By Bavoriat Clara
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen airpower effectiveness and deepen joint operations in the North East, the Commandant, Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre (AWDC), Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Jibia, has undertaken an operational assessment visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in Maiduguri.
According to a statement by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the visit provided the AWDC Commandant with the opportunity to interact with Nigerian Air Force aircrew deployed in support of OPHK operations, as well as engage the Theatre Commander following his assumption of duty as Commandant AWDC.
Air Vice Marshal Jibia noted that the engagement aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff’s strategic focus on deliberate training, doctrinal development and mission-oriented force preparation as critical enablers of effective airpower employment.
He emphasised that airmindedness, synergy and sustained joint training remain vital to building a professional, agile and combat-ready force, adding that the Nigerian Air Force continues to prioritise integrated operations in complex security environments.
Commending the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, for his leadership, the AWDC Commandant acknowledged the notable operational gains recorded by OPHK and praised the courage, resilience and dedication of troops working to restore lasting peace and stability in the region.
He assured personnel of the unwavering support of the Armed Forces and reaffirmed AWDC’s readiness to support the theatre, noting that issues raised during the briefings would receive due attention.
During the visit, Air Vice Marshal Jibia received briefings on ongoing operations and prevailing challenges within the theatre, aimed at generating practical recommendations to further enhance operational effectiveness.
In his remarks, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar congratulated Air Vice Marshal Jibia on his promotion and appointment, describing him as an experienced and accomplished pilot whose expertise would add significant value to joint operations. He expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed OPHK’s commitment to adopting AWDC’s innovative concepts on joint training and exercises to improve operational outcomes.
The Theatre Commander also acknowledged the critical role of the Nigerian Air Force in capacity development and sustained operational support within the theatre.
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.
Activities during the visit included operational briefings, interactive engagements, exchange of souvenirs and group photographs.
admin