As part of their ongoing Operational Theatre visit, participants of Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) Course 8/2024 extended their engagement to the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai on August 30, 2024. The visit, aimed at broadening the participants’ understanding of integrated military operations, was marked by a warm reception by the Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Umar Idris.
Upon arrival, Wing Commander Abdulkarim Ibrahim briefed the participants on the operational roles and contributions of the Air Component to the broader counterinsurgency efforts in the Northeast region. The briefing provided critical insights into how airpower is effectively leveraged to complement ground operations, focusing on intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeted airstrikes against insurgent strongholds.
In his welcome remarks, Air Commodore Umar Idris emphasized the importance of synergy between the air and ground forces in achieving operational success. He praised the Army War College for its role in preparing officers who are well-versed in the complexities of modern warfare, particularly in joint operations that require seamless coordination between different branches of the military.
“Your visit highlights the vital importance of continuous collaboration and knowledge sharing between our forces. The coordination between air and ground operations has been crucial to our successes against insurgents, and we are dedicated to strengthening this partnership further,” said Air Commodore Idris.
Responding, Major General Ishaya Maina, Commandant AWCN, expressed gratitude for the detailed briefing and the warm reception by the Air Component. He acknowledged the crucial role of airpower in modern military campaigns and underscored the importance of joint training and operations in tackling contemporary security challenges. “The knowledge gained here will undoubtedly enrich the participants’ understanding of the operational environment and the strategic application of airpower in counterinsurgency operations,” Major General Maina remarked.
The visit featured a tour of the Air Component’s facilities, where participants were introduced to key operational assets supporting counterinsurgency efforts. The event concluded with the presentation of souvenirs, followed by a group photograph.