By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dealt a decisive blow to terrorist elements in the North-East, killing no fewer than five hundred and ninety-two (592) fighters and destroying three hundred and seventy two enemy assets in the last eight months surpassing the operational achievements recorded throughout the entire 2024.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, made the disclosure on Tuesday in Maiduguri during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum.
According to the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the results were achieved through enhanced air capabilities, including upgraded aircraft fleets, precision night-strike systems, and improved intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms.
Air Marshal Abubakar said NAF aircraft under the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai had flown seven hundred and seventy-eight (798) combat sorties and logged over one thousand five hundred (1,500) operational flight hours within the period. He explained that the sustained offensive had crippled terrorist mobility and supply chains by destroying two hundred and six (206) technical vehicles and one hundred and sixty-six (166) major logistics hubs located deep within hostile territories.
“This year, our air war is faster, sharper, and more surgical,” the CAS stated. “We are taking out high-value targets, dismantling their logistics, and eliminating every cell that threatens the peace of the North-East.”
The operations, he noted, were executed both day and night across multiple locations, including Gonori, Rann, Dikwa, Damboa, Azir, and Mallam Fatori, often in challenging terrain. The offensive was supported by A-29 Super Tucano aircraft for precision and night missions, Mi-171 helicopters for logistics and medical evacuation, and ISR platforms for continuous target tracking. A newly acquired Mi-35 gunship, he added, is expected to further strengthen close air support for ground troops.
Governor Zulum praised the 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,” he said. “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.”
In response, Air Marshal Abubakar commended the “Borno Model” a strategy combining community-driven non-kinetic engagement with decisive military action describing it as 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 affirmed.
During his visit, the CAS inspected facilities at the NAF Base in Maiduguri, interacted with air and ground personnel, and received briefings on current operational activities. He reiterated the NAF’s unwavering commitment to national defence, vowing to maintain the tempo of operations through superior air power, intelligence-led missions, and strong collaboration with other security agencies to protect lives and restore peace in the North-East.
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