NAF test runs third locally weaponized Alpha Jet

The Nigerian Air Force, NAF has successfully test run its third  locally reconfigured Alpha Jet aircraft which was acquired  without weapons delivery capability.

NAF spokesman Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa said in a statement that the air force, at the heat of the Boko Haram insurgency, had acquired three Alpha Jet aircraft from private sources in the USA without combat capability.

He said that unsuccessful attempts to use foreign agents to reconfigure the aircraft forced NAF to look inward.

“The challenge led the NAF to look inward for solution locally by assembling a team of engineers and technicians designated NAF “Technical Response Team (TRT)” comprising serving and retired NAF personnel, and civilians.

“The team, has since its inauguration, achieved tremendous successes that have greatly enhanced the operational capability of the NAF, especially with respect to the ongoing fight against the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, as well as saved huge foreign exchange for the nation.

“One other major feat achieved with the latest reconfigured aircraft is its ability to fire rockets and bombs from both the East and West blocks,“ he said.

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Boko Haram: rescue operations to continue in spite of negotiations - COAS

The military will continue its counter-terrorism operations in the Northeast of Nigeria despite calls in some quarters for government to dialogue with Boko Haram insurgents.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai said this on Saturday during the commissioning of Nigerian Army Officers Wife Association, NAOWA Day Care, Nursery and Primary School at the Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna,

He said that the military had so far rescued more than 20,000 persons abducted by Boko Haram terrorists.

His words.
“We have so far rescued over 20000 abducted persons, and we are still rescuing more and we will continue to do that.

“We will continue to carry out our rescue operations, this rescue is ongoing, as far as the Army, and indeed the military is concerned, we will continue to play our own part.

“The negotiation is left for appropriate arm of government, but we are looking for any information to rescue anybody that is being held hostage.”

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Obi Mikel celebrating bronze medal at Rio 2016 (Photo)

Nigeria and Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel doing the lap of honour after receiving his bronze medal for the football event of the Rio 2016 Olympic games.

Nigeria beat Honduras 3 - 2 in the third place match on Saturday.

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Kano Govt registers 4395 couples for mass wedding

Some 4395 intending couples have so far registered for Kano State Government's forthcoming mass wedding program.

Dr Abba Sufi, the Director-General of Kano State Hisbah Board with has the responsibility of registering prospective couples told newsmen during a media chat on Saturday that 3,117 of the couples were registered by Hisba offices in 41 local government areas of the state, while the remaining 1, 278 couples were registered at the state headquarters of the board in Kano.

"As I am talking to you now, 4,395 prospective couples indicated interest to participate in the programme.

"The government is committed to the programme hence its decision to continue with the programme.

"The registration is still open to all interested persons as the exercise is still ongoing,” he said.

The registration has been going on across the state since August 8.

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Photo news: VP Osinbajo receives Kuwaiti Ambassador to Nigeria

The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo on Friday received the Kuwaiti Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-sharrah, in his office at State House, Abuja.

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Tunde Bakare visits Buhari at Presidential Villa

The General Overseer of The Latter Rain Church and Buhari's former running mate, Pastor Tunde Bakare visited the President on Friday at Aso Rock Villa.

President Buhari described Pastor Tunde Bakare, his running mate in 2011, as "a man whose counsel I greatly respect."

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Boko Haram: John Kerry to meet PMB, Northern govs next week

United States Secretary of State, John Kerry is expected in Abuja, Nigeria next week for talks with President Muhammadu Buhari and some Northern states governors.

The United States government said that the talks will center on Boko Haram insurgency and religious extremism.

Assistant Secretary and US Department of State spokesman, John Kirby said on Friday that the meeting will also address  issues of corruption and how the Federal Government has been tackling them.

His words.
“The Secretary will travel to Sokoto, and Abuja, on August 23 to 24. He will meet with President Buhari to discuss counter-terrorism efforts, the Nigerian economy, the fight against corruption, and human rights issues.

“In Sokoto, he will deliver a speech on the importance of resilient communities and religious tolerance in countering violent extremism. In Abuja, the secretary will meet with a group of adolescent girls working to change community perceptions that devalue the role of girls in society. He will also meet with northern governors and religious leaders."

Photo By: Ralph Alswang Photographer 202-487-5025 PLEASE CREDIT PHOTO: Ralph Alswang.

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