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 May 24th, Nigerians residing in Denmark extended a warm welcome to Ambassador T.A. Elias-Fatile, the CDAai of the Nigerian Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden. Ambassador Fatile’s arrival signifies a continued commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties and supporting the Nigerian diaspora within the Scandinavian Nordic Region, which includes Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland, all under the purview of the Nigerian Embassy in Stockholm.
During his visit, Ambassador Fatile engaged in productive dialogues with members of the Nigerian Union in Denmark. These discussions centered on their expectations from the embassy and focused on fostering unity and collaboration within the community. The Ambassador further encouraged economic growth by advocating for investment in Nigeria, addressing security concerns and promoting a more positive perception of the current climate. Finally, he urged the Union to cultivate inclusive activities that would further strengthen community bonds. His visit underscores the embassy’s dedication to serving and empowering the Nigerian community in the Nordic region.
Recent reports indicate a significant cybersecurity breach affecting the integrity of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). AIT reports that the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police Force have apprehended at least 20 individuals suspected of involvement in hacking the computer-based test (CBT) system.
The suspects, allegedly part of a larger syndicate of over 100 individuals, reportedly confessed to installing malicious software on JAMB’s hardware to remotely manipulate examination scores. Their objective, according to security sources, was to discredit the CBT format and discourage future adoption by other examination bodies. The illicit activity involved influencing scores for candidates who paid substantial sums, ranging from N700,000 to N2 million.
Preliminary investigations suggest that several suspects are proprietors of private schools and colleges, profiting significantly from these illicit activities within designated “special centers.” These arrests highlight the escalating threat of cybersecurity vulnerabilities within national examination systems and underscore the need for enhanced security protocols and continuous monitoring to safeguard the integrity of educational assessments. Further investigations are ongoing.
Joint Task Force North West Operation Fasan Yama has achieved a significant victory against insurgents operating in Katsina State. According to an official statement released by the Nigerian Army Headquarters, at least 21 insurgents were neutralized during a recent operation in Ruwan Godiya, Faskari Local Government Area.
The statement detailed a fierce firefight that forced the insurgents to abandon their base. Subsequent pursuit resulted in the neutralization of the aforementioned insurgents, with some reportedly drowning while attempting to escape.
In addition to the casualties, the operation yielded a substantial cache of arms and ammunition, including firearms, explosives, communication devices, and motorcycles. This successful operation represents a significant stride in the ongoing effort to combat insurgency and restore peace and security to the region.
Ambassador Elias-Fatile Meets with Nigerians Living in Denmark.
Cybersecurity Breach Compromises 2025 UTME Integrity.
