NAF jets crush terrorists, neutralises dozens in Borno
Nigerian Air Force NAF
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has delivered crushing close air support to ground troops, wiping out terrorist groups in coordinated strikes across Azir and Musarram areas on January 15 and 16, 2026, thwarting planned attacks and restoring calm.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, announced the operations in a statement Sunday, highlighting the service’s “sustained commitment to timely, intelligence-led air support and seamless coordination with ground forces to deny terrorists freedom of action while protecting both troops and civilian populations.”
In Azir on January 16, NAF aircraft under Operation HADIN KAI responded swiftly to troops engaging withdrawing terrorists. Scans spotted regrouping fighters hiding under trees, which aircrews targeted in “successive, well-coordinated passes,” neutralising several.
Post-strike assessments from ground forces, local authorities, and communities confirmed the strikes’ “devastating impact” and no remaining threats.
The day prior in Musarram, near the Tumbuns, jets interdicted over 40 terrorists on about 10 canoes plotting assaults on Baga and Fish Dam.
Engaged in three passes, the group scattered into disarray; fleeing survivours were pursued to tree cover and an assembly point, where they were eliminated.
Ground and community feedback verified the mission “effectively dismantled the terrorist concentration and disrupted their planned attacks.”
Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke praised the integrated effort, “These operations highlight the Nigerian Air Force’s readiness to respond decisively whenever our troops are in contact. 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.”
Aneke reaffirmed NAF’s resolve, “The Nigerian Air Force remains firmly committed to protecting our troops and safeguarding the nation. Nigerians can be assured that we will continue to maintain relentless pressure on all terrorist elements until lasting peace and security are achieved.”
