The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded its most decisive gains yet in the fight against insurgency, eliminating at least 592 terrorists and destroying 372 enemy assets in an intensified eight-month air campaign across Borno State.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, disclosed the figures on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum in Maiduguri, noting that the current operational tempo had already surpassed the achievements of the entire previous year.
Abubakar attributed the breakthrough to an upgraded fleet, enhanced precision night-strike capability, and seamless coordination with other security agencies under Operation Hadin Kai. He revealed that NAF had flown 798 combat sorties — over 1,500 flight hours, neutralising 206 technical vehicles and 166 key logistics hubs, significantly crippling terrorist mobility and supply lines.
From Gonori to Rann, Dikwa to Damboa, Azir to Mallam Fatori, NAF’s A-29 Super Tucanos, Mi-171 helicopters, and advanced ISR platforms have maintained relentless day-and-night strikes, enabling continuous target tracking and deep-penetration missions in hostile terrain. The CAS further announced the imminent deployment of a new Mi-35 gunship to bolster close-air support for ground troops.
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Governor Zulum hailed the Air Force’s role in degrading terrorist capabilities and protecting communities, saying its actions had saved lives and facilitated the rebuilding of conflict-hit towns. He also credited NAF’s collaboration with Borno’s “community-driven, non-kinetic” security model as a key factor in sustaining gains against insurgents.
While in Maiduguri, Air Marshal Abubakar inspected NAF base facilities, interacted with personnel, and received operational briefings, reaffirming the force’s commitment to protecting civilians, restoring public trust, and safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity through precision air power and inter-agency cooperation.