The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has delivered decisive Close Air Support and precision air interdiction strikes against terrorist elements in the Azir and Musarram areas of Borno State, neutralising several insurgents and disrupting coordinated plans to attack military positions and civilian communities.

The operations, conducted on 15 and 16 January 2026 under the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, demonstrated effective intelligence-led planning and close coordination between air and ground forces, significantly degrading terrorist capabilities in the affected areas.

In the early hours of 16 January 2026, NAF aircraft swiftly responded to a real-time distress report from troops in contact at Azir. Upon arrival, aircrew observed friendly forces engaging terrorists who were attempting to withdraw from the area. Further surveillance revealed the insurgents regrouping and taking cover under nearby trees. The aircraft immediately engaged the targets in successive, well-coordinated passes, neutralising several terrorists. Post-strike assessments confirmed the absence of further threats, while reports from ground troops, local authorities and community sources later confirmed the effectiveness of the operation and the restoration of relative calm in the area.

A day earlier, on 15 January 2026, NAF air assets carried out a successful air interdiction mission at Musarram in the Tumbuns general area. The operation followed credible intelligence indicating that terrorists were massing on canoes in preparation for attacks along 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 group into disarray. Fleeing elements were trailed to nearby tree cover and engaged, while others who attempted to regroup at an assembly point were subsequently neutralised. Feedback from ground forces and local communities confirmed that the strikes effectively dismantled the terrorist concentration and thwarted the planned attacks.

Reacting to the successful missions, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to supporting ground operations. He said the strikes underscored the NAF’s readiness to respond decisively whenever troops are engaged.

“Through effective use of intelligence and close coordination with ground forces, we will continue to deny terrorists the ability to regroup, manoeuvre or carry out attacks,” Air Marshal Aneke stated.

He further assured Nigerians of the Air Force’s sustained operational focus, stressing that relentless pressure would be maintained on terrorist elements until lasting peace and security are achieved. The latest operations highlight the growing effectiveness of integrated air–ground collaboration in the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to stabilise conflict-affected areas across the country.