The Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshal Michael Ekwueme, has assured troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) of increased air support and the deployment of additional platforms to bolster the fight against insurgency in the North East.
The assurance was given during an operational visit to the Theatre Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (JTF) at Maimalari Military Cantonment in Maiduguri, where AVM Ekwueme was received by the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar.
Addressing the leadership and troops, AVM Ekwueme praised the personnel for their resilience, discipline, and courage. He emphasized that the Tactical Air Command is committed to mitigating current operational challenges by providing the necessary aerial leverage to consolidate recent gains.
“I assure you of maximum support and the deployment of more air platforms to strengthen your operations,” AVM Ekwueme stated. “We remain hopeful that these efforts will hasten the restoration of peace and a return to full normalcy in the North East.”
In response, Major General Abubakar expressed his appreciation for the visit, noting that prompt air support has remained a “decisive” factor in achieving mission objectives despite the increasing complexity of the conflict.
The Theatre Commander also underscored the success of joint operational effectiveness, attributing it to improved ground-to-air communication and continuous in-theatre training of personnel across various sectors.
The visit concluded with high-level operational briefings, a guided tour of the OPHK Air Component, and an exchange of souvenirs.
