Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken journalists to the frontline of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North-East as part of efforts to promote transparency, improve public understanding of military activities and strengthen public confidence in the Armed Forces.
The media familiarisation visit to the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI was led by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, and involved defence correspondents from various media organisations.
According to the NAF, the exercise provided journalists with firsthand knowledge of the planning and execution of air operations, in line with the Chief of the Air Staff’s commitment to openness, accountability and effective strategic communication.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said credible communication and transparency remain essential to sustaining public trust and ensuring balanced reporting of the military’s operations and sacrifices.
During the visit, the journalists participated in day and night air and ground patrols, interacted with pilots and other frontline personnel, and shared meals with troops deployed in the theatre.
The exercise also exposed the correspondents to the operational realities facing personnel involved in counter-insurgency operations and the level of coordination between the Air Force, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
The Air Component Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Air Commodore M.B. Ahmed, briefed the delegation on ongoing air operations and stressed the need for accurate and responsible reporting to counter misinformation and strengthen public confidence in military operations.
Similarly, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI, Major General A.E. Abubakar, highlighted the critical role of the Air Component in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, air interdiction and air mobility operations, which he said had significantly enhanced the effectiveness of joint operations against terrorists.
The NAF said the media engagement forms part of the Chief of the Air Staff’s command philosophy of building a highly professional, motivated and mission-ready force capable of delivering effective air power in support of national security objectives while fostering greater public trust in the military.
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