NAF Air Strikes Neutralise 40 Terrorists, Foil Planned Attacks in Borno
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has conducted coordinated air strikes and close air support operations in parts of Borno State, neutralising over 40 terrorists and disrupting planned attacks on civilian and military targets.
The operations were carried out on January 15 and 16, 2026, in the Azir and Musarram areas under the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, demonstrating effective collaboration between air and ground forces.
On January 16, NAF aircraft responded swiftly to reports of terrorist activity in Azir, where ground troops were engaging fleeing insurgents. Aerial surveillance later detected additional fighters concealed under tree cover. The aircraft carried out multiple precision strikes, successfully neutralising the targets. Post-operation assessments, supported by feedback from troops and local authorities, confirmed that the threat was eliminated and calm restored in the area.
Earlier, on January 15, air interdiction missions were launched in Musarram, within the Tumbuns axis, following intelligence reports that terrorists were mobilising on canoes to launch attacks on Baga and the Fish Dam area. About 10 canoes conveying more than 40 suspected terrorists were identified and engaged in successive air strikes. Attempts by the fighters to flee or regroup were tracked and thwarted, effectively dismantling the planned assault.
Reacting to the operations, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to providing timely and decisive air support to ground forces. He stressed that sustained air–ground cooperation remains crucial to denying terrorists operational freedom and restoring lasting peace in the North East.
The NAF said the successful missions underscore its resolve to protect civilians and troops while degrading terrorist networks and stabilising affected communities across the region.
