Tag: COAS

NAF Explains Why Younger Pilots Were Allowed to Fly Army Chief

29May

By Chinedu IbeakanmaNo Comments

News, Nigeria, Security

NAF Explains Why Younger Pilots Were Allowed to Fly Army Chief

The Nigerian Air Force has dismissed claims questioning the capability of its pilots due to the recent NAF plane crashes, including last Friday’s crash which killed the Chief of Army Staff Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 other military officers. Last Friday, a NAF Beechcraft King Air 350i had crashed at the Kaduna civil airport, after the pilot diverted from the military airport due to bad weather. It was the second time that a NAF Beechcraft King Air 350i would crash this year and was also one of the worst military plane crashes in NAF history. Due to the severity of the crash, a cross-section of Nigerians questioned why senior and more experienced pilots, such as Squadron Leaders or Wing Commanders, were not being deployed to fly dignitaries such as the COAS and top generals. But t...

Presidency Explains Buhari’s Absence at Late COAS Burial

26May

By Chinedu IbeakanmaNo Comments

Life, News, Nigeria

Presidency Explains Buhari’s Absence at Late COAS Burial

The presidency has disclosed the reason why President Muhammadu Buhari did not attend the funeral of late chief of army staff Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 other military officers who died in an air crash. It was earlier reported that there was furore over the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice, Yemi Osinbajo at the funeral ceremony, in which many Nigerians, who condemned the action, described it as ‘lack of empathy.’ Although Buhari had in a statement released by his spokesman Femi Adesina, expressed sadness over the air crash condoling with families of the deceased, the military, and Nigerians in general, describing them as “heroes who paid the ultimate price for peace and security in the land.” But Nigerians were displeased over the president’s absence at the...

How Army, Family Disagreement Slightly Delayed Late COAS Burial

23May

By Chinedu IbeakanmaNo Comments

News, Nigeria

How Army, Family Disagreement Slightly Delayed Late COAS Burial

There was a slight disagreement on Saturday between the family of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru, and the Nigerian Army over the COAS’ burial. The disagreement led to a short delay of the COAS’ interment as his family insisted that he must be buried without a coffin in accordance with Islamic injunction. But some senior army officers argued that Attahiru’s remains would be buried according to military traditions. After some time, the family was convinced by the superior arguments and the grave was widened to accommodate the coffin. Attahiru and 10 other military officers were involved in a crash on Friday at the Kaduna International Airport. It was reported that the aircraft conveying the military officers, with registration number 5N-R203, was billed ...

Army Announces Burial Activities for Late COAS, Other Officers

22May

By Chinedu IbeakanmaNo Comments

Life, News, Nigeria

Army Announces Burial Activities for Late COAS, Other Officers

The Burial proceedings of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Late Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahir and other senior officers has been slated for Saturday in Abuja. The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima, said the event would commence at the National Mosque and National Christian Centre, Abuja by 10am respectively. Yerima said that the interment for the late COAS and other senior officers would take place at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja by 1pm. (NAN)