The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, yesterday 28 June 2023, visited the North East to celebrate the frontline troops of Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI in the spirit of the Eid-El-Kabir Festival. AVM Abubakar feasted with the troops at a combined Eid-El-Kabir Salah Celebration held for the troops in Maiduguri. Addressing the troops, the CAS appreciated the troops and their families, particularly the dead and the wounded, for their sacrifices towards ensuring peace and security in Nigeria. 

AVM Abubakar, in his speech, attributed the recent operational successes to the combined efforts of the air and surface forces, which he noted would not have been possible without the selflessness, sacrifices and devotion of the troops and their families. Maintaining high level of effectiveness and efficiency in the frontline while away from your loved ones during festive seasons like this, clearly demonstrates your nobility of placing Service before self, the CAS noted, while appreciating their families for providing the much-needed support required to maintain the motivation and morale of the troops at the frontline.

AVM Abubakar further stated that the high synergy among the military Services and other security agencies has been largely responsible for the recent successful outcomes recorded across the various theatres of operations in the country. The CAS expressed his delight about the huge successes achieved by both the NAF independent air operations, particularly Operation WARUN, as well as the joint efforts through Operation HADIN KAI and combined multinational operations, which he noted has led to the insurgents and their families surrendering in droves to own forces. AVM Abubakar stated that his visit to the theatre, together with his army counterpart, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, to celebrate with the troops is an indication of the enhanced synergy about to be infused into future operations. He therefore urged the troops to ensure that the synergy cascades down to the tactical level of operations through proper coordination, collaboration and cooperation in future efforts.

The visit by the CAS and COAS is their maiden to the NE Theatre of Operation since assumption of office in their current capacity. It would be recalled that the incumbent Service Chiefs were appointed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 19 Jun 2023. The CAS will make a similar visit today to the troops of Air Component Joint Task Force (North West) Operation HANDARI DAJI.