The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (JTF) North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has reaffirmed that prompt and sustained air support remains a decisive factor in achieving mission objectives despite the increasing complexity of operations in the theatre.
Major General Abubakar made this known on Friday, 30 January 2026, while receiving the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command (AOC TAC), Air Vice Marshal Michael Ekwueme, who paid an operational visit to the Theatre Headquarters of the JTF North East at Maimalari Military Cantonment, Maiduguri
While expressing delight at hosting the AOC TAC, the Theatre Commander underscored the critical role of effective ground-to-air communication in modern operations. He noted that improved transition capabilities and continuous in-theatre training of personnel across sectors have significantly enhanced joint operational effectiveness within the theatre.
In his remarks, Air Vice Marshal Ekwueme commended the resilience, discipline, selflessness, and courage of troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign. He assured the Theatre Commander of sustained and enhanced air support, including the deployment of additional air platforms to address operational challenges and consolidate gains already achieved.
“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,” the AOC TAC stated.
According to a press statement by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, the visit featured operational briefings at the Theatre Command Headquarters, exchange of souvenirs, signing of the visitors’ book, group photographs, and a guided tour of the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai.
