a key reason she was singled out for the prestigious award.
The event was chaired by Chief Ojay Obasi Eke (Udoka), with Chief Chukwuemeka Ogwo, MBA (Ugwuchukwuemere I of Item) serving as Co-Chairman.
Other dignitaries present were Hon. Dr. Ibekwe Nnamdi Chimdi, Member representing Bende North Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly; Hon. Okwu Ukoha, Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly; and Hon. Uwabunike Bassey, Executive Chairman (Mayor) of Bende LGA.
Traditional blessings were led by the Royal Father of the Day, HRH Eze Jerry Akpala Igwe (JP), Chairman of the Item Traditional Rulers Council, alongside HRM Eze Silas Okafor Igwe (JP), the Okpi of Item, and other royal fathers.
Religious leaders, including His Grace, Dr. Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha, Archbishop of Umuahia, also offered prayers for the community and the awardee.
The newly conferred Nwanne Ukwu Di Na Mba of Amaba-Ukwu Item, Abia State, Alhaji Chief Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, congratulated Prof. Arunma Oteh on the well-deserved honour.
He described her as a pride of Item and a shining example of what dedication, integrity and excellence can achieve, noting that her global impact has placed Amaba-Ukwu Item firmly on the world map.
He prayed for greater strength and wisdom for her to continue serving humanity and inspiring future generations.
In her acceptance speech, an emotional Prof. Arunma Oteh expressed profound gratitude to the Item Development Association, the people of Amaba-Ukwu Item, the traditional institution, the Abia State Government and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the programme.
She pledged to continue projecting the image of her community globally, describing the honour as a renewed call to service.
Prof. Oteh urged sons and daughters of Amaba-Ukwu Item, Abia State and Nigeria at large to embrace courage, resilience and hard work, stressing that “the sky is only the beginning of success for those who dare to dream and work relentlessly.”
She thanked Governor Alex Otti for his support for community development initiatives and commended the leadership of IDA for sustaining the vision of unity, selfless service and progress captured in the association’s motto: “Faith in God and Selfless Service to Our People.”
A Historic Item Day led by Dr. Cyril Onyekachi O. Kalu, President of IDA, and Ambassador Dr. Anthony Chukwudum Okorie, Chairman, Board of Trustees, the 2025 Item Day Celebration has been widely described as historic — not only for honouring one of Item’s most illustrious daughters, but also for reaffirming the community’s commitment to collective development and global relevance.
For many attendees, the celebration was more than an award ceremony; it was a statement of identity, pride and a renewed resolve to build a greater Item for generations yet unborn.
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