The Nigerian Air Force has reported neutralising at least 2,351 terrorists in 2025 through extensive air interdiction operations conducted across multiple theatres nationwide, describing the year as “one of its most decisive operational years.”
According to a statement on Wednesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the results were achieved during 274 air interdiction missions carried out in 379 combat sorties targeting terrorist strongholds, logistics hubs, training camps, and critical movement corridors.
These operations alone accounted for roughly 800 flight hours.
“The Nigerian Air Force recorded one of its most decisive operational years, neutralising no fewer than 2,351 terrorists through sustained, intelligence-driven air operations conducted across multiple operational theatres nationwide in 2025.
“These achievements were realised through the execution of 274 AI missions, flown in 379 combat sorties, targeting terrorist strongholds, logistics hubs, training camps, and critical mobility corridors. The figures exclude hundreds of additional airpower missions involving ISR, close air support to surface forces, and armed reconnaissance operations,” the statement partly read.
Ejodame further explained that the operations dealt a significant blow to the supply chains and movement routes of terrorist groups in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions, while also assisting ground forces in reclaiming contested areas.
“In the maritime and energy security domain, precision air operations in the Niger Delta delivered equally strategic dividends. Targeted strikes led to the destruction of hundreds of illegal refining reservoirs, 126 storage tanks, and several boats used by oil thieves and criminal syndicates. These actions substantially degraded the capacity of illicit actors to finance violence and organised crime, contributed to improved oil production, and reinforced national economic resilience,” he added.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, credited the successes to enhanced aircraft availability, intelligence-led targeting, collaboration with other security agencies, government funding, and the acquisition of new operational platforms.
“The Nigerian Air Force will remain relentless and decisive in taking the fight to all enemies of the Nigerian state. Criminal and terrorist elements will find no safe haven anywhere within our borders,” Aneke said, urging misguided individuals to renounce violence while warning that those who persist will face “precise and overwhelming air power.”
In a separate briefing, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that troops deployed across Nigeria’s operational theatres neutralised several terrorist commanders, lieutenants, and foot soldiers as part of ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.
Speaking at the briefing, Director Defence Media Operations Maj. Gen Michael Onoja listed the neutralised terrorists during the year, including Aminu Kanawa, Dan Bokolo, Bello Buba, Dan Inna, Halilu Sabubu, Abu Dan Shehu Jabbi, Dogo Bashiru Yellow, Abba Allai (aka Amirul Khalid of Alafa), Amir Abu Fatimah, Kingpin Auta, Abdul Jamilu, Salisu, Malla Jidda, Talha, Mallam Umar, Abu Yazeed, Kabiru Bebe, Maiwada, Mai Dada, and Nwachi Eze (aka Onowu). Other notorious bandits included Dosso, Suleiman, Jagaban, and Danja.
“Troops also arrested 4,375 suspects and received 1,616 surrendered terrorists and their family members, while 2,336 kidnapped hostages were successfully rescued,” Onoja added.
He highlighted the achievements of Operation DELTA SAFE in the Niger Delta, which disrupted oil theft valued at over N8.9 billion.
“The breakdown includes the recovery of 16,623,542 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,255,674 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, 407,734 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene, and 1,508,823 litres of Premium Motor Spirit. Furthermore, troops discovered and destroyed over 503 illegal refining sites,” he said.
Onoja emphasised that these kinetic and non-kinetic operations have bolstered security, improved social and economic activities, and curtailed funding sources for criminal and terrorist networks.
“Forces continued to conduct both kinetic and non-kinetic operations nationwide to counter security threats and create safer conditions for social and economic activities,” he added.
The military underscored that the combination of air interdiction, arrests, hostage rescues, and insurgent surrenders forms part of a comprehensive strategy to safeguard civilians and stabilise affected regions across Nigeria in 2025.
