NAF Neutralised 2,351 Terrorists In 274 Air Interdiction Missions In 2025 – Spokesman
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded decisive succesees in 2025, neutralising no fewer than 2,351 terrorists through sustained, intelligence-driven air operations across the country in 2025, the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement on Wednesday.
He said that 274 Air Interdiction (AI) missions targeting terrorist strongholds, logistics hubs, training camps, and critical mobility corridors, were successfully executed across multiple operational theatres nationwide in 2025.
“The figures exclude hundreds of additional airpower missions involving Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), close air support to surface forces, and armed reconnaissance operations. The AI missions alone accumulated approximately 800 flight hours, underscoring the NAF’s sustained reach, persistence, and operational dominance.
“Beyond the immediate neutralisation of terrorist fighters, the air interdiction campaign delivered decisive operational effects across key threat corridors.
“Sustained precision strikes disrupted supply chains, severed mobility routes, and degraded leadership structures linking terrorist enclaves in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions, denying hostile elements freedom of movement and sanctuary.
“These effects enabled surface forces to advance, reclaim contested areas, and stabilise vulnerable communities, while significantly reducing the operational tempo and morale of terrorist and bandit groups. Overall, the campaign has resulted in a measurable contraction of hostile networks and a marked improvement in security across several previously threatened areas,” Ejodame stated.
According to the statement, precision air operations in the Niger Delta delivered equally strategic dividends, destroying hundreds of illegal refining reservoirs, 126 storage tanks, and several boats used by oil thieves and criminal syndicates.
“These actions substantially degraded the capacity of illicit actors to finance violence and organised crime, contributed to improved oil production, and reinforced national economic resilience. The success of these missions further highlights the expanding role of air power in safeguarding critical national assets and supporting Nigeria’s economic recovery.”
Commenting on the operational outcomes, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed the Service’s resolve to maintaining relentless pressure on all threats to national security.
“The outcomes recorded in 2025 clearly demonstrate the growing precision, effectiveness, and lethality of Nigerian Air Force air power,” he stated. “These results were made possible through intelligence-driven targeting, improved platform availability, enhanced crew proficiency, and seamless integration with surface forces and other security agencies.”
The CAS further attributed these gains to the sustained support of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He noted that deliberate investments in modern air platforms, personnel welfare, training, infrastructure, and enabling policies have been critical to the NAF’s enhanced operational readiness.
Aneke emphasised that strong political will, strategic guidance, and consistent funding have positioned the NAF to deliver credible air power in support of national security objectives.
Looking ahead, the CAS assured Nigerians that NAF will intensify kinetic air operations in 2026, while continuing to uphold strict adherence to Rules of Engagement and International Humanitarian Law.
“The Nigerian Air Force will remain relentless and decisive in taking the fight to all enemies of the Nigerian state. Criminal and terrorist elements will find no safe haven anywhere within our borders,” he assured.
Aneke urged those he termed as “misguided elements” to renounce violence and embrace peace, warning that those who persist will continue to face precise and overwhelming air power.
He reassured that the protection of civilians remains central to NAF operations, and will ensure improvements in intelligence validation, targeting processes, and mission oversight to minimise collateral damage.
“Nigerians are encouraged to remain vigilant, support security agencies with timely and credible information, and maintain confidence in the Armed Forces’ commitment to restoring lasting peace, stability, and national prosperity.”
