🇳🇬 Operation HADIN KAI Kicks Off First Air-to-Ground Integration Training in Maiduguri

Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has commenced its first-ever Air-to-Ground Integration (AGI) training for troops in Maiduguri, aimed at sharpening joint air-land coordination and reducing risks of fratricide in counterterrorism operations.

Zig Diaries Defence
Date: Wednesday, 10 September 2025
Time: 14:30 WAT
Location: 📍 Maiduguri, Nigeria

The programme, inaugurated on 8 September at Maimalari Cantonment, was declared open by the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar. According to him, 

“Our collective efforts in combating terrorism require a well-trained and professional force that can work in synergy with other agencies and entities.”

The training, facilitated by the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre (AWDC), brings together personnel from across the theatre to build better communication between ground forces and air assets. General Abubakar stressed that it would improve operational efficiency, prevent civilian harm, and strengthen coordination in the North East theatre.

He acknowledged the support of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, describing his leadership as instrumental in enabling the programme. The Theatre Commander also commended the AWDC Training Team for their expertise and pledged continued collaboration to sustain excellence.

In his welcome address, Theatre Training Officer, Brigadier General Julius Ogbobe, urged participants to be open-minded, while the AWDC representative, Wing Commander Asa Abatura, assured of the facilitators’ commitment. He also thanked the Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Umar Idris, for providing aircraft to support the training.

Fact-Check & Background Context

Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) is the Joint Task Force operation launched in April 2021, replacing Operation LAFIYA DOLE, to consolidate counterterrorism efforts in the North East. This training marks the first Air-to-Ground Integration (AGI) orientation under OPHK.

Air-to-Ground Integration is a critical military concept that ensures coordination between ground forces and air support, reducing risks of fratricide and civilian casualties. Similar training is a standard NATO practice, highlighting OPHK’s efforts to align with international best practices in counterterrorism.

🏷️Tags: Operation HADIN KAI, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Maiduguri, Counterterrorism, Air-to-Ground Integration, Defence Training, North East Nigeria

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