In furtherance of efforts to enhance airpower capabilities and strengthen joint force integration in the North East theatre, the Commandant, 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.
Speaking during the visit, Air Vice Marshal Jibia explained that the engagement was designed to interface with aircrew deployed under Operation HADIN KAI and to pay a courtesy call on the Theatre Commander following his assumption of duty as Commandant AWDC. He noted that the visit aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff’s philosophy, which prioritises deliberate training and mission-oriented force development as key pillars for strengthening airpower.
The AWDC Commandant underscored the importance of airmindedness in shaping a professional and combat-ready Nigerian Air Force, stressing that the Service has intensified efforts to strengthen synergy, joint training and integrated operations as essential attributes of a formidable fighting force.
Air Vice Marshal Jibia commended the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, whom he described as a mentor, for his visionary leadership and the remarkable successes recorded by OPHK troops. He praised the gallantry and resilience of personnel in their efforts to restore lasting peace and stability in the region, assuring that the Armed Forces and well-meaning Nigerians remain solidly behind them. He further reaffirmed the commitment of the AWDC to supporting OPHK and assured that concerns raised during the briefing would be given due attention.
On arrival, the AWDC Commandant was briefed on ongoing operations, with a view to making informed recommendations aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness.
In his remarks, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar congratulated Air Vice Marshal Jibia on his recent well-deserved promotion and appointment as Commandant AWDC, describing him as a seasoned and experienced pilot whose expertise would further enhance joint operations within the theatre. He thanked the AWDC Commandant for the visit, noting that OPHK would greatly benefit from the engagement.
The Theatre Commander described OPH reaffirmed OPHK commitment to key into AWDC’s innovative ideas on joint training and exercises to further enhance operational effectiveness. He also appreciated the sacrifices and sustained commitment of the Nigerian Air Force to capacity development and operational support within the theatre.
The visit was attended by the Deputy Theatre Commander, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, Component Commanders, Chief of Staff Headquarters Theatre Command, Brigadier General Sani Ahmed and Principal Staff Officers of Headquarters Theatre Command. Highlights of the visit yincluded operational briefings, interactive sessions, exchanged of souvenirs and group photographs.
