By Gabriel Joshua

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s determination to sustain strong air operations in support of ongoing military efforts to stabilise the North East. He said the Service remains committed to maintaining effective air presence in support of Operation Hadin Kai as part of broader efforts to consolidate recent operational gains and strengthen security in the region.
In furtherance of this objective, the Chief of Operations at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal PN Amadi, carried out an operational visit to the Nigerian Air Force Base in Maiduguri beginning on 11 March 2026 on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff. The visit was aimed at reviewing the operational environment and assessing the base’s readiness to sustain ongoing joint military operations in the theatre.
During the visit, the Air Component and the 105 Composite Group delivered detailed operational and base defence briefings which highlighted the base’s preparedness and resilience in carrying out assigned missions. Speaking on the Service’s operational focus, Air Marshal Aneke stated that the Nigerian Air Force remains determined to sustain persistent air presence and deliver precision strikes that will provide critical advantage for ground forces engaged in operations across the region.
As part of the engagement, Air Vice Marshal Amadi also visited the Headquarters of the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai, where discussions centred on strengthening cooperation between air and ground forces. The Air Chief noted that coordinated air and ground operations have continued to shape the operational environment, limit the activities of hostile groups and reinforce the progress already made in restoring stability to the region.
The leadership engagements coincided with recent air operations carried out in the Sambisa general area on 11 March 2026. The operation led to the destruction of four hostile gun trucks and several logistics assets belonging to insurgents. The successful strike followed credible intelligence and sustained surveillance which enabled the air component to disrupt the movement and operational capability of the hostile fighters.
Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshal MC Ekwueme, also visited the Nigerian Air Force Base in Maiduguri where he interacted with personnel and boosted their morale. The Nigerian Air Force leadership reiterated its commitment to operational excellence and national security, with Air Marshal Aneke affirming that the Service will continue to maintain dominance in the air domain while supporting joint forces in protecting civilian populations and securing lasting peace across the country.