The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded a significant operational success after precision airstrikes neutralised more than 40 terrorists in parts of Borno State, dealing a heavy blow to insurgent activities in the North-East. The strikes were carried out in the Azir and Musarram areas, known hideouts within the Tumbuns axis, where terrorist groups have continued to regroup and plan attacks against civilians and security forces.
The airstrikes were executed under the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, Nigeria’s flagship counter-insurgency operation in the region. According to official military sources, the mission followed credible and actionable intelligence indicating an unusual concentration of terrorists preparing coordinated assaults in the targeted locations.
On January 15, NAF strike aircraft were deployed to the Musarram area after surveillance confirmed the presence of terrorists assembling in large numbers, some reportedly moving in canoes across the waterways. The aircraft engaged the targets with precision, causing heavy casualties and forcing surviving elements to scatter in disarray.
Subsequent intelligence revealed that several of the fleeing terrorists attempted to regroup in nearby locations. This prompted follow-up air interdiction missions, during which additional strikes were conducted, further degrading the terrorists’ operational capacity and preventing any immediate counter-attack.
The following day, January 16, NAF aircraft responded swiftly to a distress call from Nigerian Army troops engaged in combat with terrorists around the Azir axis. Aerial reconnaissance identified militants withdrawing from the battlefield and seeking cover under thick vegetation, where they were again successfully engaged by airstrikes.
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Military authorities confirmed that the combined operations led to the neutralisation of over 40 terrorists, with several logistics assets destroyed in the process. The strikes also disrupted planned attacks that could have targeted nearby communities and military formations.
Speaking on the operation, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the success of the mission underscored the importance of intelligence-driven operations and close coordination between air and ground forces in the fight against insurgency.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to providing timely and effective air support to troops on the ground. He noted that sustained air pressure remains critical to denying terrorist groups freedom of movement and the ability to reorganize.
Borno State has remained the epicentre of Nigeria’s insurgency for over a decade, with Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province factions exploiting difficult terrain to mount attacks. Security forces have, however, intensified operations in recent months to dismantle remaining strongholds.
The latest airstrikes highlight the renewed momentum of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts and signal continued military resolve to restore peace and stability across the North-East, as security agencies sustain operations aimed at permanently degrading terrorist networks in the region.
