THE Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says more than 40 terrorists have been killed in precision airstrikes conducted in the Azir and Musarram areas of Borno State, successfully thwarting planned attacks on civilian communities.
In a statement yesterday, NAF Spokesman Commodore Ehimen Ejodame confirmed that the coordinated strikes took place on January 15 and 16.
He explained that NAF aircraft, operating under the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, acted on credible intelligence about terrorist movements and imminent threats to nearby communities.
Further surveillance revealed terrorists attempting to regroup under tree cover, prompting successive airstrikes that neutralised several of them.
“Post-strike assessments confirmed no further threats, and feedback from ground troops, local authorities, and community sources indicated a significant reduction in terrorist activity and a return to relative calm,” the statement read.
Ejodame noted that earlier air interdictions at Musarram targeted terrorists assembling on canoes to launch attacks along the Baga and Fish Dam axis.
The aircraft engaged about 40 suspected terrorists and ten canoes, scattering the group and neutralising fleeing elements.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to providing timely and decisive air support to ground forces.
He noted that the operations showcased the effectiveness of intelligence-led air power and close air–ground coordination in restricting terrorists’ freedom of movement.
Aneke assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would maintain pressure on terrorist groups while continuing efforts to stabilise affected regions.