The Team of the Air force War College Nigeria (AFWC), visited the Headquarters Theatre Command of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), at Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, Borno State, on operational study tour of the theatre of OPHK.
This was contained in a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, media information officer joint task force north east operation hadin Kai issued to newsmen.
In his remarks, the Commandant of the AFWCN and Team Leader, Air Vice Marshal Gambo Mbaka, conveyed appreciation to the Theatre Command for hosting the delegation.
He acknowledged the operational demands on troops in the North East and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to interact with personnel and observe ongoing operations firsthand.
The Team Leader also noted that AFWCN Course 12, inaugurated on 2 January , 2026, includes operational visits as part of its academic programme to expose participants to the practical realities of contemporary military operations.
As the premier professional military institution of the Nigerian Air Force, the College is mandated to develop officers in the effective employment of air power at the operational level and to build qualitative manpower for efficient air operations.
Air Vice Marshal Mbaka stated that the visit was designed to consolidate knowledge gained through lectures and discussions by providing direct exposure to operational and campaign planning, joint force employment, and assessment of air capabilities in ongoing operations. He emphasised that countering evolving threats requires a coordinated, intelligence-driven approach integrating air, land, and special operations within a joint framework.
He added that the Nigerian Air Force remains a critical component of OPHK through intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, offensive air operations, air mobility, and logistics support. Equally, In his response, the Theatre Commander OPHK, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar highlighted progress recorded in the ongoing dry season operations conducted in collaboration with the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
He stated that the theatre is currently in the kinetic phase of its campaign, with the area of operations reorganised. He added that operational locations have been expanded to ensure effective coverage across the theatre.
The Theatre Commander emphasised on the critical role of air power in countering asymmetric threats, noting that OPHK units have in recent weeks successfully neutralised hostile drones without casualties to ground troops. To enhance operational coordination, he disclosed that a Joint Fire Support Coordinating Centre has been established to regulate air platform movements, assign tasks, and define arcs of fire during operations.
He further noted that insurgency campaigns are often prolonged, citing examples from other regions. Major General Abubakar described OPHK as a formidable force within the sub-region, noting that no operational position has been overrun or dislodged in recent times. He revealed that troops have continued to dominate the battlespace, neutralising scores of insurgents, including about 1,000 fighters and 67 commanders in the first quarter of 2026. He added that insurgent capabilities have been significantly degraded, while own troop losses remain minimal.
The visit was attended by Component Commanders, Chief of Staff of the Headquarters Theatre Command OPHK, Field Commanders, Principal Staff Officers of the Headquarters Theatre Command OPHK and other Staff officers of the Theatre Command. Highlight of the visit included an operational briefing, interactive session, endorsement of the visitors’ register, exchange of plaques, and a group photographs.
