by The Ajasa News | January 14, 2026 10:34 pm
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has continued efforts to strengthen airpower capabilities and deepen joint force integration in the North East, as the Commandant of the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre (AWDC), Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Jibia, paid an operational assessment visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in Maiduguri.
Air Vice Marshal Jibia said the visit was aimed at engaging aircrew deployed under Operation HADIN KAI and paying a courtesy call on the Theatre Commander following his assumption of duty as Commandant of the AWDC. He noted that the engagement aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff’s philosophy, which places strong emphasis on deliberate training and mission-oriented force development as key drivers of effective airpower.
The AWDC Commandant underscored the importance of airmindedness in building a professional and combat-ready Nigerian Air Force, stressing that the Service has intensified efforts to enhance synergy through joint training and integrated operations. According to him, these attributes remain critical to sustaining a formidable and responsive fighting force.
Commending the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Air Vice Marshal Jibia described him as a mentor and praised his visionary leadership, which he said has contributed to the notable successes recorded by OPHK. He also lauded the gallantry and resilience of troops operating in the theatre, assuring them of the continued support of the Armed Forces and well-meaning Nigerians. He further reaffirmed the commitment of the AWDC to supporting OPHK and assured that issues raised during operational briefings would receive due attention.
During the visit, the AWDC Commandant received briefings on ongoing operations, with a view to making informed recommendations to further enhance operational effectiveness in the theatre.
In his remarks, 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 highly experienced pilot whose expertise would further strengthen joint operations in the North East. He expressed appreciation for the visit, noting that Operation HADIN KAI would benefit significantly from the engagement.
The Theatre Commander reaffirmed OPHK’s commitment to leveraging the AWDC’s innovative ideas on joint training and exercises to boost operational effectiveness. He also commended the Nigerian Air Force for its sustained sacrifices, capacity development efforts and consistent 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, as well as Principal Staff Officers. Highlights included operational briefings, interactive sessions, exchange of souvenirs and group photographs.
Source URL: https://theajasanews.com/naf-reinforces-airpower-capabilities-as-awdc-commandant-visits-operation-hadin-kai/
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