By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its aerial campaign against terrorists in the North-East, killing no fewer than 592 fighters and destroying 372 enemy assets in just eight months, surpassing the total operational impact recorded in the whole of 2024.
Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this on Tuesday, 12 August 2025, in Maiduguri. He said the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, made the revelations during a courtesy visit to Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum.
Air Marshal Abubakar, highlighting the tempo and precision of ongoing operations, noted that the feat was achieved through an upgraded fleet, enhanced surveillance, and the introduction of precision night-strike capabilities. “Backed by an upgraded fleet and precision night-strike capabilities, NAF aircraft had executed 798 combat sorties, clocking over 1,500 operational flight hours in the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai,” he said. He added that the strikes had crippled terrorist mobility and logistics, destroying 206 technical vehicles and 166 key logistics hubs deep in hostile territory.
“This year, our air war is faster, sharper, and more surgical,” the CAS declared. “We are taking out high-value targets, crippling their logistics, and hunting down every cell that threatens the peace of the North-East.”
From Gonori to Rann, Dikwa to Damboa, Azir to Mallam Fatori, NAF aircraft have delivered sustained day-and-night bombardments on terrorist hideouts, employing A-29 Super Tucano aircraft for precision missions, Mi-171 helicopters for logistics and medical evacuations, and advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms for continuous target tracking. The CAS also announced that a new Mi-35 gunship is expected to further strengthen close-air support for ground forces.
Governor Zulum commended the Air Force for its sustained support to the counter-insurgency efforts in Borno State. “The Nigerian Air Force has been a steadfast partner in our fight against insurgency. 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,” he said.
Air Marshal Abubakar, in turn, lauded the state’s innovative counter-insurgency strategy, describing it as the “Borno Model” a blend of community-driven, non-kinetic engagement and decisive military action. “We are winning this war in the air, on the ground, and in the hearts of the people,” he said, stressing that the NAF’s mission is as much about civilian protection and restoring trust as it is about destroying enemy capabilities.
During the visit, the CAS inspected facilities at the NAF Base in Maiduguri, interacted with aircrew and ground personnel, and received operational briefings from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai. He urged personnel to sustain their momentum, underscoring the NAF’s unwavering commitment to national defence through air power, intelligence, and inter-agency cooperation.
