By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force has stepped up efforts to reinforce airpower capabilities and deepen joint force integration in the North East as the Commandant of the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Jibia, undertook an operational assessment visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The visit, which formed part of ongoing measures to enhance mission effectiveness in the theatre, provided an opportunity for direct engagement with aircrew deployed under Operation Hadin Kai and for strategic consultations with the Theatre Commander. According to an official statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the engagement was also a courtesy call following Air Vice Marshal Jibia’s recent assumption of duty as Commandant of the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre.
Speaking during the visit, the AWDC Commandant explained that the operational assessment was in line with the Chief of the Air Staff’s philosophy, which places deliberate training and mission-oriented force development at the core of strengthening Nigeria’s airpower. He emphasised that the Nigerian Air Force is deliberately advancing initiatives that promote airmindedness, joint training and integrated operations, describing these elements as essential to building a professional, agile and combat-ready force.
Air Vice Marshal Jibia underscored the importance of synergy across services, noting that modern operations demand seamless coordination between air and ground components. He commended the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, whom he described as a mentor, for his visionary leadership and the notable operational successes recorded by troops of Operation Hadin Kai. He also praised the gallantry, resilience and sacrifice of personnel operating in the theatre, assuring them of the unwavering support of the Armed Forces and well-meaning Nigerians in the collective effort to restore lasting peace and stability in the region.
The AWDC Commandant reaffirmed the commitment of the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre to supporting Operation Hadin Kai through doctrine development, training innovations and operational feedback, assuring that issues and concerns raised during the briefing would receive due attention. On arrival at the theatre headquarters, he was taken through detailed briefings on ongoing operations, aimed at enabling informed recommendations to further enhance operational effectiveness.
In his remarks, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, congratulated Air Vice Marshal Jibia on his recent, well-deserved promotion and appointment as Commandant of the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre. He described him as a seasoned and highly experienced pilot whose depth of expertise would significantly strengthen joint operations within the North East theatre. Major General Abubakar expressed appreciation for the visit, noting that Operation Hadin Kai would benefit greatly from the engagement and the insights shared.
The Theatre Commander reaffirmed the commitment of Operation Hadin Kai to align with the innovative ideas of the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre, particularly in the areas of joint training and exercises, to further improve operational outcomes. He also acknowledged and appreciated the sustained sacrifices and critical operational support provided by the Nigerian Air Force in capacity development and mission execution across the theatre.
The visit was attended by the Deputy Theatre Commander, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, Component Commanders, the Chief of Staff, Headquarters Theatre Command, Brigadier General Sani Ahmed, as well as Principal Staff Officers of the Theatre Command. Highlights of the engagement included comprehensive operational briefings, interactive sessions, exchange of souvenirs and group photographs, underscoring the spirit of cooperation and shared commitment to mission success.
