The Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command (AOC TAC), Air Vice Marshal Michael Ekwueme, has assured troops of Operation HADIN KAI of sustained and enhanced air support to strengthen ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North East.
Air Vice Marshal Ekwueme gave the assurance on Friday, January 30, 2026, during an operational visit to the Theatre Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, at Maimalari Military Cantonment, Maiduguri. He was received by the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar.
Commending the troops for their resilience, discipline, selflessness and courage, the AOC TAC pledged the deployment of additional air platforms to address operational challenges and consolidate gains recorded in the theatre.
He expressed optimism that the enhanced air support would accelerate the restoration of peace and normalcy across the North East.
In his response, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar welcomed the visit and described timely air support as a decisive factor in achieving mission objectives, despite the growing complexity of operations.
The Theatre Commander also stressed the importance of effective ground-to-air communication, noting that improved transition capabilities and sustained in-theatre training have significantly boosted joint operational effectiveness.
The visit featured operational briefings, exchange of souvenirs, signing of the visitors’ book, group photographs and a guided tour of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI.
