The Nigerian Air Force has revealed that its air operations under Operation Hadin Kai have resulted in the elimination of 592 terrorists and the destruction of 372 enemy assets over the past eight months in the North-East.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, in Maiduguri, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet.
Abubakar said the operations were part of a sustained aerial campaign against Boko Haram and ISWAP, which has already outpaced the tempo of airstrikes conducted in the entire 2024.
“With more than 1,500 flight hours flown across 798 combat sorties, we have crippled terrorist networks by neutralising fighters, destroying technical vehicles, and dismantling logistics hubs,” Abubakar said.
“This year, our air war is faster, sharper, and more surgical. We’re taking out high-value targets, severing their logistics chains, and eliminating cells threatening the peace in the North-East.”
The Air Chief highlighted the destruction of 206 technical vehicles and 166 key logistics facilities deep within insurgent territory achievements made possible through enhanced capabilities, including night-time precision strikes and improved surveillance coverage.
From Gonori to Rann, Dikwa to Damboa, and Azir to Mallam Fatori, NAF aircraft have reportedly maintained an unrelenting tempo, deploying A-29 Super Tucanos, Mi-171 helicopters, and advanced surveillance platforms for 24/7 missions.
Abubakar also announced the induction of a new Mi-35 gunship, which he said will further strengthen air-to-ground support for troops on the frontlines.
He praised what he called the “Borno Model” a hybrid strategy that fuses community-based engagement with kinetic air operations as a successful framework in the fight against insurgency.
“We are winning this war in the air, on the ground, and in the hearts of the people,” Abubakar declared.
“This mission is not just about destruction; it’s about protection. Protecting civilians, rebuilding trust, and restoring normalcy.”
In response, Governor Zulum applauded the Air Force for its critical role in shielding communities and degrading insurgent capabilities. He emphasized the importance of maintaining air dominance to consolidate recent gains.
“The Nigerian Air Force has saved countless lives through its operations. We acknowledge your sacrifices and unwavering support,” Zulum said.
However, he urged the deployment of additional air assets to challenging terrains such as the Lake Chad Basin, Sambisa Forest, the Timbuktu Triangle, and the Mandara Mountains, noting that these areas are difficult for ground troops to cover effectively.
“We still need stronger air presence in these regions to eliminate remaining threats and stabilise the area,” the governor said.
Zulum also welcomed the deployment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and pledged continued cooperation with NAF to ensure mission success. He further praised the inter-agency collaboration between NAF and other security forces, which he said had driven recent progress in the counter-insurgency campaign.
“The Borno State Government remains fully committed to working closely with the Nigerian Air Force to strengthen security and close remaining gaps,” he concluded.
