The Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice-Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on Monday undertook his first operational visit to the North-East Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri.
The Nation learnt that the visit was aimed at assessing ongoing air operations, boosting troop morale and strengthening coordination across the region.
Aneke was received at the Maiduguri Air Force Base by the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, alongside senior Air Force and paramilitary officers.
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As part of his engagements, the Air Chief led a high-powered delegation on a courtesy visit to Governor Babagana Zulum, where he reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to securing Borno and supporting its reconstruction efforts.
Aneke thanked the Governor for the warm reception and highlighted the state’s strategic role in Nigeria’s security framework, particularly in the fight against Boko Haram. He also praised Zulum’s leadership and the acclaimed “Borno Model” for its success in community-based reconstruction and rehabilitation, describing it as a pathway to lasting peace.
Zulum, who cut short his Lagos trip to receive the delegation, appreciated the Air Force’s efforts in supporting security operations and praised the collaboration between the military and local communities.
The Governor also thanked the Air Force for its humanitarian and medical outreach programs, which have benefited many in the state.
The Air Chief briefed the Governor on Operation HADIN KAI’s progress, highlighting intensified air-to-ground integration, training, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance efforts to support stabilisation in the North-East.
He assured the Governor of the Air Force’s continued support for Borno’s peace and development.
The visit was attended by senior government officials, traditional leaders, and top military officers, underscoring the strong partnership between Borno State and the Nigerian Air Force.
The Air Force’s visit reaffirms its dedication to securing Borno and collaborating with the state government to rebuild and restore livelihoods, marking a significant step in consolidating peace in the region.
