The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, expressed his appreciation to the frontline troops of Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI during his visit to the North East on Wednesday, as part of the Eid-El-Kabir Festival celebrations.
According to the message posted on its official Twitter handle, Abubakar joined the troops in Maiduguri for a combined Eid-El-Kabir Salah Celebration, where he addressed and commended them for their sacrifices in ensuring peace and security in Nigeria.
Recognizing the troops’ dedication and the support of their families, Abubakar attributed recent operational successes to the combined efforts of the air and surface forces. He emphasized the importance of maintaining effectiveness and efficiency on the frontline, especially during festive seasons, and commended the troops for prioritizing their service over personal celebrations.
Highlighting the significance of synergy among the military services and security agencies, Abubakar noted its crucial role in the recent successful outcomes across various operational theaters in the country. He expressed satisfaction with the achievements of NAF’s independent air operations, particularly Operation WARUN, as well as joint efforts through Operation HADIN KAI and combined multinational operations. These efforts have resulted in a significant number of insurgents and their families surrender to the Nigerian forces.
Abubakar’s visit to the theater, alongside the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, symbolizes the enhanced synergy that will be integrated into future operations. He urged the troops to ensure coordination, collaboration, and cooperation at the tactical level, thereby cascading the spirit of synergy into their day-to-day efforts.
It is worth noting that this visit by the CAS and COAS marks their first visit to the North East Theatre of Operation since assuming their current positions, having been appointed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on June 19, 2023.
