NAF Air Attacks Neutralized 592 Terrorists Fighters In North-East – CAS
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dealt a decisive blow to terrorist elements in the North-East, killing at least 592 fighters and destroying 372 enemy assets in eight months.
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar made this known when he paid a courtesy visit to Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum in Maiduguri.
Abubakar said that the successes recorded this year have surpassed the operational tempo of the entire 2024.
The CAS attributed the successes to NAF’s upgraded fleet and enhanced precision night-strike capabilities.
According to him, 798 combat sorties, totaling over 1,500 flight hours under Operation Hadin Kai, significantly crippled terrorist mobility and logistics, eliminating 206 technical vehicles and 166 key logistics hubs deep in hostile areas.
“From Gonori to Rann, Dikwa to Damboa, Azir to Mallam Fatori, NAF aircraft have conducted coordinated day-and-night operations in challenging terrain, enabled by A-29 Super Tucanos, Mi-171 helicopters, and advanced ISR platforms for continuous target tracking,” he added.
The CAS announced the imminent deployment of a new Mi-35 gunship to strengthen close-air support for ground troops.
He reaffirmed that the NAF’s mission goes beyond neutralising threats to also protecting civilians and restoring public trust.
Abubakar praised the governor for initiating the “Borno Model”, which blends community-driven, non-kinetic engagement with decisive military action, which has so far proved to be a winning formula in counter-insurgency efforts.
Responding, Governor Zulum commended the NAF for the vital role it is playing in degrading terrorist capabilities and safeguarding communities.
He acknowledged that NAF’s efforts had saved lives and facilitated the rebuilding of towns across the state.
The Syndicate reports that the CAS later inspected facilities at the Maiduguri NAF Base, interacted with personnel, and received operational briefings.
He underscored NAF’s continued commitment to leveraging air power, intelligence, and inter-agency collaboration to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity and the lives of citizens.
