The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded one of its most significant operational achievements in recent years, neutralising no fewer than 2,351 terrorists through sustained, intelligence-driven air operations conducted across multiple theatres nationwide in 2025.

According to official figures, the successes were achieved through 274 Air Interdiction (AI) missions flown in 379 combat sorties, targeting terrorist strongholds, logistics hubs, training camps and key mobility corridors. The missions, which accumulated about 800 flight hours, underscore the Air Force’s sustained operational reach, persistence and dominance. The statistics exclude hundreds of additional missions involving Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), close air support to ground forces and armed reconnaissance operations.

Beyond the immediate neutralisation of terrorist elements, the air interdiction campaign delivered far-reaching operational effects. Sustained precision strikes disrupted supply chains, severed mobility routes and degraded leadership structures linking terrorist enclaves across the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions. These actions denied hostile groups freedom of movement and sanctuary, enabling ground forces to advance, reclaim contested areas and stabilise vulnerable communities, while significantly reducing the operational tempo and morale of terrorist and bandit groups.

In the maritime and energy security domain, NAF operations in the Niger Delta also recorded strategic gains. Precision air strikes led to the destruction of hundreds of illegal refining reservoirs, 126 storage tanks and several boats used by oil thieves and criminal syndicates. These operations significantly weakened the financial lifelines of illicit networks, contributed to improved oil production and reinforced national economic resilience.

Commenting on the achievements, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described 2025 as a defining year for the Service, noting that the results reflected the growing precision, effectiveness and lethality of NAF air power. He attributed the successes to intelligence-driven targeting, improved platform availability, enhanced crew proficiency and seamless integration with surface forces and other security agencies.

Air Marshal Aneke further credited the sustained support of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing deliberate investments in modern air platforms, personnel welfare, training, infrastructure and enabling policies as critical to the NAF’s improved operational readiness. He noted that strong political will, strategic guidance and consistent funding have positioned the Service to deliver credible air power in support of national security objectives.

Looking ahead, the CAS assured Nigerians that the Nigerian Air Force will intensify kinetic air operations in 2026 while maintaining strict adherence to Rules of Engagement and International Humanitarian Law. He warned that criminal and terrorist elements would continue to face precise and overwhelming air power, stressing that no part of the country would serve as a safe haven for enemies of the state.

The Nigerian Air Force also reaffirmed that the protection of civilians remains central to its operations, with continuous improvements in intelligence validation, targeting processes and mission oversight to minimise collateral damage. Citizens were urged to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely and credible information as efforts continue to restore lasting peace, stability and national prosperity.