Eid in Battlefront: CAS Applauds Troops’ Bravery During Joint Luncheon with COAS in Maiduguri

In a stirring display of unity and national resolve, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, on Saturday, June 7, 2025, joined troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri to mark this year’s Eid al-Adha celebration alongside the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.

The event, held at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force North-East, was graced by the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, who served as Guest of Honour. The high-level visit served as both a morale boost and a strategic show of solidarity in the ongoing counter-insurgency war in the North-East.

Addressing the troops, Air Marshal Abubakar commended the gallantry, discipline, and professionalism of personnel in the frontlines, describing them as “the hope of a nation” and the embodiment of Nigeria’s determination to defeat terrorism.

The Air Chief drew parallels between the values of Eid al-Adha—sacrifice, obedience, and faith—and the daily realities of military life. He said these principles resonate with the selflessness of the troops who continue to risk their lives to restore peace and normalcy in troubled regions.

He cited recent operational successes in Damboa, Marte, and Bitta as evidence of the troops’ growing effectiveness, noting that their efforts have significantly disrupted terrorist activities and reopened once-hostile territories.

Air Marshal Abubakar also outlined fresh operational measures, including the deployment of new air assets for combat and logistics, enhanced Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations, and improved strike capabilities. He added that upgrades to Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) systems and anti-drone technology are already underway.

Reassuring the troops of continued air support and improved welfare packages, the CAS lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering backing of the military. He also paid tribute to fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation.

The Eid celebration ended with a symbolic luncheon, reinforcing camaraderie, inter-service cooperation, and a renewed pledge to stay focused on the mission at hand.

For soldiers on the frontline, it was a rare moment of festivity—a blend of prayer, purpose, and patriotism in a time of war.