The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully neutralized over 40 terrorists in coordinated air operations in Borno State, disrupting planned attacks and supporting ongoing ground operations. According to a statement by the NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the operations were conducted on January 15 and 16 in the Azir and Musarram areas.
The air operations, carried out by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, were in response to actionable intelligence and close coordination with ground troops. On January 16, NAF aircraft responded to a distress call at Azir, where troops were engaged with withdrawing terrorists. Further scans revealed terrorist elements attempting to regroup, prompting precise air strikes that neutralized several of them. Post-strike assessments confirmed no further threats, and feedback from ground troops and local authorities indicated a significant degradation of terrorist presence and a return of relative calm.
Earlier, on January 15, NAF air assets conducted a successful air interdiction at Musarram, where intelligence revealed terrorists assembling on canoes to launch attacks along the Baga and Fish Dam axis. The aircraft engaged the terrorists, sighting about 10 canoes and over 40 suspected terrorists, and effectively dismantled the terrorist concentration.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to providing timely and decisive air support to ground forces. The operations demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-led air power and close air-ground coordination in denying terrorists freedom of action. Aneke assured Nigerians of sustained pressure on terrorist elements as the Armed Forces of Nigeria continue efforts to degrade their capabilities and stabilize affected areas.
The NAF’s operations are part of the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region. The use of air power has been instrumental in supporting ground operations and disrupting terrorist activities. The success of these operations highlights the importance of coordination and intelligence-sharing between security agencies in combating terrorism. As the Nigerian military continues to intensify its efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities, the NAF’s role in providing air support remains crucial in achieving this objective.
