EXCLUSIVE: Officers grumble over ‘lack of synergy’ between army, air force

There is growing disquiet in the Nigerian Army and Nigeria Air Force, following the recent bombing of innocent citizens of Tudun Biri in Kaduna State. Credible sources told Daily Trust that the air force was disappointed with the army for dispatching its unmanned drone that led to the ill-fated operation. The Nigerian Army had since […]

There is growing disquiet in the Nigerian Army and Nigeria Air Force, following the recent bombing of innocent citizens of Tudun Biri in Kaduna State.

Credible sources told Daily Trust that the air force was disappointed with the army for dispatching its unmanned drone that led to the ill-fated operation.

The Nigerian Army had since admitted responsibility for the bombing while explaining that the airstrikes were inadvertent and the operatives were targeting terrorists.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoheed Lagbaja, had also visited the scene of the incident to commiserate with the district head, clerics and relatives of the victims, where he supported the victims with relief materials including cash reward of N10m.

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However, days after the sad incident, findings reveal that air troops attached to different operations across the theatres are grumbling over the incident.

One of the sources told Daily Trust that “the Nigerian Army’s attempt to include air operations in their activities in theatres depicts lack of trust.”

A NAF officer argued that air operations required a lot of technical know-how and intelligence gathering before someone could think of striking enemies.

He said, “Those who define roles for each of the services are not daft. The most important thing is for us to work together. Honestly, I don’t think army officers should delve into air operations.”

Recall that in September 2023, Nigerian Army revived its aviation unit with the possible procurement of 12 attack helicopters as approved by the President, Bola Tinubu.

The COAS had at the opening of the maiden Nigerian Army Aviation Seminar in Abuja, said the 12 MD 530F Cayuse attack helicopters would operationalise the Nigerian Army aviation unit, which was set up to improve ground troops’ agility, responsiveness, and efficacy during operations.

According to him, acquiring the helicopter would also contribute to the overall operational success of joint and coalition troops.

But when the Kaduna massacre happened on Sunday, the Nigeria Air Force quickly came out to dissociate itself from the incident, insisting that its officers had not carried out operations in the last 24 hours.

NAF, in a statement issued on Monday by its spokesman, Edward Gabkwet, an Air Commodore, berated those attributing the incident to its organisation, noting that it was not the only organisation operating combat armed drones in the North western region of Nigeria.