NAF Airstrikes Neutralise Terrorists in Borno, Disrupt Planned Attacks

By Zainab Uzomah

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out a series of precision airstrikes in Borno State, killing several terrorists and foiling coordinated attacks in the Azir and Musarram areas, military authorities have confirmed.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the operations—conducted on 15 and 16 January under Operation Hadin Kai—provided close air support to troops in contact and formed part of ongoing intelligence-led efforts to deny terrorist groups freedom of movement in the North-East.

According to the statement, NAF aircraft responded swiftly to a real-time alert of terrorist activity around Azir on 16 January. Aircrew arriving over the area observed ground troops engaging militants attempting to withdraw. Additional scans identified fighters regrouping under tree cover, leading to a series of coordinated strikes that neutralised the targets. Post-strike assessments indicated no remaining threats, while reports from troops and local authorities confirmed that the air operations restored calm in the community.

A day earlier, NAF platforms executed an interdiction mission in Musarram, within the Tumbuns axis, after intelligence indicated that terrorists assembled on canoes in preparation for attacks around Baga and the Fish Dam area. The aircrew reportedly sighted about 10 canoes and more than 40 insurgents. Multiple strikes were conducted, scattering the fighters, with escaping elements pursued and neutralised at nearby hideouts. Ground feedback confirmed that the operation successfully dismantled the planned assault.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the back-to-back operations as evidence of the Air Force’s readiness to support ground forces in real time. “These operations highlight the Nigerian Air Force’s readiness to respond decisively whenever our troops are in contact,” he said. “Through effective intelligence utilisation and close coordination with ground forces, we will continue to deny terrorists the ability to regroup, manoeuvre or carry out attacks.”

He assured Nigerians of sustained pressure on terrorist networks across the region, emphasising that the Air Force remained committed to supporting broader military efforts aimed at stabilising affected communities.

The statement was signed by Nigerian Air Force..