Air Force Backs Ground Troops With Strikes To Kill Terrorists In Borno

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has provided decisive Close Air Support (CAS) and conducted precision air interdiction operations in the Azir and Musarram areas of Borno State.

A statement by the NAF spokesperson, Air Cdre Ehimen Ejodame, said the NAF, during the operation, killed several terrorist elements and disrupted planned attacks.

According to the statement, NAF aircraft operating under the Air Component of “Operation HADIN KAI” in the early hours of 16th January, 2026, swiftly responded to a situation involving hostile terrorist actions at Azir.

He said the air crew acting on a real-time situation report arrived overhead, where friendly forces were observed engaging terrorists withdrawing from the area.

“Further scans revealed terrorist elements attempting to regroup and take cover under nearby trees. The NAF aircraft promptly acquired and engaged the targets in successive, well-coordinated passes, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists,” he said.

Ejodame added that a post-engagement assessment confirmed no further threats in the area, adding that subsequent reports from ground troops, corroborated by local authorities and community sources, confirmed the devastating impact of the air strikes on the terrorists and the restoration of relative calm in the area.

Earlier, on 15th January, 2026, NAF air assets executed a successful air interdiction mission at Musarram, within the Tumbuns general area, following credible intelligence of terrorists assembling on canoes with plans to launch attacks on the Baga and Fish Dam axis.

He said the air crew on arrival sighted approximately 10 canoes and over 40 suspected terrorists at the location.

The terrorists were engaged in three successive passes, forcing them into disarray.

He added that some fleeing elements were trailed to nearby tree cover and subsequently engaged, while additional survivors who regrouped at an assembly area were equally acquired and neutralised using available mission stores.

“Feedback from ground forces and local communities confirmed that the operation effectively dismantled the terrorists’ concentration and disrupted their planned attacks.

The NAF aircraft promptly acquired and engaged the targets in successive, well-coordinated passes, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists,” he said.

The statement said a post-engagement assessment confirmed no further threats in the area, adding that subsequent reports from ground troops, corroborated by local authorities and community sources, confirmed the devastating impact of the air strikes on the terrorists and the restoration of relative calm in the area.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, who reacted to the successful operation, reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering resolve to provide prompt and effective air support to ground forces.

“These operations highlight the Nigerian Air Force’s readiness to respond decisively whenever our troops are in contact,” the CAS said. “Through effective intelligence utilisation and close coordination with ground forces, we will continue to deny terrorists the ability to regroup, manoeuvre, or carry out attacks,” he said.

Air Marshal Aneke further reassured Nigerians of the NAF’s sustained operational focus. “The Nigerian Air Force remains firmly committed to protecting our troops and safeguarding the nation. Nigerians can be assured that we will continue to maintain relentless pressure on all terrorist elements until lasting peace and security are achieved,” he added.