RismadarVoice Reporters, February 2, 2026
The Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command (AOC TAC), Air Vice Marshal Michael Ekwueme, at the weekend paid an operational visit to the Theatre Headquarters of the Joint Task Force North East (JTF-NE), Operation HADIN KAI, at Maimalari Military Cantonment, Maiduguri.
Air Vice Marshal Ekwueme was received by the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar.
During the visit, the AOC TAC commended the troops of Operation HADIN KAI for their resilience, discipline, selflessness and courage in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the North East.
He assured the Theatre Commander of sustained, enhanced air support, including the deployment of additional air platforms to address operational challenges and consolidate gains recorded within the theatre.
“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,” Air Vice Marshal Ekwueme said.
In his response, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, expressed appreciation for the visit, described it as timely, encouraging. He noted that despite the increasing complexity of operations, prompt and responsive air support has continued to play a decisive role in the successful execution of mission objectives.
Major General Abubakar underscored the importance of effective ground-to-air communication, adding that improved transition capabilities and sustained in-theatre training of personnel across sectors have significantly enhanced joint operational effectiveness.
