The Nigerian Air Force carried out over 5,000 operational sorties and executed more than 1,200 air strikes in counter-insurgency and internal security operations between June 2023 and October 2025, the immediate past Chief of Air Staff has disclosed.
Retired Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar revealed the figures on Saturday during his Flying-Out Parade at NAF Base Abuja.
Abubakar explained that the Air Force intensified precision air strikes, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in support of ground troops across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, and South-South regions.
“The expanded operational tempo disrupted terrorist supply routes, degraded insurgent capabilities, and provided decisive air cover for troops in Operation Hadin Kai and other joint task forces,” he said
He also noted that NAF assets supported operations beyond counter-insurgency.
“In addition to counter-insurgency, our air assets supported anti-banditry and anti-oil theft operations, enhancing security and enabling stability for affected communities,” Abubakar added.
“Improved sortie generation and aircraft serviceability are critical to sustained operational presence.”
Highlighting the role of training and maintenance, he said that operational gains were reinforced by enhanced training, strong maintenance culture, and aviation safety, all of which increased mission readiness across theatres.
Paying tribute to fallen personnel, Abubakar urged officers, airmen, and airwomen to uphold professionalism, inter-agency cooperation, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s security.
He called on personnel to support the current Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, to consolidate operational gains and ensure that the Nigerian Air Force remains agile, responsive, and combat-ready.
This announcement underscores the Air Force’s sustained role in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency and other security threats across the country.
