The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken defence correspondents to the frontline of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North-East as part of efforts to strengthen transparency, promote accurate reporting and deepen public understanding of military operations.
The media familiarisation visit to the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI was led by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, and involved defence correspondents from various media organisations. The journalists were given firsthand exposure to the planning and execution of air operations, reflecting the NAF’s commitment to openness, accountability and effective strategic communication.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said transparency and credible communication remain essential to sustaining public trust and ensuring balanced reporting of the sacrifices and achievements of military personnel engaged in ongoing operations.
During the visit, the correspondents participated in day and night air and ground patrols, interacted with aircrew and ground support personnel, and shared meals with frontline troops. The experience provided them with a rare opportunity to witness firsthand the realities of military operations, the operational challenges faced by personnel and their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation.
The journalists also observed the professionalism, discipline and dedication of personnel working around the clock in close coordination with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to restore peace and stability across the North-East. The visit further offered a clearer understanding of how precision air operations contribute to degrading terrorist capabilities while protecting civilian populations.
The Air Component Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Air Commodore MB Ahmed, briefed the delegation on ongoing air operations and stressed the importance of accurate and responsible reporting in enhancing public confidence and countering misinformation.
Also speaking, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI, Major General AE Abubakar, highlighted the critical role of the Air Component in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), air interdiction and air mobility missions, noting that these capabilities continue to improve the flexibility, responsiveness and effectiveness of joint military operations.
The media engagement forms part of the Nigerian Air Force’s broader strategic communication efforts and aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff’s command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power effects in synergy with surface forces to achieve national security objectives while strengthening public confidence in ongoing military operations.
