THE Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded sweeping successes in its counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East, clocking more than 1,500 operational flight hours and eliminating at least 592 terrorists in just eight months under the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai.
According to NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the figures were disclosed by the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, during a courtesy visit to Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, on Tuesday in Maiduguri.
Abubakar revealed that the air campaign involved 798 combat sorties, destroying 372 enemy assets, including 206 technical vehicles and 166 logistics hubs, significantly degrading the operational capabilities of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.
“This year, our air war is faster, sharper, and more surgical. We are taking out high-value targets, crippling their logistics, and hunting down every cell that threatens the peace of the North-East,” the Air Chief declared.
From Gonori to Rann, Dikwa to Damboa, and Azir to Mallam Fatori, NAF has sustained day-and-night operations using A-29 Super Tucano jets for precision strikes, Mi-171 helicopters for logistics and medical evacuation, and advanced surveillance aircraft for 24-hour target tracking.
Abubakar noted that the recent acquisition of a Mi-35 gunship will boost close-air support for ground forces, while Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) continue to enhance intelligence and surveillance capabilities.
The CAS praised what he called the “Borno Model”, a blend of aggressive military action and community-driven non-kinetic engagement — which he described as “a winning formula” in the ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.
“We are winning this war in the air, on the ground, and in the hearts of the people,” Abubakar vowed, stressing that NAF’s mission extends beyond destroying enemy infrastructure to protecting civilians and rebuilding trust.
Governor Zulum commended the Air Force for its critical role in degrading insurgent capabilities and securing communities.
“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,” Zulum said.
However, he urged the deployment of additional air assets to difficult-to-access areas such as the Lake Chad shores, Sambisa Forest, the Timbuktu Triangle, and the Mandara Mountains, where ground troops alone face operational challenges.
“We need heavy air power to eliminate the insurgents and address insecurity in these regions,” the governor stressed.
Zulum also acknowledged the synergy between NAF and other security agencies, saying it had been key to recent successes in the fight against insurgency.
He pledged the state government’s full support to sustain momentum and close existing security gaps.
“Borno State remains fully committed to working with the Nigerian Air Force and all stakeholders to consolidate the gains we have achieved,” he affirmed.
With more precision air strikes, enhanced surveillance, and continued ground coordination, both the Air Force and Borno State Government say they are determined to push insurgents further into disarray and restore lasting peace to the region.