NAF Moves to Boost Airpower as AWDC Commandant Visits Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri
By Matthew Eloyi
In a renewed push to strengthen Nigeria’s airpower and deepen joint force integration in the North East, the Commandant of the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre (AWDC), Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Jibia, has paid an operational assessment visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in Maiduguri.
The visit was aimed at reviewing ongoing air operations in the theatre, engaging with deployed aircrew and reinforcing cooperation between the Nigerian Air Force and other components of the Armed Forces involved in the counter-insurgency campaign.
Speaking during the visit, Air Vice Marshal Jibia said the engagement was designed to enable him interface with aircrew operating under Operation HADIN KAI and to pay a courtesy call on the Theatre Commander following his recent assumption of duty as Commandant of the AWDC. He explained that the visit aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff’s philosophy, which emphasizes deliberate training and mission-oriented force development as critical pillars for strengthening Nigeria’s airpower.
The AWDC Commandant stressed that airmindedness remains central to building a professional and combat-ready Nigerian Air Force, noting that the Service has intensified efforts to promote synergy, joint training and integrated operations as vital attributes of a formidable fighting force.
He commended the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, whom he described as a mentor, for his visionary leadership and the notable successes recorded by OPHK troops in the North East. Air Vice Marshal Jibia also praised the gallantry and resilience of personnel in their efforts to restore peace and stability in the region, assuring them of the continued support of the Armed Forces and well-meaning Nigerians. He reaffirmed the commitment of the AWDC to supporting OPHK, adding that issues raised during the briefing would receive due attention.
On arrival, the AWDC Commandant was given a comprehensive briefing on ongoing operations to enable him make informed recommendations aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness.
In his response, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar congratulated Air Vice Marshal Jibia on his recent promotion and appointment as Commandant of the AWDC, describing him as a seasoned and experienced pilot whose expertise would further strengthen joint operations within the theatre. He thanked him for the visit and noted that OPHK would benefit greatly from the engagement.
The Theatre Commander reaffirmed OPHK’s readiness to key into the AWDC’s innovative ideas on joint training and exercises to further boost operational effectiveness. He also appreciated the sacrifices and sustained commitment of the Nigerian Air Force to capacity development and operational support in the North East.
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, and other Principal Staff Officers. Highlights of the visit included operational briefings, interactive sessions, exchange of souvenirs and group photographs.
The visit underscored the Nigerian Air Force’s determination to continuously adapt and strengthen its airpower capabilities in support of ongoing counter-terrorism and stabilization efforts under Operation HADIN KAI.
