By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has delivered decisive close air support and precision air interdiction in Azir and Musarram areas of Borno State, neutralising several terrorists and effectively disrupting planned attacks through tightly coordinated air–ground operations in support of troops in contact.
The successful missions, conducted on January 15 and 16, 2026, were confirmed in an official statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame. He said the operations once again demonstrated the NAF’s capacity for timely, intelligence-driven air power and seamless coordination with ground forces to deny terrorists freedom of action while safeguarding both troops and civilian populations.
In the early hours of January 16, NAF aircraft operating under the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI were swiftly deployed to Azir following a real-time situation report on hostile terrorist activity. On arrival overhead, the aircrew observed friendly forces engaging terrorists who were withdrawing from the area. Further aerial scans revealed additional terrorist elements attempting to regroup and conceal themselves under nearby tree cover.
The aircraft immediately acquired the targets and engaged them in successive, well-coordinated passes, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists. Post-engagement assessments confirmed the absence of further threats, while subsequent reports from ground troops, corroborated by local authorities and community sources, confirmed the devastating impact of the air strikes and the restoration of relative calm in the area.
A day earlier, on January 15, NAF air assets carried out a successful air interdiction mission at Musarram in the Tumbuns general area, following credible intelligence that terrorists were assembling on canoes in preparation for attacks on the Baga and Fish Dam axis. Upon arrival, the aircrew sighted about 10 canoes and more than 40 suspected terrorists at the location.
The targets were engaged in three successive passes, throwing the terrorists into disarray. Some fleeing elements were trailed to nearby tree cover and subsequently engaged, while others who attempted to regroup at an assembly point were also acquired and neutralised using available mission stores. Feedback from ground forces and local communities later confirmed that the operation dismantled the terrorist concentration and successfully disrupted the planned attacks.
Reacting to the outcome of the 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 ground forces whenever they are in contact.
“These operations highlight the Nigerian Air Force’s readiness to respond decisively whenever our troops are in contact,” the CAS said. “Through effective intelligence utilisation and close coordination with ground forces, we will continue to deny terrorists the ability to regroup, manoeuvre, or carry out attacks.”
Air Marshal Aneke further reassured Nigerians of the NAF’s sustained operational focus, stressing that pressure on terrorist elements would not relent. “The Nigerian Air Force remains firmly committed to protecting our troops and safeguarding the nation. Nigerians can be assured that we will continue to maintain relentless pressure on all terrorist elements until lasting peace and security are achieved,” he added.
The latest air operations underscore the effectiveness of integrated air–ground collaboration and reinforce the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s broader efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities and stabilise conflict-affected areas across the country.
