The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has foiled planned terrorist attacks in parts of Borno State following coordinated air–ground operations that eliminated several fighters and disrupted enemy movements.
The operations were conducted on January 15 and 16, 2026, in the Azir and Musarram areas, in close support of ground troops under Operation Hadin Kai.
According to the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the missions demonstrated sustained intelligence-led operations and effective coordination between air and ground forces.
In Azir, NAF aircraft responded swiftly to real-time intelligence indicating hostile activity. Aerial surveillance identified terrorists attempting to withdraw and regroup under tree cover, prompting precision attack passes that neutralised multiple fighters.
Post-strike assessments and feedback from ground troops, local authorities and community sources confirmed that the operation restored relative calm in the area.
A day earlier, NAF air assets also carried out an interdiction mission at Musarram in the Tumbuns general area after intelligence revealed terrorists assembling on canoes to launch attacks along the Baga and Fish Dam axis.
The aircrew identified about 10 canoes and over 40 suspected terrorists, engaging them in multiple attack passes that scattered and neutralised the fighters, effectively dismantling the group.
Reacting to the success of the operations, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to providing timely and decisive air support to troops on the ground.
He assured Nigerians that the Air Force would maintain relentless pressure on terrorist elements until lasting peace and security are achieved.
Linus Aleke in Abuja
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