Esther Oseyiomon
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing sustained and enhanced air support to troops of Operation HADIN KAI as military operations against insurgents intensify across the North East.
The assurance was given by the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command (AOC TAC), Air Vice Marshal Michael Ekwueme, during an operational visit to the Theatre Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, at the Maimalari Military Cantonment, Maiduguri, on Friday, January 30, 2026. He was received by the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar.
Commending the troops for their resilience, discipline and gallantry, Ekwueme lauded their unwavering dedication to the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign, assuring the Theatre Commander of the Nigerian Air Force’s full operational backing.
He disclosed that additional air platforms would be deployed to reinforce ongoing operations and consolidate recent gains recorded across the theatre.
“I assure you of maximum support and the deployment of more air platforms to strengthen your operations. We are confident that these efforts will accelerate the restoration of peace and the return of normalcy to the North East,” Ekwueme said.
In his response, Major General Abubakar expressed appreciation for the visit, describing timely and responsive air support as a critical factor in the successes recorded by troops, despite the increasingly complex operational environment.
He underscored the importance of effective ground-to-air coordination, noting that improved transition capabilities and sustained in-theatre training across sectors have significantly enhanced joint operational effectiveness.
According to the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the visit featured operational briefings at the Theatre Command Headquarters, exchange of souvenirs, signing of the visitors’ book, group photographs and a guided tour of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI.