The Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Tactical Air Command (TAC), Makurdi, Air Vice Marshal Patrick Obeya, on Friday, 3 May 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
AVM Obeya, who was recently appointed AOC TAC, was accompanied by the Air Component Commander OPHK, Air Commodore Umar Idris, and other senior Nigerian Air Force officers. He stated that the visit formed part of a familiarisation tour of NAF formations in the Theatre, and was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the air and land components of OPHK.
During the visit, the AOC emphasized the importance of inter-service synergy in sustaining the gains recorded in ongoing counterinsurgency operations in the North East.
“This visit is both rewarding and inspiring, as it has helped me better understand the operational realities on ground. With the ideas shared and the right resources, I am confident that we will consolidate on our achievements,” AVM Obeya said. “Tactical Air Command remains fully committed to supporting OPHK with all necessary capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness.”
In his remarks, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abubakar, warmly welcomed the AOC and commended the strong partnership between the Nigerian Army and the Air Force, noting that such cooperation has been pivotal to recent successes in the Theatre.
He also highlighted the need for additional critical air assets to further strengthen operations and deliver decisive outcomes in the fight against insurgency.
The Theatre Commander congratulated AVM Obeya on his appointment and expressed optimism that his tenure would deepen operational coordination and bring added momentum to joint efforts in the region.
The visit ended with an exchange of plaques and group photographs to mark the occasion.
 Tactical Air Command (TAC), Makurdi, Air Vice Marshal Patrick Obeya, on Friday, 3 May 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.){kind=link}