The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has delivered decisive Close Air Support and precision air interdiction operations in Azir and Musarram areas of Borno State, neutralising several terrorists and thwarting planned attacks through coordinated air-ground operations.
The successful missions, carried out on 15 and 16 January 2026 under the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, underscore the NAF’s sustained commitment to intelligence-led operations, rapid response, and seamless collaboration with ground troops in the fight against terrorism.
In the early hours of 16 January 2026, NAF aircraft swiftly responded to a real-time distress report from troops in contact at Azir. Upon arrival, aircrew observed friendly forces engaging terrorists who were withdrawing from the area.
Further aerial scans revealed additional terrorist elements attempting to regroup under nearby tree cover. The aircraft engaged the targets in successive, well-coordinated passes, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists.
A post-strike assessment confirmed the elimination of immediate threats, while reports from ground troops, local authorities, and community sources attested to the significant impact of the air strikes and the restoration of relative calm in the area.
Similarly, on 15 January 2026, NAF air assets executed a successful air interdiction mission at Musarram in the Tumbuns general area, following credible intelligence that terrorists were assembling on canoes with plans to launch attacks along the Baga and Fish Dam axis. On arrival, the aircrew sighted about 10 canoes and more than 40 suspected terrorists.
The targets were engaged in three successive attack passes, throwing the terrorists into disarray. Fleeing elements were trailed to nearby tree cover and neutralised, while others who attempted to regroup at an assembly point were also engaged and eliminated. Subsequent feedback from ground forces and local communities confirmed that the operation effectively dismantled the terrorist concentration and disrupted their planned attacks.
Reacting to the successful operations, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering resolve to provide timely and effective air support to troops on the ground.
“These operations highlight the Nigerian Air Force’s readiness to respond decisively whenever our troops are in contact,” Air Marshal Aneke 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 further assured Nigerians of the Service’s sustained operational focus, stressing that the NAF remains firmly committed to protecting troops and safeguarding the nation.
“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to maintain relentless pressure on all terrorist elements until lasting peace and security are achieved,” he added.
The latest air operations once again demonstrate the effectiveness of integrated air-ground collaboration and reinforce the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities and stabilise affected communities across the country.
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