The NAF launched precision airstrikes in Borno, neutralising over 40 terrorists, disrupting attacks, and restoring calm through coordinated intelligence and ground support.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully neutralised over 40 terrorists in targeted air operations across Musarram in the Tumbuns area and the Azir axis of Borno State.
The operations, conducted on Thursday, January 25, and Friday, January 16, followed credible intelligence indicating the assembly of terrorist elements preparing attacks along the Baga and Fish Dam corridors.
According to the NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the operation in Musarram began when surveillance aircraft identified approximately 10 canoes carrying more than 40 suspected terrorists.
“The terrorists were engaged in three successive air passes, creating confusion and forcing them into disarray.
“Some fleeing elements were tracked to nearby tree cover and neutralised, while others regrouping at an assembly area were promptly engaged using available mission resources,” Ejodame explained.
The NAF operations are part of the broader counterterrorism campaign under Operation HADIN KAI, which combines intelligence, air power, and close coordination with ground forces.
Feedback from troops on the ground and local communities confirmed that the strikes effectively dismantled the terrorist concentration in Musarram, disrupting their planned operations and restoring relative calm in the area.
In a separate strike conducted on Friday, January 16, NAF aircraft engaged terrorist elements along the Azir axis.
Acting on real-time intelligence, the aircrew arrived overhead as friendly forces engaged terrorists attempting to withdraw.
Further reconnaissance revealed elements attempting to regroup under tree cover, which were immediately engaged in coordinated passes.
“The result was the neutralisation of several terrorists, and post-engagement assessments confirmed no further threats in the area,” Ejodame said.
The success of these operations highlights the NAF’s capability to rapidly respond to emerging threats and provide effective air support for ground troops.
According to Ejodame, subsequent reports from local authorities and community sources corroborated the significant impact of the airstrikes.
The operations not only eliminated immediate threats but also restored stability and security to the affected communities.
Reacting to the success of the air operations, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, praised the professionalism and effectiveness of NAF personnel.
“These missions demonstrate our readiness to provide decisive air support whenever our troops encounter hostile elements.
With precise intelligence and coordinated operations with ground forces, we will continue to deny terrorists the ability to regroup, manoeuvre, or execute attacks,” CAS Aneke said.
The airstrikes underscore the importance of intelligence-led operations in modern counterterrorism. Ejodame noted that the success of NAF missions depends heavily on timely and accurate information.
In both the Musarram and Azir operations, intelligence allowed aircrews to identify, track, and neutralise terrorists before they could carry out attacks, highlighting the critical role of surveillance and reconnaissance in combating insurgency.
Communities in the affected areas expressed relief at the successful airstrikes, acknowledging the NAF’s efforts in restoring safety and preventing further attacks.
Local leaders commended the cooperation between the NAF and ground troops, emphasizing that such coordinated operations are essential to stabilizing regions previously affected by terrorist activity.
The operations in Musarram and Azir are part of a sustained campaign by the NAF to suppress terrorist activities in northeastern Nigeria.
Over recent months, the NAF has increasingly leveraged airpower, intelligence, and coordination with ground forces to disrupt insurgent networks, destroy weapon caches, and prevent attacks on civilians.
These efforts have significantly enhanced the security environment in Borno State and neighboring regions.
Air Commodore Ejodame stressed that the operations reflect the NAF’s commitment to maintaining national security and protecting citizens.
“Our air campaigns are designed not only to neutralise terrorist threats but also to reassure communities that the NAF remains vigilant and capable of rapid response.
“Our objective is to create a secure environment that allows normal life and development to resume in affected areas,” he said.
The Chief of Air Staff reiterated that the NAF would continue to support ground forces with timely and precise air power.
By combining intelligence, surveillance, and combat capability, the NAF aims to maintain pressure on terrorist groups, prevent them from regrouping, and restore long-term stability in Borno and other conflict-affected areas.
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