Khadijah Shehu Abdulkareem
MAIDUGURI – The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its aerial campaign against insurgents in the North-East, eliminating no fewer than 592 terrorists and destroying 372 enemy assets in the past eight months.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, disclosed the figures during a courtesy visit to Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, in Maiduguri.
According to Abubakar, NAF aircraft, equipped with upgraded fleets and precision night-strike capabilities, have flown 798 combat sorties and logged over 1,500 operational hours under the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai.
“Our operations have crippled terrorist mobility and logistics by destroying 206 technical vehicles and 166 key logistics hubs deep inside hostile territory,” he said. “This year, our air war is faster, sharper, and more surgical. We are taking out high-value targets, crippling their supply chains, and dismantling every cell that threatens the peace of the North-East.”
From Gonori to Rann, Dikwa to Damboa, and Azir to Mallam Fatori, coordinated day-and-night strikes have dismantled multiple insurgent strongholds, the CAS added.
The offensive, he noted, has been bolstered by the deployment of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft for precision and night missions, Mi-171 helicopters for medical evacuation and logistics, and enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms for continuous target tracking. A new Mi-35 gunship is also expected to strengthen close-air support for ground forces.
Governor Zulum commended the Air Force for its sustained role in degrading insurgent capabilities and safeguarding communities.
“The Nigerian Air Force has been a steadfast partner in our fight against insurgency,” Zulum said. “Your operations have saved countless lives and allowed our communities to begin rebuilding. The people of Borno State recognise your sacrifices and stand firmly behind you.”
Air Marshal Abubakar praised the “Borno Model” — a blend of community-driven non-kinetic engagement and robust military action — describing it as a winning formula in the ongoing counter-insurgency effort.
“We are winning this war in the air, on the ground, and in the hearts of the people,” he vowed, stressing that NAF operations are aimed at both destroying enemy capabilities and rebuilding public trust.
The Air Chief also inspected facilities at the NAF Base in Maiduguri, held interactive sessions with air and ground crews, and received briefings on current operational activities in the theatre.