The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has killed more than 40 terrorists in coordinated air strikes in Azir and Musarram, Borno State, effectively thwarting planned attacks on civilian communities.
In a statement on Sunday, NAF Spokesman Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the precision strikes were executed by aircraft operating under the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, following credible intelligence on terrorist movements.
“Post-strike assessment confirmed no further threats, while feedback from ground troops, local authorities, and community sources indicated a significant degradation of terrorist presence and a return of relative calm,” Ejodame said.
He added that the operation targeted terrorists attempting to regroup under nearby tree cover, with multiple air passes neutralising several elements.
“Earlier, NAF air assets carried out a successful air interdiction at Musarram in the Tumbuns general area after intelligence revealed terrorists assembling on canoes to launch attacks along the Baga and Fish Dam axis. On arrival, the aircraft sighted about 10 canoes and over 40 suspected terrorists, who were engaged in multiple passes, throwing them into disarray,” he explained.
Ejodame noted that fleeing elements were tracked and neutralised, and others regrouping at assembly areas were also targeted, effectively dismantling the terrorist concentration.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to providing timely and decisive air support to ground forces.
“These operations demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-led air power and close air–ground coordination in denying terrorists freedom of action,” Aneke said. He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would continue to apply sustained pressure on terrorist elements to stabilise affected areas.
