By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the determination of the Nigerian Air Force to sustain decisive airpower in support of counterinsurgency operations in Nigeria’s Northeast, as part of ongoing efforts to consolidate operational gains and strengthen stability across the region.
The renewed commitment comes as the Air Chief intensifies operational momentum under the theatre of Operation HADIN KAI, with a strategic focus on maintaining persistent air presence and supporting joint military operations aimed at defeating insurgent elements.
As part of this directive, the Chief of Operations at NAF Headquarters, PN Amadi, commenced an operational visit to NAF Base Maiduguri on March 11, 2026, representing the Chief of the Air Staff. The visit was designed to assess the operational environment and evaluate the readiness of the base to sustain high-tempo joint operations within the theatre.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Ehimen Ejodame, the engagement provided an opportunity for commanders and operational units to present detailed briefings on ongoing missions and base defence mechanisms.
During the visit, the Air Component and the 105 Composite Group delivered comprehensive operational and base defence briefings, highlighting the strong preparedness and resilience of the base in executing assigned missions within the theatre.
Speaking on the operational outlook of the service, Air Marshal Aneke emphasised that the Nigerian Air Force remains firmly committed to maintaining dominance of the air domain in support of joint operations.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains focused on maintaining persistent air presence, delivering precision effects, and providing the critical advantage required for joint forces to sustain operational superiority across the theatre,” the CAS stated.
In furtherance of efforts to strengthen inter-service collaboration, Air Vice Marshal Amadi also visited the Headquarters of the Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI, where discussions centred on enhancing coordination between air and ground forces engaged in ongoing counterinsurgency operations.
Air Marshal Aneke noted that the continued synergy between the air component and surface forces has significantly contributed to shaping the battlespace and restricting the activities of hostile elements.
“Our coordinated air-ground operations continue to shape the battlespace, constrain hostile elements, and reinforce the momentum required to secure lasting peace and stability in the region,” he said.
The high-level engagements coincided with recent precision air operations conducted by the Nigerian Air Force in the Sambisa general area on March 11, 2026. The operation, carried out following credible intelligence and sustained aerial surveillance, resulted in the destruction of four hostile gun trucks and associated logistics assets belonging to insurgent elements.
Military authorities noted that the successful strike significantly disrupted the operational mobility of the hostile groups and further demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven airpower in supporting ongoing security operations in the Northeast.
Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, MC Ekwueme, also visited NAF Base Maiduguri, where he interacted with personnel and commended their commitment and professionalism in executing critical missions in the theatre.
The visit, according to military sources, helped boost troop morale while reaffirming the leadership’s support for personnel deployed in frontline operations.
The series of high-level operational engagements reflects the Nigerian Air Force’s proactive posture in sustaining operational momentum and strengthening the effectiveness of joint military campaigns aimed at restoring lasting peace in the region.
Reiterating the service’s resolve, Air Marshal Aneke assured that the Nigerian Air Force would continue to dominate the airspace, protect civilian populations, and support ground forces in consolidating the hard-won gains achieved in the ongoing counterinsurgency efforts.
“The NAF will continue to dominate the air domain, protect civilian populations, and support joint forces in consolidating hard-won gains toward lasting national security,” the CAS affirmed.
