The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has killed at least 592 terrorists and destroyed 372 of their assets in the North-East in the last eight months.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has killed at least 592 terrorists and destroyed 372 of their assets in the North-East in the last eight months.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, disclosed this yesterday in Maiduguri during a courtesy visit to Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum.
He said the figures already surpass the total recorded for 2024, attributing the gains to an upgraded fleet, precision night-strike capabilities, and intensified surveillance.
“NAF aircraft have executed 798 combat sorties, clocking over 1,500 operational flight hours in the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai,” Abubakar said. “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.”
According to him, the operations had destroyed 206 technical vehicles and 166 key logistics hubs in areas including Gonori, Rann, Dikwa, Damboa, Azir, and Mallam Fatori.
He said the offensive had been boosted by the deployment of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft for precision missions, Mi-171 helicopters for logistics and medical evacuation, and enhanced surveillance systems for round-the-clock tracking. He added that a newly acquired Mi-35 gunship would soon strengthen close-air support for ground troops.
Governor Zulum commended the NAF for its role in degrading terrorist capabilities and safeguarding communities. “The Nigerian Air Force has been a steadfast partner in our fight against insurgency,” he said. “Your operations have saved countless lives and allowed our communities to begin rebuilding.”
The CAS also lauded the state’s “Borno Model”, which combines military operations with community-driven non-kinetic measures, describing it as a “winning formula” in counter-insurgency.
During the visit, Abubakar inspected facilities at the NAF Base in Maiduguri, interacted with personnel, and received briefings on ongoing operations.
NAF Kills 592 Terrorists, Destroys 372 Assets in 8-Month Borno Offensive
