NAF airstrikes kill over 40 terrorists in Borno

NAF airstrikes kill over 40 terrorists in Borno

Reported by Sele Media Africa|Ihuoma Amarachi

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully neutralised more than 40 terrorists in coordinated airstrike operations in the Azir and Musarram areas of Borno State, northeast Nigeria. The air power campaign disrupted planned attacks, weakened insurgent positions, and bolstered ongoing ground offensives against terror groups operating in the region. According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the operations were carried out under the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI on January 15 and 16, 2026 following actionable intelligence and close coordination with troops on the ground. In the Azir axis, NAF aircraft responded to a distress call from troops in contact and engaged insurgents who were withdrawing and attempting to regroup. The precision airstrikes successfully neutralised multiple terrorist elements, with post‑strike assessments confirming no further threats in the area and the restoration of relative calm. Earlier, on January 15, air interdiction missions were conducted at Musarram within the Tumbuns general area, where intelligence revealed terrorists assembling on canoes in preparation for attacks along major local routes. The aircraft sighted about 10 canoes carrying over 40 suspected terrorists, engaging them in multiple attack passes and forcing them into disarray.

Some fleeing elements were chased and neutralised, while others who attempted to regroup were also engaged, effectively dismantling the terrorist concentration and disrupting their planned assaults, the NAF statement added. Reacting to the successes, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff, reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to providing timely and decisive air support to ground forces operating in the Northeast, stressing that intelligence‑led operations and close coordination remain key in denying terrorists freedom of action. Azir and Musarram, both located in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, have historically been hotspots of insurgent activity linked to Boko Haram and its splinter group, ISWAP. The recent NAF operations form part of sustained efforts by the Armed Forces of Nigeria to degrade terrorist networks, protect civilian populations, and restore lasting peace to the region.

Citations:

1. BusinessDay NG – “NAF airstrikes kill over 40 terrorists in Borno”https://businessday.ng/news/article/naf-airstrikes-kill-over-40-terrorists-in-borno

2. The Nation Online – “NAF airstrikes kill over 40 terrorists, disrupt planned attacks”https://thenationonlineng.net/naf-airstrikes-kill-over-40-terrorists-disrupt-planned-attacks-on-civilians

3. TVC News – “NAF airstrikes kill terrorists in Tumbuns, Azir in Borno”https://www.tvcnews.tv/naf-airstrikes-kill-terrorists-in-tumbuns-azir-in-borno

4. Nigeria Info FM – “Nigerian Air Force conducts airstrikes, kills terrorists in Borno communities”https://www.nigeriainfo.fm/lagos/news/homepagelagos/nigerian-air-force-conducts-airstrikes-kills-terrorists-in-borno-communities

About The Author

Ihuoma Amarachi Grace

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Ihuoma Amarachi Grace is a journalist with Sele Media Africa, committed to telling authentic African stories with depth and creativity. A Christian and a student of English and Literary Studies, she blends her love for writing with the art of spoken word to inspire and inform. Her voice adds a thoughtful and artistic dimension to Sele Media’s mission of amplifying unheard voices across the continent.

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