1,500-hour flight operations conducted, 592 terrorists killed in Borno – NAF

The Nigerian Air Force says it has conducted more than 1,500 operational flight hours under the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai in the last eight months, killing at least 592 terrorists and destroying 372 enemy assets.

The operations, according to the Air Force, involved 798 combat sorties that significantly degraded the capabilities of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in the North-East.

NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, in a statement on Tuesday, said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, disclosed the figures during a courtesy visit to Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, in Maiduguri.

“The Nigerian Air Force unleashed an unyielding air onslaught against terrorist elements in the North-East, killing no fewer than 592 fighters and obliterating 372 enemy assets in eight months — a tempo of operations already outstripping the entirety of 2024,” the CAS said.

Backed by an upgraded fleet and precision night-strike capabilities, we have crippled terrorist mobility and logistics by destroying 206 technical vehicles and 166 key logistics hubs deep in hostile territory. This year, our air war is faster, sharper, and more surgical. We are taking out high-value targets, crippling their logistics, and hunting down every cell that threatens the peace of the North-East.”

From Gonori to Rann, Dikwa to Damboa, and Azir to Mallam Fatori, Abubakar said NAF aircraft had sustained day-and-night missions, employing A-29 Super Tucano jets for precision strikes, Mi-171 helicopters for logistics and medical evacuation, and advanced surveillance platforms for 24-hour target tracking.

He added that a newly acquired Mi-35 gunship was expected to further intensify close-air support for ground troops in the theatre.

The Air Chief praised the “Borno Model” — a community-driven, non-kinetic engagement strategy combined with hard-hitting 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,” Abubakar vowed, stressing that NAF’s operations were as much about protecting civilians and rebuilding trust as they were about destroying enemy capabilities.

Governor Zulum, in his remarks, commended the Air Force 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. 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,” he said.

The governor, however, called for the deployment of additional air platforms to further weaken terrorist strongholds in the Lake Chad area, Sambisa Forest, the Timbuktu Triangle, and the Mandara Mountains.

“Notwithstanding the enormous contribution to peace and security in the state by the Nigerian Air Force, we still need more in terms of air power in our general Area of Responsibility — especially in the shores of Lake Chad, Sambisa Forest, the Timbuktu Triangle, and the Mandara Mountains. These areas are very difficult to be manned effectively by ground troops alone. We need heavy air power to eliminate the insurgents and address insecurity in the general area,” he said.

Zulum also acknowledged the deployment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and other platforms to the state and region, pledging full support to enable the service to succeed.

“The Borno State Government remains fully committed to working in partnership with the Nigerian Air Force and other stakeholders to consolidate the gains we have achieved and address the gaps that persist,” he added.

The governor further commended the synergy between the Air Force and other security agencies in counter-insurgency operations, noting that it had contributed to recent operational successes.