The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has carried out coordinated air operations in Azir and Musarram areas of Borno State, killing several terrorists and disrupting planned attacks through close air support and air interdiction missions.
The operations, conducted on Jan. 15 and 16, were executed under the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the NAF.
NAF aircraft provided close air support to troops engaged in combat in Azir on Jan. 16 after receiving real-time intelligence on terrorist movements in the area.
Aircrew reportedly identified insurgents withdrawing and attempting to regroup under nearby tree cover and engaged them in multiple coordinated strikes.
A post-strike assessment indicated that the targets were neutralised, while subsequent reports from ground troops, local authorities and community sources confirmed a restoration of calm in the area, the statement said.
Earlier, on Jan. 15, NAF air assets carried out an air interdiction mission at Musarram, within the Tumbuns general area, following intelligence that terrorists were assembling in canoes to launch attacks on the Baga and Fish Dam axis.
The Air Force said about 10 canoes and more than 40 suspected terrorists were sighted at the location.
The targets were engaged in several passes, forcing the group into disarray.
Fleeing elements were tracked to nearby cover and engaged, while others who attempted to regroup were also neutralised, according to the statement.
Reacting to the operations, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the missions underscored the Air Force’s readiness to provide timely support to ground forces.
“These operations highlight the Nigerian Air Force’s readiness to respond decisively whenever our troops are in contact,” Aneke said.
He added that intelligence-driven operations and close coordination with ground forces would continue to deny terrorist groups the ability to regroup or launch attacks.
The Air Force said the latest operations demonstrate the effectiveness of joint air–ground collaboration as the military continues efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities and stabilise affected communities in the Northeast.
