NAF Jets Pound Terrorists in Borno, Thwart Planned Attacks in Azir and Musarram
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has delivered decisive blows against terrorist elements in Borno State, neutralising several fighters and foiling imminent attacks through well-coordinated close air support and precision air interdiction missions in Azir and Musarram areas.
The operations, conducted on 15 and 16 January 2026 under the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, were intelligence-led and executed in close coordination with ground troops, reinforcing ongoing efforts to deny terrorists freedom of action while safeguarding civilian populations.
In the early hours of 16 January, NAF aircraft were scrambled to Azir following real-time reports of hostile terrorist activity against troops on the ground. Upon arrival, aircrew observed friendly forces engaging terrorists who were withdrawing from the area.
Further aerial scans revealed additional terrorist elements attempting to regroup under nearby tree cover. The aircraft swiftly engaged the targets in successive, precision strikes, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists.
Post-strike assessments confirmed the absence of further threats, while feedback from ground troops, local authorities and community sources attested to the devastating impact of the air action and the restoration of relative calm.
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A day earlier, on 15 January, NAF air assets carried out a successful air interdiction mission at Musarram in the Tumbuns general area, following credible intelligence that terrorists were assembling on canoes with plans to attack the Baga and Fish Dam axis. On arrival at the target area, aircrew sighted about 10 canoes and more than 40 suspected terrorists.
The targets were engaged in three successive passes, throwing the terrorists into disarray.
Fleeing elements were trailed to nearby tree cover and neutralised, while others who regrouped at an assembly point were equally engaged and eliminated. Subsequent reports confirmed that the operation effectively dismantled the terrorist concentration and disrupted their planned attacks.
Reacting to the successful missions, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed the NAF’s unwavering commitment to supporting troops in contact.
He noted that the operations underscored the Service’s readiness to respond swiftly and decisively through effective intelligence utilisation and seamless air–ground coordination.
Air Marshal Aneke further assured Nigerians that the Nigerian Air Force would continue to apply sustained pressure on terrorist elements until lasting peace and security are achieved, stressing that the latest operations once again highlight the effectiveness of integrated air–ground collaboration in degrading terrorist capabilities across the country.
The strikes mark another significant boost to the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism campaign in the North-East, as security forces intensify efforts to stabilise affected communities and prevent further attacks.