By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded another major operational success in the fight against terrorism, providing decisive Close Air Support (CAS) and executing precision air interdiction missions in the Azir and Musarram areas of Borno State, leading to the neutralisation of several terrorist elements.
The operations, carried out on 15 and 16 January 2026 under the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, were conducted in close coordination with ground troops following credible, real-time intelligence. They effectively disrupted planned terrorist attacks while restoring calm to the affected communities.
In Azir, NAF air assets were swiftly deployed after receiving a situation report indicating ongoing hostile terrorist activity. On arrival, aircrew observed friendly forces engaging terrorists who were attempting to withdraw from the area.
Further surveillance revealed additional terrorist elements trying to regroup under nearby tree cover. The aircraft promptly engaged the targets in successive, coordinated strikes, resulting in the neutralisation of several insurgents.
Post-engagement assessments confirmed the absence of further threats, while feedback from ground troops, local authorities and community sources attested to the effectiveness of the air strikes and the return of relative peace.
Earlier, on 15 January, NAF aircraft also carried out a successful air interdiction mission at Musarram in the Tumbuns general area, following intelligence that terrorists were assembling on canoes to launch attacks along the Baga and Fish Dam axis. Upon arrival, the aircrew identified about 10 canoes conveying over 40 suspected terrorists.
Additionally, The targets were engaged in multiple passes, throwing the terrorists into disarray. Fleeing elements were pursued to nearby tree cover and neutralised, while others who regrouped at an assembly point were also successfully engaged.
Subsequent reports from ground forces and local communities confirmed that the operation dismantled the terrorist concentration and effectively thwarted their planned attacks.
Reacting to the successful missions, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to providing timely and effective air support to troops on the ground.
“These operations demonstrate the Nigerian Air Force’s readiness to respond decisively whenever our troops are in contact,” he 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 added
Air Marshal Aneke further assured Nigerians of the NAF’s sustained operational focus, stressing that the Service remains committed to protecting troops and safeguarding the nation. He added that relentless pressure would continue to be maintained on terrorist elements until lasting peace and security are achieved.
