News
The Remarkable Reactivation of the Dornier DO-228 by the Nigeria Air Force.
In a significant stride towards enhancing Nigeria’s aviation capabilities, the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has successfully reactivated a Dornier DO-228 aircraft that had been grounded for an astonishing 23 years. This notable achievement, communicated by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Olusola Akinboyewa, illustrates the growing technical prowess of the NAF and its commitment to operational readiness.
Originally designated as “5N-MPS” and used by the now-defunct Ministry of Mines, Power and Steel, the aircraft had remained dormant at the DANA facility in Kaduna since 2001. Following a presidential directive urging agencies to transfer grounded aircraft to the NAF for evaluation, the service embraced the challenge of reactivating this valuable asset, which had accumulated only 1,081 flight hours since its inception.
The reactivation process, carried out between June and September 2024, involved meticulous planning and the concerted efforts of a skilled team of five engineering officers and 40 technicians from the NAF 431 Engineering Group in Kaduna. This accomplishment not only underscores the NAF’s growing capacity for indigenous maintenance but also signifies a strategic commitment to achieving self-reliance in aviation capabilities.
Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), expressed commendation for the dedication and expertise demonstrated by the engineering team. According to him, the project’s success reflects the broader objectives of resource optimization, fleet strengthening, and national security enhancement through operational excellence.
Moreover, the successful reactivation of the Dornier DO-228, now re-designated as “NAF-039,” is emblematic of the NAF’s resilience and ingenuity. It reinforces the Air Force’s vital role in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity while paving the way for future advancements in indigenous aircraft maintenance.
As NAF-039 joins the fleet of actively used DO-228 aircraft worldwide, this achievement not only bolsters the tactical airlift capabilities of the NAF but also solidifies its position as a formidable entity in Africa’s aviation sector. The NAF’s commitment to technical innovation and self-reliance heralds a promising future for aviation in Nigeria, positioning the service as a potential leader in indigenous maintenance and operational excellence.
On Tuesday, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated on the Mandafuma Bridge along the Biu-Damboa road in Maiduguri, causing significant structural damage. According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert specializing in the Lake Chad region, the bridge was completely destroyed, effectively severing the link between Mandafuma Village and Biu town.
The attack, attributed to suspected ISWAP-affiliated terrorists, is believed to be aimed at disrupting transportation and impeding military reinforcements in the area. This incident further underscores the ongoing security challenges and the evolving tactics employed by extremist groups in the region.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a warning regarding fraudulent messages being circulated to registered candidates for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). These messages, disseminated by suspected fraudsters, aim to deceive candidates through the fabrication of issues within their JAMB details.
The perpetrators are utilizing a deceptive sort code, created by merging the UTME numerical variant (8863) with JAMB’s sort code (55019), to mimic the Board’s official communication channels. Candidates are urged to disregard any messages employing this method and claiming irregularities in their registration.
JAMB assures the public that these messages are not sanctioned by the Board. Security agencies have been alerted and are actively pursuing the individuals behind this fraudulent scheme. Candidates are strongly advised to exercise vigilance and report any suspicious communication that deviates from official JAMB channels.
Dangote Refinery has announced a further reduction in the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), bringing it down to N835 per litre from the previous N865. This N30 decrease, communicated to customers via notice on Wednesday, follows a reduction to N865 just six days prior.
This adjustment is expected to translate to lower retail prices at partner stations, such as MRS, with potential reductions from N940 per litre anticipated.
The price reduction coincides with regulatory approval for the importation of 117,000 metric tonnes of petrol between April 8th and 16th, 2025. However, industry analysts, including the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association (IPMAN), caution against expecting a drastic price crash due to demand/supply dynamics and foreign exchange fluctuations, even with the renewal of the naira-for-crude deal.
Mandafuma Bridge Destroyed in Suspected ISWAP Terror Attack.
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Dangote Refinery Announces Further PMS Price Reduction.
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News10 hours agoMandafuma Bridge Destroyed in Suspected ISWAP Terror Attack.