Nigerian Air Force

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The Nigeria Armed forces as a security organ dates back as far as 1863 when the Hausa constabulary was formed by the colonial masters. This was to later metamorphose into the West Africa frontier force (WAFF) and then Nigerian Regiment in 1956. This out was only made up of the army. However, the need to protect an patrol Nigerian coastline and its resources led to the creation of the Nigerian Navy in 1956. These were components of the Nigeria security structure till 1964 when the Nigerian Air force we established. The idea of forming an air force in Nigeria was muted in 1962. This was as a result of difficulties encountered when the country We called upon to participate in two foreign military operations in war torn republic of Congo in the early 1960s and to quell military insurrections in Tanganyika (Tanzania) in 1959. These scenario saw Niger relying on civil air crafts in conveying her men and logistics to the theatre of war or being airlifted by other foreign air forces. Thus, the first batch of cadets for training as Air Force officers were recruited and sent on training with the Ethiopian Air Force July 1962. A second batch of 16 followed in February, 1963 to train at the Royal Canadian Air force, while 6 others were sent to Indian Air Force. The third batch of 84 left for Germany in August 1963. The Nigerian Air force was thus established by an Act of parliament in 1964.

Contents 1 Background 2 History & Development of the NAF 3 Mission and Vission 4 Organization and Structure 4.1 Service Headquarters 4.1.1 Operations Branch 4.1.2 Logistics Branch 4.1.3 Administration Branch 4.1.4 Inspections Branch 4.2 Operational Commands 4.2.1 Tactical Air Command (TAC) 4.2.2 Training Command (TC) 4.2.3 Logistics Command (LC) 4.3 Direct Reporting Units 4.3.1 Personnel Management Group 4.3.2 Pay and Accounting Group 4.3.3 The Presidential Air Fleet 4.3.4 National Air Defense Corps 5 Former Chiefs 6 Rank Structure 6.1 Officers 6.2 Airmen 6.3 Aircraft 7 Reference 8 External link

[edit] Background

The Nigeria Armed forces as a security organ dates back as far as 1863 when the Hausa constabulary was formed by the colonial masters. This was to later metamorphose into the West Africa frontier force (WAFF) and then Nigerian Regiment in 1956. This out was only made up of the army. However, the need to protect an patrol Nigerian coastline and its resources led to the creation of the Nigerian Navy in 1956. These were components of the Nigeria security structure till 1964 when the Nigerian Air force we established. The idea of forming an air force in Nigeria was muted in 1962. This was as a result of difficulties encountered when the country We called upon to participate in two foreign military operations in war torn republic of Congo in the early 1960s and to quell military insurrections in Tanganyika (Tanzania) in 1959. These scenario saw Niger relying on civil air crafts in conveying her men and logistics to the theatre of war or being airlifted by other foreign air forces. Thus, the first batch of cadets for training as Air Force officers were recruited and sent on training with the Ethiopian Air Force July 1962. A second batch of 16 followed in February, 1963 to train at the Royal Canadian Air force, while 6 others were sent to Indian Air Force. The third batch of 84 left for Germany in August 1963.

The Nigerian Air force was thus established by an Act of parliament in 1964. Part I section (2) of the Air force act states:
"The Nigerian Air Force shall be charged with the defence of the Federal Republic by air, and to give effect thereto, the shall be trained in such duties as in the air as well as on the ground.

To achieve this goal and realizing the national an importance for local training, discussion and negotiate entered into with various countries on the need for local NAF personnel. The Federal Government therefore entered contract agreement with the West German Air force for the (of Technical Assistance Group (TAG). In addition son Nigerian Army officers were transferred to the Air Force to first Nucleus of Nigerian officers of the NAF. The Nigerian Act No. 11 of 1964 by the Nigerian parliament therefore stated the objective of the Air Force thus:

i.) To achieve a full complement of the military system of the Federal Republic of Nigeria both and on the ground.
ii.) To ensure fast versatile mobility of the Armed Forces
iii.) To provide close air support for ground forces (phases of operations and to ensure the territorial of a United Nigeria.

In furtherance to the above objectives section 217 (20 of the Nigerian constitution of 1999 charged the Nigeria of 1999 charged the Nigerian Air Force and other arms of the Armed forces with the responsibilities of:

1) Defending Nigeria from external aggression;
2) Maintaining its territorial integrity and securing its boarders from violation by Land Sea and air.
3) Suppressing insurrection and acting in a authorities to restore order when called up president, subject to such conditions as prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly; and
4) Performing such other functions as may be prescribe by an act of the National Assembly.

Based on the mandate assigned to it by the constitution Nigerian Air Force formulated its operational doctrine to enable it achieve assigned tasks. This doctrine was predicated on the following fundamental beliefs:

i. The NAF can best be developed and employed in accordance with the principles of Unity of command centralized control and centralized execution,
ii. The best employment of the Nigerian Air Force shall be in the offensive; and
iii. Air superiority is essential to the successful conduct of combat operations.

In addition, the Nigerian Air Force has its operational dictum as active defence forward engagement within the framework of a strategically defensive but tactically offensive military stance.

[edit] History & Development of the NAF

Although some of the experiences of countries such as the US and Great Britain are applicable, Air power in Nigeria was at a time when its impact was already recognized worldwide as such the establishment and early development of air power in Nigeria was not through the tortuous route of Court Martial and frustrated and career of its proponents.
The Nigerian Air Force as established in 1964 was expected to a maintain a responsive posture and force level capable of deterring war and it deterrence fails, of providing the margin of excellence needed for winning the battle. The Nigerian Air Force is the youngest of the 3 Services with other especially the Nigerian Army having its history dating as far back as 1863.

By its mandate, the Nigerian Air Force must be response, mobile, survivable and can provide presence, destructive fire power and observation; As an independent air force, its immediate task was to organize, train, equip and sustain a balanced force structure which was primarily governed by threat perception. The Nigeria Air Force, assisted by the German Air Force Assistance Group (GAFAG) set up platforms and logistics for full take off. The task of steering the infant NAF fell on the shoulders of colonial G Kahtz who thus became the first commander of the NAF. The nucleus of the NAF was thus established with the formation of the Nigerian Air Force headquarters at the Ministry of Defence. Further to that there were provisions, for senior Air Officers (SASO). Operations, Logistics, Air traffic control and Administration.

There was also the Direction of Medical Services. In addition the Nigerian Air Force Tactical and Training Wing (NAFTTW) was established in Kaduna.

[edit] Mission and Vission

As with other good military forces all over the world, the raison d’etre for the Nigerian Air Force is to fight and win wars, whenever and wherever they occur. In addition, the Service exists to provide the government speedy response options in attaining its internal and external policy goals. To meet these expectations, the Service must be well-equipped, well-trained and well-led. My vision is to regenerate the Nigerian Air Force and make it a leading air force on the continent against these considerations.

The vision is anchored on 7 key drivers:

Leadership - The Service must be led by intellectually grounded, values-sensitive and professional persons at all levels. Men who will say “do as I do” and not “do as / say” on the conviction that what they are doing is right both in eyes of God and of men. Leaders who will put service before self.

Good Institutions - Any good community depends on the quality of its institutions - its schools; its courts; good disciplinary processes etc. We cannot generate good leaders without good institutions. Therefore our training schools must gird their loins and strive for higher standards. The traditions and customs of the Service must be restored and encouraged.

Training - Quality manpower is the most crucial factor in the assessment of the effectiveness of any organization. While we can buy aircraft and other equipment off the shelf if funds are made available, the same cannot be said for skilled manpower. Therefore, we consider the capacity to train across all specialties at all times a number one priority.

Values - An organization without values cannot withstand the vagaries of time. For a fighting force in particular, values constitute the sinews on which all other success factors hang. For the Nigerian Air Force we hold these values dear: honour, integrity, service and excellence. We must uphold these core values at all times even on the pain of death.

Welfare - Just as we demand of our officers and men high performance standards, so shall we strive to deliver on improved welfare package and facilities.

Reforms - The Service must embrace fully the ongoing reforms in the public sector where applicable. Our system should be a rules-based one. Therefore, due process and regularity should be the order of the day. Most importantly, rules must nut be bent to suit individuals and leaders must be prepared to take hard decisions.

Comradeship - The Nigerian Air Force has always been one family - the Air Force family. We must revive the old spirit of comradeship. Everybody must be his brother’s keeper.

In conclusion, the realization of this vision will entail vigorous advocacy on the part of every one of us. We cannot achieve much unless necessary resources are channeled to the Service to revamp ageing platforms and systems and to induct new ones. Therefore, we must vigorously sensitize the Government, the sister-Services and the polity on the need to have a capable air force. While training to fight jointly, we must “think blue” at all times and advance the cause of the Service wherever and whenever we have the opportunity to do so. The synergistic effects of jointness can be realized only when the Service is able to contribute maximally to joint operations. And to do so, it must be strong.

[edit] Organization and Structure

The NAF organizational concept has been fashioned to meet current requirements of the service and the defence needs of the country. Resulting from its experiences in roles played from the civil war to other missions within and outside the country, the NAF is presently structured along a service Headquarters, 4 principal staff branches, 3 Operational Commands and 4 Direct Reporting Units.

Image:Org structure chart2.jpg
The NAF Headquarters and indeed the NAF is headed by the Chief of the Air Staff who is the principal adviser to the president and Commander in Chief of the Armed forces, the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff, on air related defence matters. Support staff in the office of the CAS include the Air Secretary who is responsible for manpower development through carefully planned career development programmes, classification and progress monitoring.

Others are the Director of plans (DOPLANS), the co-ordinator Project Implementation Monitoring Team (PIMT), the Director of Finance and Accounting(DFA), the Military Assistance (MA) and the NAF Tender's Board Secretariat.

[edit] Service Headquarters

The headquarters consist of the office of the chief of the Air Staff and 4 staff branches namely; Operations Branch, Logistics Branch, Administration Branch and Inspections Branch. Each of the branches is headed by an Air Officer.

[edit] Operations Branch

The Operations Branch is the nerve centre of NAF operations. It is composed of 5 directorates, namely: the Directorates of Operations, Training, Air Intelligence, Air Traffic Services and Regiment. It is responsible for the formulation of policies and directives related to operations and all training matters. It is also responsible for: i. The formulation, coordination and monitoring of NAF operational activities. ii. Ensuring compliance with NAF operational policies and facilitating the regular

   training of aircrew and ground support personnel.

iii. Initiating policies for air intelligence, the employment of NAF ground-based air

    defence elements, and the monitoring of the security of the country’s airports.

iv. Providing operational and administrative guidelines for the deployment of NAF

    personnel and equipment for all joint operations and exercises.

In addition to these responsibilities, the Operations Branch also oversees the activities of the offices of Military Airport Commandants across the country.

[edit] Logistics Branch

The Logistics Branch was established in 1977. It oversees the activities of the NAF Tenders Board in addition to those of the Directorates of Air Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Armament, Supply and Works. It is responsible for the formulation of policies on provisioning, procurement and maintenance of all equipment and infrastructure in the NAF and the provision of sustained logistic support for flying operations. There have been 15 Air Officers Logistics since the inception of the Branch. The chronicle of command is as depicted below:

[edit] Administration Branch

The Administrations Branch, formerly known as the Personnel Branch, is the hub around which most of NAF personnel and administrative matters revolve. It is made up of the Directorates of Administration, Air Provost, Legal Services, Medical Services, Public Relations and Information and Education. It is charged with the implementation of policy guidelines that deal with personnel and administrative matters, handling matters of welfare, discipline, medical services and other such matters that affect the daily wellbeing of NAF personnel. The office of the Air Officer Administration started as the Senior Air Staff Officer Administration in the late 1960s it was later upgraded to a directorate in 1975 and a branch in 1977. At this time the branch head was designated Air Officer Administration. In 1990, the Administrations Branch was renamed Personnel Branch and by the time of the 2000-2005 establishment review, the Branch was reverted to Administrations Branch. Nineteen senior air force officers have headed the Administrations Branch from the period of its early existence until date.

[edit] Inspections Branch

Inspection Branch was established in 1978 and is composed of the Directorates of Inspections, Safety, Manuals, Research and Development and Evaluation. The Branch is responsible for the maintenance of standards and safety in all NAF operations and the production of Service publications and manuals. The Plans Branch when established will replace the Inspections Branch and also incorporate the DOPLANS. It will be responsible for enhancing NAF’s operational capability through continuous strategic planning and evaluation, facilitating research into specific areas of the needs of the NAF and production of Service publications and manuals

[edit] Operational Commands

While the staff branches are responsible for the formulation of policies and ensuring them, the commands are responsible for interpreting and executing those policies. These commands are:

● Tactical Air Command (TAC)
● Training Command (TC), and
● Logistics Command (LC).

An Air Officer Commanding (AOC) who is directly responsible to the CAS heads each of these commands.

[edit] Tactical Air Command (TAC)

The Tactical Air Command (TAC) was established in 1978 as the teeth arm of the NAF under which all the fighting formations and units are grouped. An Air Officer Commanding of aircrew (pilot) specialty, heads the Command.
The Tactical Air Command is tasked with the responsibility of providing tactical training, the operational elements and resources necessary to meet the operational objectives of the NAF.

Thus, the responsibility for the implementation of the NAF concept of operations of “active defence, forward engagement,” rests squarely with the Command. To achieve this enormous task, the Command is organised into groups and detachments in 12 locations across the country with the Command Headquarters at Makurdi. TAC operates all dedicated combat aircraft and most of the airlift assets in the Service. Equipped with an array of aircraft and weapon systems, it is capable of conducting all tactical air operations including counter air, counter surface and combat support air operations.
Since the Command was established in 1978, it has grown and expanded with time. It has also made some giant strides and modest achievements in several areas both within and outside Nigeria. The Command participated with pride in the remarkable demonstration of airpower by TAC elements as part of ECOMOG forces in Liberia and Sierra Leone between 1990 and 2000. During these operations, its C-130s provided effective strategic airlift for Nigerian and sister African nations’ troops to and from the operational theatre. TAC Super Puma helicopter also performed creditably in tactical transport and medical evacuation roles, while the heroic offensive air operations conducted by the Alfa-Jets, remain a prime reference point in the modern application of airpower in the sub-region.
There have been 16 Air Officers that commanded this elite fighting arm since its establishment. The chronicle of command is as indicated below:

The main units under TAC and their locations are as follows:
i. 64 Air Defence Group (ADG), Makurdi.
ii. 75 Strike Group (75 STG), Yola.
iii. 81 Air Maritime Group (81 AMG), Benin.
iv. 88 Military Airlift Group (88 MAG), Ikeja.
v. 97 Special Operations Group (97 SOG), Port Harcourt.
vi. 99 Air Weapon School (99 AWS), Kainji
vii. 33 Logistics Group, Makurdi.
viii. 35 Base Services Group (35 BSG), Makurdi.
ix. 45 NAF Hospital, Makurdi.

TAC also has detachments, wings and Forward Operational Bases (FOB) in the following locations:
i. NAF Detachment, Minna.
ii. 204 Wing, Maiduguri.
iii. 227 Wing, Ilorin.
iv. NAF Calabar (FOB).
v. NAF Ibadan (FOB).
vi. NAF Sokoto (FOB).

Besides the units under command, Makurdi, which houses the command headquarters also has tenant units, which include:

i. 405 Central Armaments Depot (405 CAD).
ii. NAF School of Air Intelligence (NAFSAINT).

65 Air Defence Group (ADG) The ADG was established in 1980 following the acquisition of the MiG 21 ground interceptor aircraft by the NAF. Prior to this time, the Makurdi Base had existed and was used, as a forward operating base during the civil war. However, its formal establishment began with the movement of ground and administrative elements to the location in 1979 and in 1980 when the first batch of MiG 21s arrived, the Base took-off as an operational base. ADG was established primarily for the provision of air defence for the nation’s air space. It also renders air traffic services to visiting military and civil aircraft. The Group made Nigeria proud when it defied poor weather conditions to win the day at an air show to commemorate the Togolese National Day Celebration in 1988. The Group is also noted for its remarkable stance as a deterrent force to any would be aggressor. It has participated in several air shows to mark NAF anniversaries.

75 Strike Group 75 Strike Group (STG) has its Headquarters at Yola. The STG was established to train and provide combat forces that will engage and limit an enemy’s capability to conduct destructive and demoralising air attacks on Nigerian forces. It is also tasked with the responsibility of denying an enemy the capability of occupying any part of Nigeria, while reducing and paralysing the enemy’s freedom of movement and ultimately ensuring its defeat.

81 Air Maritime Group The 81 AMG was established as an air maritime operational base. It is located at Benin and operates the Fokker-27 (F-27), Dornier 228 (DO-228) and Dornier 128-6 (DO 128-6) aircraft. It was established primarily for reconnaissance duties in peace and war times, maritime surveillance to complement the efforts of the Nigerian Navy at sea, aerial photography, mapping, and light transport, liaison and courier services.

88 Military Airlift Group The 88 MAG has undergone several changes in nomenclature from its early existence as an air transport wing in Ikeja. It was established to provide medium and heavy tactical and strategic airlift in support of the Services, the Presidency and other government agencies as directed from time to time by government. To accomplish this role, it is equipped with the C-130 Hercules and G-222 aircraft located at Ikeja and Ilorin respectively. Although the G-222s were procured for the NA for its airborne training and operations, they are solely operated and maintained by the NAF. 88 MAG has been the major workhorse of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Government and non-governmental organizations, transporting several tonnages of cargo and thousands of passengers to virtually every part of the World.

97 Special Operations Group The 97 SOG is the mother base of the NAF helicopters. On establishment in 1988 under the defunct MAC, 97 SOG initially had its headquarters in Minna. Although NAF Station Port Harcourt existed before this time as a separate entity, it eventually became the headquarters of 97 SOG in 1990 following the de-establishment of MAC and the downgrading of NAF Minna to a Detachment.
As its name implies, it is charged with the conduct of special air operations that are beyond the ambit of fixed wing aircraft types. Specifically, the unit is charged with providing combat air support and tactical mobility for surface forces, search and rescue, medical/casualty evacuation and executive/light liaison transport duties. 97 SOG has operated several helicopter types including the Bolkow 105 (BO-105), the Puma and Super Puma helicopters. The latest helicopter in its inventory is the Mi-35P Hind Attack Helicopter, which was taken into NAF inventory in 2000.
To achieve its assigned roles, 97 SOG is organised into 3 main operational wings and other administrative elements. The operational wings are, 206, 207 and 225 Wings. The first 2 are located in Port Harcourt while the latter is located in Ikeja. The 206 Wing which is to be equipped with Alpha Jets has not taken off. The Group also makes periodic short-term deployments of its air assets in support of operations and training exercises by any of the 3 Services.
The 97 SOG has participated actively in many internal security operations in the country, aided the civil authorities by conducting VIP transport, power line inspections and the airlift of election materials into very remote areas. It has also assisted in disaster management situations across the country. The Super Pumas were a pride to the country during ECOMOG peacekeeping initiatives in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

99 Air Weapons School The 99 AWS, Kainji initially existed under NAF Base, Kano in the early 80s with the name Advanced Weapons School when the NAF acquired the Alpha Jet aircraft. Meanwhile, Kainji as a NAF Base was under construction with an administrative detachment commanded by Wing Commander Danyil.
The operational establishment of AWS Kainji, was eventually accomplished in April 1984 when the Alpha Jet with all its ground and air crew relocated from Kano to Kainji. An initial 9 Alpha Jet aircraft, 23 officers comprising 21 pilots and 2 engineers, 4 German instructors and 46 airmen commanded by Wing Commander JB Uku (rtd), thus became the pioneer personnel of the AWS.

99 AWS was tasked with the responsibility of conducting tactical training for the Alpha Jet pilots to fighter pilot standard. Over the years, 99 AWS has trained seasoned pilots for the NAF. The Alpha Jets heralded the NAF operational effectiveness and potentials to the World when at short notice, they deployed to Liberia on 18 of September 1990, under the command of then Group Captain Joe Okoiye to bring a quick end to the  Liberian Civil War. They performed a similar feat when they deployed to Sierra Leone to restore the government of President Teejan Kabba, which was overthrown in a coup on 25 May 1997 to power.

33 Logistics Group The 33 Logistics Group was established to perform 3rd and 4th line maintenance on the MiG 21 and Jaguar aircraft types.

35 Base Services Group The 35 BSG provides administrative support and welfare services to the Command Headquarters and all NAF units located in Makurdi.

45 NAF Hospital This is a 60-bed hospital, which provides medical services to all NAF personnel in Makurdi and their families.

HQ TAC Detachments NAF Maiduguri was started as an FOB in support of the Organisation of African Unity operations in Chad. It was formally established in 1982 and equipped initially with the MiG 21s and BO-105s. The unit has been involved in every security operation conducted in the North Eastern parts of the country. 227 Wing Ilorin, NAF Calabar, Ibadan, Minna and Sokoto are all satellite units of TAC. They were established to facilitate easy deployment of personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces at short notice to any part of the country. All the units except Sokoto are manned by NAF personnel. They have all been used at various times for one form of operation or the other.

Tenant Units The tenant units co-located with the TAC HQ in Makurdi include the 405 Central Armament Deport (405 CAD), which is responsible for the provision of strategic storage facilities and depot level activities, for all NAF weapons and associated equipment. The second is the NAFSAINT, which is the cradle of training for NAF intelligence personnel.

[edit] Training Command (TC)

The first requirement of any air force is a constant supply of a crop of highly motivated and competent airmen and airwomen. No matter the level of sophistication of platforms, they cannot attain the mission objectives if the personnel behind them are ill trained and incompetent. The NAF therefore places great premium on training and re-training of its personnel to ensure a high state of readiness at all times.

To achieve optimum personnel skills at reasonable costs, the NAF established the to enable her embark on the development of an internal training capacity. The Command is tasked with the responsibility for all local training both in the air and on the ground. Since its establishment in August 1978, TC has been involved in the provision of both initial and advanced training for NAF pilots, paratroopers and air traffic controllers. Ground training is also provided for support services and technical personnel. So far, the Command has trained over 1,699 Officers and 10,150 airmen and women in various trade specialities.
The Command is organised into a Command Headquarters located in Kaduna with three Staff Branches namely: Operations, Logistics and Administration. The Air Officer Commanding (AOC) heads the Command, assisted by a Senior Air Staff Officer and Principal Staff Officers. There are 10 field units under the Command comprising 3 flying training schools, 2 ground training facilities, a logistics group, 3 medical facilities and 2 other administrative units.

The locations of the units are as follows: i. 301 Flying Training School, Kaduna. ii. 303 Flying Training School, Kano. iii. 305 Flying Training School, Enugu. iv. 320 Technical Training Group, Kaduna. v. 325 Ground Training Group, Kaduna. vi. 330 NAF Station Jos. vii. 333 Logistics Group, Kaduna. viii.335 Base Services Group, Kaduna. ix. 345 Aeoromedical Hospital, Kaduna. x. NAF Hospital, Jos. xi. The Aeromedical Centre Project at Kaduna.

301 Flying Training School The 301 Flying Training School (301 FTS) is the cradle of pilot training in the NAF. It started as the Light Transport and Liaison Squadron in 1964 and was charged with the responsibility of converting NAF pilots who were returning home from overseas training. However, with the outbreak of the Civil War in 1967, the nation’s need for pilots increased while the available slots for pilots’ training overseas became inadequate to meet the country’s operational needs. Consequently, the Light Liaison Transport Squadron was tasked to undertake primary flying training in addition to its original task of converting NAF pilots. As a result, the Squadron grew in strength and was later redesignated as the Primary Flying Training Wing (PFTW). Following further expansion and subsequent re-organisation of the NAF in 1984, the Wing was upgraded and renamed the 301 Flying Training School (301 FTS).
The school has over the years, used several aircraft types for ab-initio training purposes. It started training with the Piaggio-149D aircraft from Germany. This was later replaced with the Bulldog 123. Other aircraft types operated in the 60s and 70s were the DO-27, DO-28 and DO 128-2. Currently, the aircraft holding of the school include the Airbeetle ABT-18, Dornier 128-6 and the DO-228 aircraft series.
Since its inception, the school has trained over 600 pilots for the NAF including the first set of pilots for the Nigerian Navy. The school has assisted in the training of pilots from friendly African countries including 5 from the Republic of Benin, 4 from Cape Verde, 3 from Niger Republic, 10 from Zimbabwe and one from Sierra Leone.
These are spread between Student Pilot Courses 1 and 32 (SP 1 to Sp 32) with the present batch undergoing training as SP 33. The number of students trained could have been higher but for the six year period (1988-1994), when NAF suffered a debilitating lull in training due to lack of funds to sustain training. However, with the emphasis on training by the current NAF leadership, the School is fully operational and the training backlog is being redressed. 301 FTS is also tasked to conduct operational conversion, type-rating and recurrency training for NAF transport pilots on the Dornier aircraft series. Furthermore, it provides light liaison and VIP transport as well as courier services for the NAF. Besides it primary roles of ab-initio and transport pilot training, 301 FTS has featured in aerial displays during NAF and National day celebrations.
It has also been involved in various internal security initiatives and joint exercises. Prominent among these are the Maitatsine Crises in Kano, the Ops Harmony series in the Northeastern parts of the country and simulated air cover during Nigerian Defence Academy cadets training exercises.

303 Flying Training School Following the Statutory Act of Parliament that officially established the NAF in April 1964, some basic organizational structure was put in place for the nascent service to function properly. One of these structures was the Nigerian Air Force Tactical and Technical Wing (NAFTW) Kaduna, comprising the Military Training School (MTS), Light Transport and Liaison Squadron (LTLS) and support elements of administration, engineering and supply. NAF Kano was born out of the LTLS in August 1967. NAF Kano, then a detachment was established as a result of the expansion embarked upon by the NAF to prosecute the civil war. At that time, the unit was tasked with conducting operational training for combat crew on the L-29, MiG 15 and 17 aircraft types. In 1969, the detachment was transformed into a pilot training institution with student pilots of Basic Flying Course One (BFC 1) as the first intake. Today, 11 basic flying courses have been concluded with the current one being BFC 12 Bravo. During the post civil war reorganization between 1970 and 1975 the unit was renamed Advanced Flying Training Wing (AFTW). However, by March 1975, the station was upgraded to a group status known as Flying Training Group (FTG) with two Flying Wings namely, Primary Flying Training Wing (PFTW) stationed at Kaduna and Basic Flying Training Wing (BFTW) located in Kano. The MiG 21s and Alpha Jets were at various times stationed at Kano before relocating to their bases at Makurdi and Kainji. The school attained its present status in 1985, when it was renamed 303 Flying Training School (303 FTS), with the sole responsibility of conducting basic flying training on jet aircraft using the L-29 aircraft type. The L-29 aircraft hitherto used as basic trainer aircraft was later phased out due to age and replaced with the MB-339 Aermachi in June 1985. By 1986, the L-39ZA aircraft was introduced as the basic trainer, while the MB-339 was re-roled as a close support aircraft. In 1989, the Instructor Pilot Training Wing was established to give NAF a capacity to train its instructor pilots locally. The wing, which was initially designated as Instructor Pilot School (IPS), was meant to be an independent unit to be located in Minna (Niger State). However following the rationalization of NAF units, the IPS remained in Kano as a wing under 303 FTS. The primary role of the Instructor Pilot Training Wing (IPTW) is to produce instructor pilots on fast jet aircraft for the NAF. Since its inception, the 303 FTS has trained 112 pilots comprising Nigerians and foreigners. The foreigners include 4 pilots from Zimbabwe and 8 Ghanaians who attended a conversion course on the L-29 aircraft. As in the case of the primary training programmes, the lull of 1988 to 1994 also affected the basic flying training programme. However with the re-newed focus on training by the current NAF leadership, a new momentum has been introduced into the activities of the school.

305 Flying Training School The 305 Flying Training School (305 FTS) Enugu, metamorphosed from NAF Station Enugu, which was established in the mid-1970s. NAF Station Enugu was the home of the MiG 17 fighter aircraft until 1981, when the Headquarters of Tactical Air Command (HQ TAC) and Air Defence Group (ADG) were established at Makurdi. Subsequently, following the recognition of the need to train its own helicopter pilots locally, the NAF established 305 FTS as an ab-initio and basic helicopter flying school. Being the first and only one of its kind in the sub-region, the 305 FTS was established to provide helicopter training for pilots of the NAF and sister Services of the armed forces as well as friendly African countries. On 22 February 1987, the pioneer set of helicopter pilots to be trained locally commenced training as Basic Helicopter Flying Course 1 (BHFC 1) on the Hughes 300C helicopter. However, during the rationalisation of NAF units in 1991, the School was downgraded to a wing status and relocated to 97 Special Operations Group Port Harcourt, while what was left became a NAF detachment. In subsequent years, the need to have an autonomous helicopter training school to complement the fixed wing schools at 301 and 303 FTS led to the re-establishment of 305 FTS Enugu in June 2000. By 2001, the unit became active again and the Mi-34C trainer helicopter was introduced into NAF inventory to replace the Hughes 300. The same lull that befell NAF aircrew training also affected this school, thus since its inception, only 2 courses have been graduated with BHFC 3 just about to commence flying. The unit currently conducts local type-rating courses for its engineers and technicians.

320 Technical Training Group The Nigerian Civil War resulted in the introduction of a variety of aircraft and associated weapon systems into the service of the then young NAF. The introduction of these weapon systems brought with it a corresponding increase in the need for skilled manpower to operate and maintain these machines. The NAF at that time relied on her foreign partners to develop the required manpower. The idea of establishing a NAF Logistics and Supply School was initiated after the Civil War in 1970, in order to increase the number of training slots and to conserve scarce foreign exchange. The Nigerian Air Force Technical Training Wing was thus established in 1977 with the collaboration of Messrs Dornier GMBH of Germany. The School was established to provide basic training for officers and men in the fields of aircraft maintenance, armament technology, supply and maintenance of ground communication equipment. It was also the responsibility of the Group to conduct relevant up-grading courses for all logistics trade specialists in the NAF. The quality training offered by the schools has helped considerably in enhancing the NAF’s maintenance capabilities. The school has also trained a good number of personnel from the air forces of friendly sister African countries.

325 Ground Training Group The 325 Ground Training Group started as Military Training School (MTS) under NAF Tactical Training Wing (NAFTTW) when the NAF Base Kaduna was established in 1963. It was responsible for the training of recruits. The MTS was re-designated Military Training Wing (MTW) in 1975 when NAFTTW was upgraded to become NAF Ground Training Group (NAFGTG). The Wing was later upgraded to a group status and called Military Training Group (MTG) in 1984. When a new establishment came into effect in 1991, the then Administrative Services Training Group (ASTG) was merged with MTG to form the Ground Training Group (GTG). With the Establishment Order of 2000, the Group was re-designated as 325 Ground Training Group. Over the years the unit’s roles have widened to cover provision of non-technical training in other air force specialities, particularly with the suspension of overseas training for certain trade specialties for both officers and airmen. These include basic and further training in personnel and accounting specialities, air police, physical education and regiment courses.

330 NAF Station Jos The NAF Station Jos was established to provide administrative and logistics support for the military schools namely, the Air Force Military School (AFMS) and the Air Force Girls Military School (AFGMS). Since inception, the AFMS and AFGMS have turned out 1,500 Junior Air Men and 588 Junior Air Women respectively. The AFGMS has since become a Comprehensive Secondary School following NAF’s decision to de-emphasise rigorous military training for girls.

333 Logistics Group The 333 Logistic Group is responsible for 3rd and 4th line maintenance of aircraft used for flying training operations at 301 FTS and the 81 Air Maritime Group. The 4th line maintenance function of the Group also involves the conduct of the periodic engine overhaul on the DO128-6 and DO-228 aircraft. In addition to its maintenance task, the unit co-ordinates the local training programme for the NAF engineers and technicians on the aircraft types within its locality. It is noteworthy that the 333 Logistics Group recently commenced the reactivation of its equipment in readiness for Research and Development (R & D) projects. The R & D programme is intended to enable the unit to produce various aircraft components and spares. The Group worked assiduously in the joint NAF and Messrs Dornier-AEIP venture, to produce the first locally manufactured aircraft type in Nigeria, the Air Beetle ABT-18.

335 Base Services Group The 335 BSG like its counterparts in TAC and LC is responsible for providing welfare and administrative support services for the various groups located in its vicinity. It also provides similar support to HQ TC, the Air Faculty of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College and the Air Wing of the Nigerian Defence Academy.

345 Aeromedical Hospital The Aeromedical Hospital located in the Kaduna Base is the only one of its type in the NAF. The hospital was recently upgraded to the status of a 60-bed hospital. The upgrading is designed to enable the hospital meet the increasing demand for medical health care in the Kaduna Base and the NAF as a whole. This hospital also conducts annual medical fitness examinations for all aircrew specialties as well as routine medical examinations for NAF personnel right from the point of intake. It is expected that in the near future, the hospital will be fully equipped to the standard of a teaching and research hospital.

NAF Hospital JosThe NAF Hospital, Jos provides health care services for NAF personnel and the 2 NAF secondary schools in Jos.

Aeromedical Centre Project More than two decades ago, the NAF realized the need for a well-equipped medical facility to cater solely for the specialized medical demands of its aircrew. The objective is to enhance safety by ensuring that only medically fit personnel are allowed to fly. Consequently, efforts were made to establish an aeromedical centre. It is expected that on completion, the NAF Aeromedical Centre will be a centre of excellence with one of the most comprehensive facilities in the world. The facility is expected to reduce aircrew training cost compared with the cost of training personnel abroad. It will also reduce accident rates attributable to human factors. Besides, it will improve the selection process of potential pilots, while engineers and technicians will be exposed to new developments in the aviation industry. It is hoped that the Aeromedical Centre will also provide the same services to the civil aviation sector and conduct relevant research into peculiar problems associated with flying in tropical environments. The chronicle of command is as indicated below:

[edit] Logistics Command (LC)

Logistics activities in the NAF started through the amalgamation of administration, engineering and supply services in the formative years. These elements were, however, not organised into one command. A semblance of a unified logistics structure was established in 1980, following the NAF establishment review of 1979. The structure, which was called Support Command, comprised 5 groups, namely: Logistics, Air Traffic, Communications, Air Provost and Medical Services Groups.

In this arrangement, only the Logistics Group was designed to carry out the core logistics function. With the expansion of the NAF and the acquisition of new equipment in the 1980s, it became necessary to upgrade the existing Logistics Group to more effectively manage these assets. Consequently, a Logistics Command was established in the 1980-1985 NAF establishment review exercise. The Logistics Command formally came into existence in 1984 and was tasked with undertaking third and fourth line maintenance of all aircraft types and associated aerospace ground support equipment, communication and electronics equipment and vehicles. It was also assigned the role of storage, distribution and supply of all categories of stores and petroleum, oil and lubricants to NAF formations and units. Furthermore, it was to maintain all NAF infrastructure, such as barracks, hangars and airfields while also implementing HQ NAF Logistics Policy. At inception, the Command consisted of an HQ and 5 Depots. The Headquarters is headed by an Air Officer Commanding of air rank with a Senior Air Staff Officer as his deputy. Other principal staff officers in various capacities also assist the AOC. The 5 Depots under LC include the 1 Aircraft Maintenance Depot (1 ACMD) Kaduna, 2 Aircraft Maintenance Depot (2 ACMD) Ikeja, Communications Electronic Maintenance Depot (CEMD) Ikeja, Central Armament Depot (CAD) Makurdi and Equipment Supply Depot (ESD) Ikeja. The structure was slightly modified in subsequent years with the establishment of a third Aircraft Maintenance Depot (3 ACMD) in Makurdi. In 1989, however, following the establishment of Military Airlift Command (MAC), 2 ACMD was detached from LC to become an integral part of MAC. This arrangement was reversed in 1990 when MAC was deestablished. At present, LC has a headquarters and 6 major units as follows:

a. 401 Aircraft Maintenance Depot (401 ACMD), Ikeja. b. 403 Electronic Maintenance Depot (403 EMD), Shasha. c. 405 Central Armament Depot (405 CAD), Makurdi. d. 407 Equipment Supply Depot (407 ESD), Ikeja. e. 435 Base Service Group (435 BSG), Ikeja. f. 445 NAF Hospital (445 NAF Hospital), Ikeja.

Other units under LC are the Air Force Comprehensive School Ibadan (AFCS), Air Force Secondary School Ikeja (AFSS) and Logistics Management Centre (LMC) which co-ordinates the activities of the core logistics elements.

401 ACMD The 401 ACMD carries out third and fourth line maintenance of the C130 and G222 aircraft. A helicopter overhaul centre, also located in Ikeja, provides similar levels of maintenance for the Super Puma, Mi-34 and Mi-35 helicopters. The third and fourth line maintenance involves scheduled inspections, overhauls and modifications.

403 EMD The Electronics Maintenance Depot is responsible for the installation, management and maintenance of all communications equipment. It further ensures strict adherence to communications, security and radio discipline through frequency management. The 403 EMD is also responsible for the detection of hostile electronic emissions and the development of jamming techniques.

405 CAD The 405 CAD stores, maintains and handles all weapons and munitions in the NAF. It also liaises with the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Navy, the Nigeria Police and Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) on matters relating to weapons which could serve the common interest of all.

407 ESD The 407 ESD is responsible for receiving, inspecting (for quality assurance) and documenting all bulk purchases and major equipment of the NAF. It also has the responsibility for port clearance and forwarding of all overseas consignments, as well as the storage, preservation, accounting, movement and distribution of such items.

LMC The LMC is proposed to be the heart of the Logistics Management Network Project. The project is expected to interconnect computer Local Area Networks (LANs) within the Logistics units in Lagos with LANs in other NAF formations outside Lagos into a Wide Area Network of Logistics units via satellite. The focus of the computerisation is to build a database for all aircraft types in the NAF, track their periodic maintenance requirements, issue task cards or work orders on scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, maintain flying hours, technical orders and historical records. Since its establishment, the LC has through effective coordination of all logistics functions within the NAF, practicalized the logistics policies of the Service. The functions of the Command as noted earlier, are carried out directly by the specialized units. In specific terms, the main achievements of the Command are the initiation and conduct of Local Training Courses (LOTRAC) on the C-130 aircraft for over 480 personnel. The personnel of the Command also participated in the in-country Periodic Depot Maintenance of 2 C-130 aircraft carried out by Aircraft, Avionics, Parts and Support Limited in 1998. Most importantly, the Command has been able to sustain NAF forces through reliable logistic backing in all internal and external engagements.

Other notable efforts of the Command are: a. Continuous provision of serviceable aircraft to meet NAF operational challenges. b. Conservation on a limited scale of grounded C-130, G-222 and Super Puma aircraft. c. Installation and maintenance of HF radio network in all NAF units. d. Development and production of battery chargers, inverters, computer software and

  encryption devices.

e. Installation and maintenance of Urban Communication System (UBS) in Lagos,

  Kaduna and Makurdi.

f. Support of combat flying operations by ensuring prompt release of all approved

  weapons, as well as arming and disarming aircraft for combat exercises.

g. Periodic inspection and maintenance of air weapons as well as demolition of

  unserviceable/obsolete explosives/weapons in NAF inventory.

h. Training of armament technicians on the armament system and safety equipment

  of the L-39ZA aircraft.

The foregoing achievements of the Command not withstanding, LC’s performance so far, can be assessed as being a far cry from the concept of logistics management as envisaged at its inception. LC has had to grapple with a myriad of problems ranging from inadequate trained manpower, to unavailability of tools and equipment and insufficient funding amongst others. It is hoped, however, that as the economy improves, the LC will be in a better position to meet up with the objectives for its establishment. The chronicle of command is as indicated below:

[edit] Direct Reporting Units

Apart from the CAS’ supporting staff and Branch heads, there are other units who by virtue of their functions, report directly to HQ NAF.

These groups are:
● The Personnel Management Group (PMG),
● Pay and Accounting Group (PAG),
● The Presidential Air Fleet (PAF) and
● The National Air Defence Corps (NADC).

[edit] Personnel Management Group

What is now known as Personnel Management Group (PMG) started as Pay and Records (P&R) in 1974. As the strength of the NAF personnel continued to grow, the functions performed by the then P&R became enormous. By 1984, the P&R was split into two different units namely: Pay and Accounting Group (PAG) and Personnel Management Centre (PMC). In the establishment review of 2000-2005, the PMC was upgraded to a group status and renamed PMG. To effectively carry out its functions, PMG is structured into 6 departments, which include the Departments of Manning Forecast and Statistics, Career and Promotion, Classification and Assignment, Personnel Data Update and Separation Benefits, and Services. The others are the Civilian Section and Computer Centre.

[edit] Pay and Accounting Group

The origin of Pay and Accounting Group (PAG) dates back to 1962 when the idea of establishing an air force was concretised.
The Ministry of Defence funded the Nigerian Air Force at inception through the Nigerian Army. Therefore, the financial administration of the Service rested with the Nigerian Army, which had an established, Pay and Records Office.
The present PAG was thus, started as a section under the Nigerian Army Pay and Records Office, Apapa.
The first set of NAF pay personnel trained by the Nigerian Army assumed duty in the Ground Training Group Kaduna in 1965 under the supervision of the Nigerian Army Assistance Group. The current Pay Office at the 335 Base Services Group, Kaduna thus became the first Pay Office in the Nigerian Air Force.
By 1969, the Nigerian Air Force Pay and Records Office was established at 75 Airport Road, Ikeja. An army officer, Major SS Adejoro was appointed as the first Commanding Officer. The office was later relocated to Idiroko, Maryland and subsequently to its present location at Sam Ethnan Air Force Base Ikeja in 1971.
Squadron Leader Y Abba was the first Nigerian Air Force Officer to head the NAF Pay and Records in 1971. In due course, the Nigerian Air Force became a self-accounting entity on 1 April 1972, when the Service assumed full control of its accounting records.
The Group comprise of a headquarters and 4 wings, which include Personnel Emolument, Bills and Recovery, Inspectorate and Civilian Pay. An Assistant Director, who represents the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, heads the Civilian Pay Wing. In addition to the 4 wings, there is the office of the Federal Auditor, which though co-located with PAG, reports directly to the Auditor General of the Federation. The Federal Auditor advises the Commander on all matters relating to audit queries.

[edit] The Presidential Air Fleet

NAF involvement in the operation of the Presidential Fleet dates back to December 1978, when the Federal Government transferred the operations of all presidential aircraft hitherto controlled by Nigeria Airways, to the NAF.
An Executive Squadron was then formed under the NAF Military Airlift Wing for this purpose. Although the reasons for this transfer was not made explicit, it could not have been unrelated with the fact that the NAF was better placed to provide the security and operational flexibility required for executive flights.
Moreover, the change was more in line with the practice in most countries of the World. Be that as it may, the NAF Executive Squadron grew steadily from a Wing to become the Executive Airlift Group (EAG).
Throughout these transformations, NAF pilots, complemented by a few technical personnel seconded from Nigeria Airways, flew all the aircraft in the inventory. Meanwhile, the defunct Ministry of Special Duties and subsequently the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) exercised control over all budgetary allocations for the upkeep of EAG.
Consequent upon the abortive coup d’etat of December 1985, the Presidential Boeing 727 aircraft was withdrawn from the EAG and given to a selected crew from the Nigeria Airways to operate. This gave birth to a Presidential Fleet in 1986 headed by Captain Moses Gowon. The NAF EAG elements, however, continued to operate the remaining seven aircraft for the Government. In January 1996, the Federal Government merged the EAG with the Civilian Presidential Fleet crew under one centralised authority, and renamed the new organisation the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF). Additionally, selected civil servants from the offices of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and that of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), were seconded to the new unit, to help establish the administrative and financial departments. The merger was premised on the belief that the large number of aircraft in the fleet which then stood at eleven, would be better administered by a centralised control for optimum utilisation, while safeguarding national security interests.
The Fleet’s primary responsibility is the provision of fast, safe and comfortable airlift for the President, the Vice President and other VIPs as may be directed by the President through the office of the Chief of Staff to the President. To accomplish its role, the PAF is organised into a Fleet Headquarters and 5 wings namely, Operations, Engineering, Administration, Operations Services and Supply. Staff officers assist the Commander while the Wings are headed by Wing Chiefs (Equivalent of Commanding Officers in a regular NAF Unit). The Fleet Commander reports directly to HQ NAF through the Air Officer Operations. PAF’s current staff strength consists of 47 (Forty Seven) NAF officers, 173 airmen/airwomen and 96 Civilian staff, both technical and administrative. The operational headquarters of the Fleet is located at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while the administrative personnel are at the Federal Secretariat. The Fleet has a liaison office at the Presidential Villa. Flight operations, training, aircraft maintenance and general running of the fleet are funded by the Presidency. With a current holding of eleven aircraft, the fleet has, since inception in 1996, operated a yearly average of 1900 flights accumulating a yearly average of 2140 flying hours. These missions originate mostly from the Presidency, National Assembly and the Judiciary. Others may be in furtherance of the nation’s foreign policy objectives through the Ministry of External Affairs, ECOWAS Secretariat, African Union (AU), Heads of friendly African countries, and in support of peace-making efforts within the West African sub-region. A typical example was the airlift of former President Charles Taylor of Liberia into exile in Nigeria in 2003.

[edit] National Air Defense Corps

President Olusegun Obasanjo conceived the vision for a national air defence scheme for Nigeria when he was the Military Head of State in the 70s. The idea was for a tri-Service organisation that would be able to provide air defence coverage for vital economic targets throughout the country. The NAF issued an establishment order dated 2 August 1977, which gave birth to the present National Air Defence Corps (NADC). The NADC is charged with the responsibility for:

i. Monitoring the Nigerian airspace situation through a network of radar systems and give early warning of aircraft violations.

ii. Liaison with the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency to ensure proper demarcation and promulgation of air defence identification zones, military air traffic zones and military training and low flying areas.

iii. Identification and interception of hostile aircraft within the Nigerian airspace.

iv. Providing low level air defence coverage of the Nation’s international airports, vulnerable points, vital areas and key points.

v. Embarking on the promotion of passive air defence measures in proper liaison with civil defence organizations.

vi. Coordinating National aeronautical search and rescue operations with the National Emergency Management Agency.

[edit] Former Chiefs

From its inception to date, the NAF has had 14 administrations all which have made various significant contributions to the NAF of today. Each administration marked a distinct era in the development of the NAF leaving historic landmarks in their trails. The administrations reflected the leadership styles of each CAS and they all had their smooth and rough times. This Chapter gives the profiles of the various Chiefs of the Air Staff. The former 14 Chiefs of the Air Staff are as follows:

S/N	RANK	NAME	TITLE	YEAR
(1)	Colonel	G Kahtz	GAF	1963 - 1965
(2)	Colonel	W Timming	GAF	1965 - 1966
(3)	Brigadier	GT Kurubo		1966 - 1967
(4)	Colonel	SA Alao		1967 - 1969
(5)	Brigadier	EE Ikwue		1969 - 1975
(6)	Air Vice Marshal	JN Yisa-Doko	CAS	1975 - 1980
(7)	Air Vice Marshal	AD Bello	CAS	1980 - 1983
(8)	Air Marshal	Ibrahim M Alfa	CAS	1983 - 1990
(9)	Air Vice Marshal	N Yussuff	CAS	1990 - 1992
(10)	Air Marshal	A Dada	CAS	1992 - 1993
(11)	Air Vice Marshal	FJ Femi	CAS	1993 - 1996
(12)	Air Marshal	NE Eduok	CAS	1996 - 1999
(13)	Air Marshal	Isaac M Alfa	CAS	1999 - 2001
(14)	Air Marshal	JD Wuyep	CAS	2001 - 2006

[edit] Rank Structure

The NAF's rank structure is similar RAF's rank structure from where its ranks were derived. imoh for senet

[edit] Officers

In descending order of importance the GAF officer ranks are:

• Marshal of the Air Force
• Air Chief Marshal
• Air Marshal
• Air Vice Marshal
• Air Commodore
• Group Captain
• Wing Commander
• Squadron Leader
• Flight Lieutenant
• Flying Officer
• Pilot Officer

[edit] Airmen

In descending order of importance the NAF airman ranks are:

• Air Warrant Officer
• Master Warrant Officer
• Warrant Officer
• Flight Sergeant
• Sergeant
• Corporal
• Lance Corporal
• Aircraftman

[edit] Aircraft

• Combat aircraft
  • 15 Chengdu F-7
  • 6 Il-28
  • 32 MiG-21
  • 18 SEPECAT Jaguar
• Trainers
  • 12 MB-339
  • 26 L-29
  • 24 Aero L-39
  • 37 Bulldog T.1
  • 24 Dassault-Breguet/Dornier Alpha Jet
  • 20 Do 27
  • 36 Do 28
  • 20 MiG-15
  • 27 MiG-17
• Transport aircraft
  • 5 G.222
  • 1 Boeing 707
  • 1 Boeing 727
  • 1 Boeing 737
  • 1 BAe 125
  • 2 Falcon 900
  • 9 Do 228
  • 6 Fokker F27
  • 1 Fokker F28
  • 1 Gulfstream II
  • 1 Gulfstream IV
  • 9 C-130
• Attack helicopters
  • 14 Hughes 300
  • 24 BO 105
  • 6 Mi-24
  • 9 Mi-34
• Transport helicopters
  • 11 Eurocopter Puma
  • 12 Eurocopter Super Puma
  • 4 Mi-8

[edit] Reference

• Michael I. Draper and Frederick Forsyth, Shadows: Airlift and Airwar in Biafra and Nigeria 1967-1970 (Howell Press, 2000) ISBN 1-902109-63-5

[edit] External link

• Air Force Military School, Jos

• Nigerian Air Force