The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has delivered decisive Close Air Support (CAS) and precision air interdiction operations in the Azir and Musarram areas of Borno State, successfully neutralising several terrorists and disrupting planned attacks through coordinated air–ground operations.
According to a press statement by Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the successful missions were conducted on 15 and 16 January 2026 and underscore the NAF’s sustained commitment to intelligence-led operations and seamless coordination with ground forces to deny terrorists freedom of action while safeguarding troops and civilian populations.
In the early hours of 16 January 2026, NAF aircraft operating under the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI responded swiftly to hostile terrorist activities in Azir. Acting on real-time intelligence, the aircrew arrived overhead as friendly forces engaged terrorists withdrawing from the area. The video below;
Further aerial scans revealed additional elements attempting to regroup under nearby tree cover. The NAF aircraft conducted successive, well-coordinated strikes, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists.
Post-engagement assessments confirmed the absence of further threats, while reports from ground troops, local authorities, and community sources verified the effectiveness of the air strikes and the restoration of relative calm.
Earlier, on 15 January 2026, NAF air assets executed a successful air interdiction mission at Musarram in the Tumbuns general area, following credible intelligence that terrorists were assembling on canoes with plans to attack the Baga and Fish Dam axis.
On arrival, the aircrew identified about 10 canoes and over 40 suspected terrorists. The targets were engaged in three successive passes, throwing the terrorists into disarray. Fleeing elements were trailed to nearby tree cover and neutralised, while others who regrouped at an assembly area were also acquired and engaged.
Subsequent feedback from ground forces and local communities confirmed that the operation effectively dismantled the terrorist concentration and thwarted their planned attacks.
Reacting to the successful operations, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering resolve to provide prompt and effective air support to troops in contact. He noted that the operations demonstrate the NAF’s readiness to respond decisively through effective intelligence utilisation and close coordination with ground forces.
Air Marshal Aneke further assured Nigerians of the Service’s sustained operational focus, emphasising that the Nigerian Air Force remains firmly committed to protecting troops and safeguarding the nation. The latest operations once again highlight the effectiveness of integrated air–ground collaboration in degrading terrorist capabilities and stabilising affected areas across the country.
