By Ameh Gabriel
Boosting Counter-Insurgency: TAC AOC AVM Obeya Pledges Stronger Support for Operation Hadin Kai
The Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Tactical Air Command (TAC), Makurdi, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Patrick Obeya, has pledged the Nigerian Air Force’s continued support for Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in the North East to strengthen counter-insurgency efforts.
AVM Obeya gave this assurance on May 3, 2025, during a courtesy visit to the Theatre Commander of OPHK, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
Speaking during the visit, the AOC, who was accompanied by the Air Component Commander of OPHK, Air Commodore Umar Idris, and other senior Air Force officers, said his familiarization tour of Air Force formations in the theater was part of his transition into the role, having recently assumed command of TAC.
He emphasized that his visit aimed at fostering greater synergy between the air and land components to enhance ongoing operations in the region. AVM Obeya described the visit as both rewarding and inspiring, noting it provided valuable insights into the theatre’s operational needs. He expressed confidence that with the right resources and the collaborative ideas discussed, the mission would record even greater successes.
In his remarks, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar warmly welcomed the AOC, expressing appreciation for the visit and the Air Force’s support. He stressed that the strong collaboration between the land and air components has been crucial to recent achievements in the fight against insurgency.
General Abubakar also highlighted the need for specific critical air assets, which he said would significantly boost ongoing operations if deployed to the theater. He congratulated AVM Obeya on his well-deserved appointment and looked forward to deepened cooperation.
According to Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, the visit concluded with an exchange of plaques and a group photograph to mark the occasion.
