The Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice?Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on Monday, made his first operational visit to North-East Operation Hadin Kai theatre command in Maiduguri.

The Nation gathered the CAS’ visit was to evaluate ongoing air operations, uplift troop morale, and enhance coordination efforts across the North East region.

The CAS was received at Maiduguri Air Force Base by the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar with senior air force and paramilitary.

As part of his itinerary, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal led a high-level delegation on a courtesy visit to Governor Babagana Zulum reaffirming the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to securing the state and supporting its reconstruction efforts.

During the visit, the Air Chief expressed gratitude for Zulum’s warm reception and acknowledged the state’s strategic importance in Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly in combating Boko Haram insurgency.

He commended the Governor’s leadership in promoting community-based reconstruction and rehabilitation initiatives, citing the “Borno Model” as an exemplary approach to achieving sustainable peace.

Zulum, who cut short his Lagos trip to receive the delegation, appreciated the Air Force’s efforts in supporting security operations and praised the collaboration between the military and local communities.

The Governor also thanked the Air Force for its humanitarian and medical outreach programs, which have benefited many in the state.

The Air Chief briefed the Governor on Operation HADIN KAI’s progress, highlighting intensified air-to-ground integration, training, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance efforts to support stabilisation in the North-East.

He assured the Governor of the Air Force’s continued support for Borno’s peace and development.

The visit was attended by senior government officials, traditional leaders, and top military officers, underscoring the strong partnership between Borno State and the Nigerian Air Force.

The Air Force’s visit reaffirms its dedication to securing Borno and collaborating with the state government to rebuild and restore livelihoods, marking a significant step in consolidating peace in the region. (The Nation)