NAF Pounds Terrorists in North-East, 592 Eliminated in 8-Month Air Blitz

Reports from Maiduguri indicate that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its counter-insurgency operations in the North-East, eliminating 592 terrorists and destroying 372 enemy assets in the past eight months. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, disclosed these figures during a visit to Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum.

According to official briefings, NAF aircraft conducted 798 combat sorties within the period, logging over 1,500 operational flight hours under Operation Hadin Kai. The strikes targeted terrorist vehicles, logistics hubs, and strongholds, destroying 206 technical vehicles and 166 key supply facilities deep within hostile territory.

Air Marshal Abubakar noted that the enhanced results were driven by an upgraded fleet and advanced precision night-strike capabilities. The operations, spanning areas from Gonori to Rann, Dikwa to Damboa, and Azir to Mallam Fatori, have been marked by coordinated day-and-night missions aimed at crippling insurgent mobility and dismantling their logistics networks.

The offensive has been bolstered by the deployment of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft for precision and night operations, Mi-171 helicopters for medical evacuation and logistics, and improved intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems for round-the-clock target tracking. The expected arrival of a new Mi-35 gunship is anticipated to further strengthen close-air support for ground forces.

Governor Zulum commended the Nigerian Air Force for its sustained contributions to securing Borno communities and weakening terrorist capabilities. He acknowledged the air operations as life-saving and instrumental in enabling communities to rebuild, expressing the state’s gratitude for the sacrifices made by air personnel.

Air Marshal Abubakar in turn praised Borno’s “Borno Model”—a combination of community-driven non-kinetic engagement and decisive military action—which he described as a winning formula in the ongoing campaign. He reaffirmed that the NAF’s mission extends beyond combat, focusing equally on protecting civilians and rebuilding public trust.

The Air Chief also inspected facilities at the NAF Base in Maiduguri, engaging with both aircrew and ground personnel, and urging them to sustain their relentless efforts. Operational updates on the Air Component’s activities in the region were also reviewed during the visit.