The Nigerian Air Force has reported significant gains in its counter-terrorism operations in Borno State, eliminating 592 terrorists and destroying 372 enemy assets within the last eight months—surpassing its total operational achievements for 2024.
NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday following a courtesy visit by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum.
Abubakar detailed the military’s intensified air campaign, which destroyed 206 technical vehicles and 166 logistics hubs in deep hostile territories. The operations spanned key locations, including Gonori to Rann, Dikwa to Damboa, and Azir to Mallam Fatori, with coordinated day-and-night strikes.
The CAS attributed the success to enhanced air capabilities, including the deployment of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft for precision and night missions, Mi-171 helicopters for medical evacuation and logistics, and advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms for continuous target tracking. He also noted that a newly acquired Mi-35 gunship would further bolster close-air support for ground troops.
“Backed by an upgraded fleet and precision night-strike capabilities, NAF aircraft executed 798 combat sorties, clocking over 1,500 operational flight hours in the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai,” Abubakar stated. “This year, our air war is faster, sharper, and more surgical. We are taking out high-value targets, crippling their logistics, and hunting down every cell that threatens the peace of the North-East.”
Abubakar commended the “Borno Model,” which combines community-driven non-kinetic measures with military action, as a key factor in the counter-insurgency success. During his visit, he inspected NAF base facilities, engaged with aircrew and ground personnel, and received operational briefings. He reiterated NAF’s commitment to precision air power, intelligence-led operations, and inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding Nigerians.
Governor Zulum lauded the NAF for its relentless air support in degrading terrorist capabilities and protecting vulnerable communities. “Your operations have saved countless lives and allowed our communities to begin rebuilding,” Zulum said. “The people of Borno recognise your sacrifices and stand firmly behind you.”
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s partnership with the military, emphasizing the critical role of air power in sustaining the fight against insurgency.
