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NAF Acquires 12 New Fighter Aircraft, 50 More Expected

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The Nigerian Air Force said it has acquired 12 additional fighter aircraft for the operational capabilities of the Force.

The new additions to the NAF fleet include 2 King Air 360i light transport aircraft, 4 T-129 ATAK helicopters, 2 Agusta Westland 109 Trekker, and 4 DA-62 surveillance aircraft.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, stated this on Saturday during a parley with NAF Veteran residents in Kaduna.

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He added that moving forward, the NAF is poised to take delivery of 24 M-346 fighter aircraft and 10 additional Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters from Italy.

According to him, Other platforms being expected were two additional T-129 ATAK helicopters from Turkey, 3 CASA 295 transport aircraft from Spain and 12 AH-1Z Vipper helicopters from the United States.

READ ALSO: NAF Strikes Kill Terrorists Attempting To Stop Transmission Line Repair

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He said the NAF would take additional delivery of 50 brand-new aircraft between December 2025 and 2026.

According to the Air Chief, the acquisition of the new aircraft is part of the NAF’s efforts to boost its operational effectiveness.

In addition to the acquisition of new aircraft, he said the NAF also adopted a predictive maintenance culture, which is aimed at reducing equipment failures and downtime.

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Abubakar, who was represented by NAF’s Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal Idi Sani, at the event, noted that in the last 18 months, the force has made significant strides in various areas.

These, he said, include the “Overhauling of airfield infrastructure, enhancement of operational effectiveness, the establishment of new branches and directorates, adoption of predictive maintenance culture, research and development, boosting strategic partnerships, enhancing welfare, and infrastructural renewal.”

He said, “The Nigerian Air Force is committed to becoming a more effective and agile force capable of addressing the country’s security challenges.

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READ ALSO: NAF Begins Airlift Of INEC Materials For Edo Governorship Election

“We have made significant progress in the last 18 months, and we are committed to sustaining this momentum. The acquisition of the new aircraft is a testament to our commitment to becoming a more effective and agile force.

“The NAF has delivered an additional 12 new platforms, each infusing unique capabilities to our ongoing operations. These include 2 King Air 360i light transport aircraft, 4 T-129 ATAK helicopters, 2 Agusta Westland 109 Trekker and 4 DA-62 surveillance aircraft.

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“The NAF is poised to take delivery of 24 M-346 fighter aircraft and 10 additional Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters from Italy.

“Other platforms being expected were two additional T-129 ATAK helicopters from Turkey, 3 CASA 295 transport aircraft from Spain and 12 AH-1Z Vipper helicopters from the United States.

“In other words, the Nigerian Air Force will take additional delivery of 50 brand new aircraft between December this year and 2026.

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“We have shifted towards predictive maintenance, which enables us to assess the condition of our aircraft and other equipment and anticipate and schedule maintenance ahead of time.”

READ ALSO: Shakeup As NAF Redeploys Senior Officers

Abubakar added that the NAF has established new branches and directorates to focus on specific areas, including land administration, airworthiness, transformation and innovation, civil-military relations, and peace support operations.

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He also noted that the NAF boosted its strategic partnerships with foreign air forces and exhibitors, which are aimed at enhancing its capabilities and operational effectiveness.

“The establishment of these new branches and directorates is aimed at enhancing our operational effectiveness and ensuring that we are better equipped to address the country’s security challenges.

“We have established partnerships with foreign air forces and exhibitors, which has enabled us to access new technologies and expertise and enhance our operational effectiveness,” Abubakar said

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On welfare, Abubakar said the NAF has initiated several projects aimed at improving the living conditions of its personnel, including affordable housing, meal subsidies, and priority admission for NAF personnel’s wards.

We are committed to ensuring that our personnel are well taken care of and that they have access to the resources and support they need to perform their duties effectively,” the CAS added.

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JUST IN: Court Declares Utomi’s ‘Shadow Govt’ Unconstitutional

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A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy, and his associates to halt their plan to establish a shadow government.

In a judgment delivered on Monday in a case filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), the judge, Justice James Omotosho, declared that the idea of a shadow government or cabinet is unconstitutional and incompatible with the nation’s presidential system of government.

The judge held that the idea was inconsistent with the country’s presidential system and could mislead citizens.

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READ ALSO:DSS Sues Pat Utomi Over Shadow Government

He ruled that Nigeria’s constitution does not recognise any parallel or alternative government outside the one it provides for.

Section 14(2)(c) makes no allowance for a shadow government. The defendant cannot use foreign constitutional models to confuse the people. Such a shadow government is hereby declared void,” the judge ruled.

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JUST IN: ASUU Issues Ultimatum To FG Over Unresolved Issues

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The union made the decision following a National Executive Council meeting held on Sunday at the University of Abuja.

The national president of ASUU, Prof. Chris Piwuna made this known in a copy of strike action he personally signed and made available to our correspondent in Abuja.

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At the National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Abuja on the 28th of September, 2025, the Union decried the neglect of the University system and the government’s consistent refusal to heed to its demands.

READ ALSO:ASUU Threatens To Due JAMB Over UTME Mass Failure

“Accordingly, ASUU has given the Federal Government of Nigeria an Ultimatum of fourteen (14) days within which to address these issues. If at the end of the fourteen-day ultimatum, the Federal Government fails to address these issues, the Union may have no option but to, first, embark on a two-week warning strike and thereafter, a total and indefinite strike.”

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Recall that the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education set up a committee headed by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Abel Enitan to look into a proposal for ASUU in a bid to ensure stability across universities.

At the time of filing this report, the committee has yet to make any decision known to the public.

ASUU’s core demands remain largely unchanged: renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, adequate revitalisation funds for univer­sities, settlement of outstanding salary arrears, and sustainable funding mechanisms.

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JUST IN: NNPC, NUPRC, NMDPRA Shut As PENGASSAN Begins Strike

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The nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria on Monday paralysed operations at key oil and gas regulatory institutions, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

The industrial action, which followed the weekend directive by the union’s National Executive Council, saw members across the country withdrawing their services, effectively shutting down critical agencies that drive Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

It was observed that at the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main gate was firmly locked, leaving several employees stranded outside the premises. Security operatives on duty confirmed that no staff were allowed entry, in line with the strike directive issued by the union.

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Similarly, activities at the NMDPRA headquarters in the busy Central Business District were completely grounded as workers fully complied with the industrial action.

READ ALSO:Dangote Hits Out At PENGASSAN, Says Union ‘Serial Saboteurs, Serving Oligarchs’

Confirming the situation, the PENGASSAN Chairman in NMDPRA, Tony Iziogba, told The PUNCH that the union had achieved “100 per cent compliance,” effectively restricting access to staff and visitors.

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He added that his colleagues had also enforced 100 per cent compliance at the NNPCL and other relevant agencies.

PENGASSAN said the strike became inevitable after the alleged wrongful dismissal of about 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The union’s directive to halt crude oil and gas supplies to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has sent shockwaves through the energy sector, with oil marketers warning of severe disruptions in fuel distribution. This move is expected to choke the domestic market, driving up demand and prices.

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READ ALSO:JUST IN: PENGASSAN Strike May Trigger Nationwide Blackout, Thermal Plants Shut Down

On Sunday, PENGASSAN announced a nationwide strike, instructing all its members in various offices, companies, institutions, and agencies to cease all services starting at 12:01 am on Monday, September 29, 2025.

The union also directed members stationed in various field locations to down tools from 6:00 am on Sunday, September 28, and commence a round-the-clock prayer vigil.

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In a strongly worded resolution signed by PENGASSAN General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, the union accused the refinery of violating Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation conventions by sacking workers for joining the union. It alleged the dismissed workers had been replaced by foreigners.

READ ALSO:PENGASSAN Reacts As Dangote Refinery Misses Production Deadline

All processes involving gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be halted immediately,” the resolution declared. “All IOC (International Oil Companies) branches must ramp down gas production and supply to Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals.”

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The development has heightened fears of fuel scarcity and blackouts, as NNPC remains the sole importer of petrol while the midstream and downstream authority regulates supply and distribution. Similarly, NUPRC is responsible for monitoring crude production and enforcing gas supply obligations to power plants.

All eyes are now on Monday’s emergency meeting convened by the Minister of Labour. Whether dialogue can restore calm or whether Nigeria plunges deeper into crisis may depend on the willingness of both sides to compromise.

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