The Humanitarian Times

By Abdulkareem Haruna

MAIDUGURI, Borno State, Nigeria – Air Vice Marshal Patrick Obeya, the newly appointed Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Tactical Air Command (TAC), visited the headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in Maiduguri on Saturday, pledging the Air Force’s continued support to the ongoing fight against insurgency in the northeast.

Obeya met with the Theatre Commander of OPHK, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, at Maimalari Cantonment. Accompanied by the Air Component Commander of OPHK, Air Commodore Umar Idris, and other senior Air Force officials, Obeya stated that the visit was part of a familiarization tour of Air Force formations within the theater since assuming command of TAC.

“I am here to interact with the Theatre Commander on building more synergy in order to enhance operations,” Obeya said, according to a statement released by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for OPHK.

Obeya described the visit as “rewarding and inspiring,” noting that it provided him with a better understanding of the operational needs in the theater. He expressed optimism that with shared ideas and adequate resources, the counter-insurgency efforts would achieve greater successes. He also assured Abubakar that TAC was committed to providing as much support as possible to enhance OPHK’s operations.

In response, Major General Abubakar welcomed the AOC and expressed his appreciation for the visit. He emphasized the crucial synergy between the land and air components in achieving progress against the insurgents in the North East.

Abubakar identified and requested specific critical air assets, stating that their deployment to the theater would significantly boost operations. He also congratulated Obeya on his recent appointment.

The visit concluded with an exchange of plaques and group photographs, symbolizing the continued collaboration between the Air Force and the ground forces in the region.