The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and strategic communication by taking defence correspondents on a familiarisation visit to the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East, offering them firsthand insight into ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
The media delegation, led by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, comprised defence correspondents from various media organisations who witnessed the planning and execution of air operations aimed at combating terrorism in the region.
The initiative, according to the NAF, is designed to deepen public understanding of military operations, strengthen public trust and encourage balanced reporting of the sacrifices and achievements of frontline personnel.
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said transparency and credible communication remain critical to sustaining public confidence in the military’s operations and ensuring the public receives accurate information about the efforts of personnel protecting the nation.
During the visit, the journalists participated in day and night air and ground patrols, interacted with air and ground support personnel and shared meals with frontline troops, gaining firsthand experience of the operational environment and the challenges faced by military personnel in the theatre.
The correspondents also observed the professionalism, discipline and dedication of personnel working around the clock in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to restore peace and stability across the North-East.
They were further exposed to the role of precision air operations in degrading terrorist capabilities while supporting the protection of civilian communities.
The Air Component Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Air Commodore MB Ahmed, briefed the delegation on ongoing air operations and stressed the importance of accurate, responsible and balanced reporting in boosting public confidence and countering misinformation.
Similarly, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI, Major General AE Abubakar, highlighted the critical contributions of the Air Component in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), air interdiction and air mobility missions, describing them as key enablers of effective joint military operations.
The media engagement aligned with the command philosophy of the Chief of the Air Staff, which seeks to build a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power in synergy with surface forces to achieve Nigeria’s national security objectives while strengthening public trust in ongoing military operations.
