The Nigerian Air Force has neutralised more than 40 terrorists in coordinated air operations in the Azir and Musarram areas of Borno State.
The operations, conducted on January 15 and January 16, 2026, followed actionable intelligence on planned attacks targeting both military personnel and local communities.
Early on January 16, 2026, NAF jets responded to a distress alert at Azir, where troops were confronting retreating insurgents.
Precision airstrikes disrupted the group, eliminating several fighters and forcing the rest to scatter.
On January 15, 2026, air interdiction missions were carried out at Musarram, targeting terrorists assembling along waterways to launch attacks on the Baga and Fish Dam axis.
About ten canoes and more than 40 insurgents were neutralised, leaving the group in disarray.
Post-strike assessments confirmed that the areas were cleared of immediate threats.
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Local authorities and military personnel reported a significant reduction in terrorist activity and the return of relative calm to affected communities.
The Nigerian Air Force issued a statement on Sunday, January 18, 2026, detailing the success of the operations.
Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff, said the missions demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven air power and close coordination with ground forces.
He reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to sustained operations aimed at degrading insurgent capabilities and protecting communities across the North-East.