The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified efforts to promote transparency and strengthen public confidence in its counter-terrorism campaign by granting defence correspondents rare frontline access to the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East.
The media familiarisation tour, led by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, brought together defence correspondents from various media organisations for firsthand exposure to the planning, execution and impact of ongoing air operations against insurgents.
The initiative, the NAF said, reflects its commitment to openness, accountability and credible strategic communication, while providing journalists with an opportunity to witness the realities of military operations in the conflict theatre.
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, said transparency and effective communication remain critical to sustaining public trust and ensuring balanced reporting of the sacrifices, professionalism and achievements of military personnel engaged in the fight against terrorism.
During the visit, journalists participated in day and night air and ground patrols, interacted with pilots and support personnel, and shared meals with frontline troops, gaining firsthand insight into the operational environment and the challenges faced by personnel deployed in the North-East.
The correspondents also observed the discipline, resilience and professionalism of troops conducting sustained operations in close collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to restore peace and security across the region.
The exercise further provided the media with a deeper understanding of how precision air strikes and coordinated aerial operations contribute to degrading terrorist capabilities, supporting ground forces and safeguarding civilian communities.
Briefing the delegation, the Air Component Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Air Commodore M.B. Ahmed, outlined ongoing air operations and stressed the importance of accurate, balanced and responsible reporting in strengthening public confidence and countering misinformation surrounding military activities.
Also speaking, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI, Major General A.E. Abubakar, highlighted the Air Component’s critical role in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), air interdiction and air mobility missions, noting that these capabilities have significantly enhanced the flexibility, responsiveness and effectiveness of joint operations against terrorist groups.
He said the close integration of air and ground forces has continued to deliver decisive operational successes in the ongoing campaign to restore lasting peace in the North-East.
The media engagement aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff’s command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready Air Force capable of delivering decisive air power in synergy with sister services while strengthening public trust and support for Nigeria’s national security operations.
