The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar said the airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in the North-East have killed no fewer than 592 terrorists and destroyed 372 enemy assets in eight months.
The CAS revealed these figures in Maiduguri, Borno State on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to Governor Babagana Zulum.
The CAS, in a statement by the NAF spokesman, Air Cdre Ehimen Ejodame, said the Air Component executed 798 combat sorties, destroyed 206 terrorists’ vehicles and 166 logistics hubs in the North-East.
He quoted the CAS, as saying that “backed by an upgraded fleet and precision night-strike capabilities, NAF aircraft had executed 798 combat sorties, clocking over 1,500 operational flight hours in the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai”.
He said the operations crippled terrorists’ mobility and logistics by destroying 206 technical vehicles and 166 key logistics hubs deep in hostile territory.
“This year, our air war is faster, sharper, and more surgical,” the CAS declared. “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 the statement, from Gonori to Rann, Dikwa to Damboa, Azir to Mallam Fatori, NAF airpower has pounded terrorists’ strongholds with coordinated day-and-night operations, delivering devastating strikes in some of the most difficult terrains.
The Air Chief further disclosed that the offensive had been boosted by the deployment of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft capable of precision and night missions, Mi-171 helicopters for medical evacuation and logistics, and enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms for round-the-clock target tracking.
He added that a new Mi-35 gunship was expected to further intensify close-air support for ground troops in the theatre.
In his remarks, Governor Zulum praised NAF for its sustained air support in degrading terrorist capabilities and protecting communities.
“The Nigerian Air Force has been a steadfast partner in our fight against insurgency.
“Your operations have saved countless lives and allowed our communities to begin rebuilding. The people of Borno State recognise your sacrifices and stand firmly behind you,” he said.
The CAS, in turn, applauded the several initiatives of the Borno State Government for what he described as the “Borno Model”, a community driven non-kinetic engagement combined with hard-hitting military action, which he said had proved to be a winning formula in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign.
“We are winning this war in the air, on the ground, and in the hearts of the people,” he assured.
The CAS also inspected facilities at the NAF Base in Maiduguri, where he engaged with air and ground crew, urging them to maintain their relentless efforts.
