With This Equipment, In Twinkling of an Eye, They Can Eradicate Terrorism — NAF Arms Stun Nigerians

 

With This Equipment, In Twinkling of an Eye, They Can Eradicate Terrorism — NAF Arms Stun Nigerians

Many Nigerians were left impressed and surprised during the recent Open Day Celebration held by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) at its base in Minna, Niger State. The event, which is part of a week-long NAF Day celebration across the country, showcased a range of military equipment, drawing emotional and patriotic reactions from attendees. A visitor at the event expressed his disbelief at the level of sophisticated weaponry on display. In his words: “I didn’t believe we had all this kind of equipment in Nigeria. Because with this, we don’t think terrorism should escalate the way it is. Some of the equipment we have seen here now tells us that, just like in the twinkling of an eye, they can eradicate terrorism in this country. It’s a welcome development.”

He noted that seeing the military hardware in real life, after only seeing them in movies, was an eye-opening experience. From rifles and pistols to vehicles and specialized weapons, the event revealed the depth of the Nigerian Air Force’s operational readiness. The weaponry included a gun weighing nine kilograms with a barrel-to-bolt length of 1,403 millimeters, used successfully in operations against insurgents. Its caliber was 7.62 by 39, and it has a muzzle of 930 millimeters. Attendees were also educated on the QJC85 and QJC88 machine guns, with the QJC88 featured prominently at the event.

The Air Force also conducted community engagement programs during the celebration. Earlier activities included football, volleyball, and basketball matches, a medical outreach, and career talks at schools within the host community. Speaking on the overall objective, one officer said the goal was to build public awareness and interest in the Nigerian Air Force. He added that the turnout and excitement among students proved the success of the event.

The Ward Head of Maikunkele, Ismail Zagi, commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its security efforts in communities like Maikunkele, noting that regular patrols have helped restore peace. ‘people are living with their two eyes close,’ he said.”

According to Kingsley Ajaero, Commander, QRF, NAF Minna, under the leadership of Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, this year’s NAF Day celebrations were extended across all formations nationwide—marking a significant shift in how the force connects with the public.