The House of Representatives Committee on the Air Force, led by Honourable (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, has commenced an oversight visit to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) operational base in Maiduguri, Borno State, to evaluate the welfare and operational preparedness of troops involved in counter-insurgency operations.
Upon the committee’s arrival at Maiduguri Airport, Honourable Ojuawo, who represented the committee’s chairman, was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour by officers of the Nigerian Air Force. He inspected the guard with military precision, a gesture that reflected his own background as a senior retired officer of the force.
Honourable Ojuawo, who currently represents Ekiti South Federal Constituency II in the House of Representatives, is a retired Air Vice Marshal with decades of distinguished service in the Nigerian Air Force. Before venturing into politics, he held various command and strategic roles within the military, including Director of Operations and Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command. His transition into politics brought a wealth of operational and administrative experience to Nigeria’s legislative oversight of the Armed Forces.
Speaking during the visit, the retired AVM emphasized the importance of adequate support for military personnel operating in the nation’s conflict zones. “This visit is part of our constitutional mandate to ensure that those defending the nation have the necessary tools, infrastructure, and morale to succeed,” he said. “Their welfare is not just a military concern — it’s a national priority.”
He noted that the oversight tour would include facility inspections, detailed briefings by base commanders, and engagements with officers and personnel directly involved in combat and intelligence operations. The committee is also expected to assess the availability of equipment, the state of accommodation, and other welfare-related matters.
Maiduguri has remained a key theatre in Nigeria’s decade-long counter-insurgency campaign, particularly against Boko Haram and ISWAP elements. The presence of lawmakers at the frontline underscores the federal government’s continued resolve to support the military and bring lasting peace to the northeast region.
The oversight exercise is expected to inform legislative interventions aimed at boosting operational effectiveness and improving service conditions for Air Force personnel across the country.
