Operation HADIN KAI: Nigerian Air Force Gives Journalists Firsthand Access to Frontline Operations
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and strategic communication by conducting a media familiarisation visit to the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East theatre of operations.
The visit, led by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, brought together defence correspondents from various media organisations to witness firsthand the planning and execution of ongoing air operations against terrorist elements.
According to the NAF, the initiative was designed to deepen public understanding of its counter-terrorism efforts while promoting accurate, balanced and responsible reporting of military activities.
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, stated that transparency and credible communication remain essential in sustaining public trust and highlighting the sacrifices, professionalism and achievements of military personnel.
During the visit, journalists participated in both day and night air and ground patrols, interacted with pilots and ground support personnel, and shared meals with troops on the frontline. The experience offered them a rare opportunity to observe the realities, operational challenges and unwavering commitment of personnel serving in the theatre.
The correspondents also witnessed the close collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability across the North-East. They gained a deeper appreciation of how precision air operations continue to degrade terrorist capabilities while protecting civilian populations.
Air Component Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Air Commodore M.B. Ahmed, briefed the media on ongoing air operations and stressed the importance of accurate and responsible reporting in strengthening public confidence and countering misinformation.
Similarly, 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, describing its contributions as vital to the success, flexibility and effectiveness of joint military operations.
The media engagement 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 ground forces to achieve Nigeria’s national security objectives while fostering greater public trust and support for ongoing military operations.
