The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has conducted a media familiarisation visit to the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East, providing defence correspondents with firsthand insight into ongoing counter-terrorism operations as part of efforts to promote transparency, accountability and accurate reporting of military activities.
The media delegation, led by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, comprised journalists from various media organisations who were taken through the planning and execution of air operations in the theatre.
The visit forms part of the NAF’s strategic communication initiative aimed at deepening public understanding of its operations and reinforcing confidence in the military’s campaign against terrorism.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said transparency and credible communication remain critical to sustaining public trust and ensuring balanced reporting of the sacrifices and achievements of military personnel.
According to him, “Transparency and credible communication remain essential to sustaining public trust and ensuring balanced reporting of the sacrifices and achievements of our military personnel.”
During the visit, the journalists participated in both day and night air and ground patrols, interacted with air and ground support personnel, and shared meals with frontline troops, giving them a rare opportunity to witness the realities of military operations.
The correspondents observed the professionalism, discipline and resilience of troops working round the clock to protect citizens while collaborating closely with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to restore peace and stability across the North-East.
They also gained a deeper understanding of how precision air operations are being employed to degrade terrorist capabilities, provide close air support to ground forces, and protect civilian communities.
Briefing the delegation, the Air Component Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Air Commodore M.B. Ahmed, highlighted ongoing air operations and stressed the importance of accurate, balanced and responsible reporting in strengthening public confidence and countering misinformation.
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI, Major General A.E. Abubakar, commended the Air Component’s critical role in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), air interdiction and air mobility missions.
He noted that these capabilities have significantly enhanced the effectiveness, responsiveness and overall success of joint military operations against terrorist groups in the North-East.
The media familiarisation exercise aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff’s command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power in synergy with surface forces while fostering greater public trust and support for ongoing military operations.
