The Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command (AOC TAC), Air Vice Marshal Michael Ekwueme, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to sustaining and strengthening air support for counter-insurgency operations in the North East during an operational visit to the Theatre Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East, Operation Hadin Kai.
The visit took place on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Maimalari Military Cantonment in Maiduguri, where Air Vice Marshal Ekwueme was received by the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar.
While addressing officers and troops, the AOC TAC commended personnel of Operation Hadin Kai for their resilience, discipline, selflessness and courage in the ongoing fight against insurgency.
He praised their sacrifices and professionalism, noting that their sustained efforts continue to deliver significant operational gains across the theatre.
Air Vice Marshal Ekwueme assured the Theatre Commander of sustained and enhanced air support, including the deployment of additional air platforms to address operational challenges and consolidate recent successes.
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“I assure you of maximum support and the deployment of more air platforms to strengthen your operations. We remain hopeful that these efforts will hasten the restoration of peace and a return to full normalcy in the North East,” he said.
In his response, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and morale-boosting. He noted that despite the growing complexity of operations in the North East, timely and effective air support has remained a decisive factor in achieving mission objectives.
The Theatre Commander further underscored the importance of efficient ground-to-air communication, adding that improved transition capabilities and sustained in-theatre training of personnel across sectors have significantly enhanced joint operational effectiveness between land and air components.
The visit featured operational briefings at the Headquarters Theatre Command, exchange of souvenirs, signing of the visitors’ book, group photographs, and a guided tour of the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai.
The engagement underscored the continued emphasis on joint operations and inter-service cooperation aimed at restoring lasting peace and security in the North East.