NAF Airstrikes Kill 592 Terrorists in Borno

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recently engaged in a violent battle against insurgency in Borno State, killing no fewer than 592 militants.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF spokesperson, made this announcement in a statement on Tuesday after Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar paid Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum a courtesy call.
Over the last eight months, 372 enemy assets have been eliminated, exceeding the total number of operational achievements in 2024, according to Ejodame.
The effective offensive operations that struck important terrorist infrastructure were described by Air Marshal Abubakar during his visit. Deep within hostile territory, he disclosed, the aircraft had damaged 166 logistics hubs and 206 technical vehicles.

From Azir to Mallam Fatori, Dikwa to Damboa, and Gonori to Rann, the airstrikes covered a number of key areas.

“The use of precision and night-flighting A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, Mi-171 helicopters for medical evacuation and logistics, and improved intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms for 24/7 target tracking have all contributed to the offensive,” Abubakar said.

In addition, he noted that a Mi-35 gunship would soon be added, which could improve close-air support for ground forces fighting the current insurgency.

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Inspiring figures from the ongoing operations, Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted the NAF’s enhanced operational tempo.

He claimed that NAF aircraft completed 798 combat sorties and logged over 1,500 operational flying hours in the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, supported by an enhanced fleet and precise night-strike capabilities.

The air campaign, he emphasized, had grown “faster, sharper, and more surgical” this year, targeting high-value terrorists, disrupting their logistics, and eliminating any cell that poses a threat to the peace in the Northeast.

The Chief of the Air Staff also praised the Borno Model, describing it as an excellent strategy in the continuing counter-insurgency efforts that blends decisive military action with community-driven non-kinetic measures.

He claimed that the operation’s success was largely due to this model.

Abubakar also met with ground and aircrew, inspected several buildings at the NAF Base, and got operational briefings to make sure the mission will continue to be successful.

He restated NAF’s dedication to interagency cooperation, intelligence-led operations, and precision air power in order to protect all Nigerians.

In his reply, Governor Babagana Zulum thanked the Nigerian Air Force for its continuous and steadfast assistance in weakening the resistance forces in the area.

He recognized how important the NAF is to protecting villages around Borno.

Zulum remarked, “Your operations have allowed our communities to start rebuilding and saved countless lives.”

He also emphasized that the people of Borno acknowledge the sacrifices made by the NAF and remain steadfast in their support of them in their war against terrorism.

The ongoing military operations and air assistance in Borno demonstrate a dedication to restoring regional peace, with the NAF’s work being viewed as a vital element in the fight to bring stability back to the Northeast.