As it looks towards enhancing the fight against insurgency in the North East, the Nigerian Air Force has reaffirmed its commitment to providing increased air support to ground troops.
During an operational visit to the Theatre Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, on Friday, January 30, 2026, Air Vice Marshal Michael Ekwueme, the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command (AOC TAC), assured that efforts would be intensified to address operational challenges faced by forces on the ground.
Welcomed by Theatre Commander Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Air Vice Marshal Ekwueme commended both the Commander and the troops for their unwavering resilience, discipline, and courage in the ongoing battle against insurgency. He emphasized the importance of sustained air support, promising the deployment of additional air platforms to bolster operations and solidify gains already achieved.
“I assure you of maximum support and the deployment of more air platforms to strengthen your operations,” AOC TAC Ekwueme stated. “We remain hopeful that these efforts will hasten the restoration of peace and a return to full normalcy in the North East.”
Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar expressed gratitude for the visit, highlighting the pivotal role of prompt air support in ensuring mission success amidst increasingly complex operational dynamics. He underscored the necessity of effective ground-to-air communication, noting that improvements in transition capabilities and sustained training across various sectors have significantly enhanced joint operational effectiveness.
The visit included comprehensive operational briefings, a souvenir exchange, the signing of the visitors’ book, group photographs, and a guided tour of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, showcasing the ongoing collaboration between air and ground forces in the fight against terrorism in the region.
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