The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining airpower dominance in support of counterinsurgency operations in the North-East, as part of efforts to consolidate recent operational gains and strengthen stability in the region.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, stated that the service remains strategically focused on sustaining decisive air operations in support of the joint military campaign under Operation HADIN KAI.
In line with this objective, the Chief of Operations at NAF Headquarters, PN Amadi, undertook an operational visit to NAF Base Maiduguri beginning March 11, 2026, on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff to assess the operational environment and evaluate the base’s readiness to sustain high-tempo joint operations.
During the visit, the Air Component and the 105 Composite Group presented operational and base defence briefings outlining the base’s preparedness and resilience in carrying out assigned missions.
According to the Air Force, the Chief of the Air Staff emphasised the importance of maintaining persistent air presence, delivering precision strikes and providing critical operational support to enable joint forces to retain battlefield superiority.
As part of efforts to enhance inter-service cooperation, Air Vice Marshal Amadi also visited the Headquarters of the Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI, reaffirming the NAF’s commitment to close coordination with ground forces in achieving lasting security outcomes.
The leadership engagements coincided with precision air operations conducted in the Sambisa Forest area on March 11, 2026. The airstrikes reportedly destroyed four hostile gun trucks and associated logistics assets following credible intelligence and sustained surveillance.
Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, MC Ekwueme, also visited NAF Base Maiduguri to boost the morale of personnel and reinforce the service’s commitment to operational excellence.
The Nigerian Air Force said the high-level engagements highlight its proactive operational posture and determination to safeguard national sovereignty. It added that the service will continue to dominate the air domain, protect civilian populations and support joint forces in consolidating security gains across the North-East.
