By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out precision air strikes and close air support operations in Azir and Musarram areas of Borno State, neutralising several terrorists and preventing planned attacks on civilians and military targets.
The operations, conducted on 15 and 16 January 2026 under the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, showcased seamless coordination between air and ground forces.
On 16 January, NAF jets swiftly responded to reports of hostile activity in Azir, where ground troops were engaged with retreating terrorists. Further aerial reconnaissance revealed additional fighters hiding under tree cover. The aircraft conducted multiple attack passes, neutralising the targets. Post-strike assessments and reports from local authorities and troops confirmed the successful elimination of the threat and the restoration of calm in the area.
The day before, on 15 January, air interdiction missions were launched at Musarram in the Tumbuns axis after intelligence indicated terrorists assembling on canoes to target the Baga and Fish Dam areas.
Approximately 10 canoes carrying over 40 suspected terrorists were sighted and engaged in successive attack runs. Fleeing and regrouping elements were tracked and neutralised, effectively dismantling the terrorist concentration and disrupting their planned attacks.
Commenting on the operations, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, affirmed the NAF’s readiness to provide timely and effective air support to ground forces. He emphasized that continued air–ground coordination is vital to denying terrorists freedom of action and restoring lasting peace in the North East.
The operations highlight the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to safeguarding troops, protecting civilians, and degrading terrorist networks to stabilise affected communities across the region.
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