Massive Air Support Provided to Troops By NAF Neutralises Terrorists in Azir and Musarram
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has provided decisive Close Air Support (CAS) and conducted precision air interdiction operations in the Azir and Musarram areas of Borno State, neutralising several terrorist elements and disrupting planned attacks through coordinated air–ground operations in support of troops in contact. The successful operations, conducted on 15 and 16 January 2026, underscore the NAF’s sustained commitment to timely, intelligence-led air support and seamless coordination with ground forces to deny terrorists freedom of action while protecting both troops and civilian populations.
According to the Director of Public Relations and Information, Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the strikes occured in the early hours of 16 January 2026, when NAF aircraft operating under the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI swiftly responded to a situation involving hostile terrorist actions at Azir. Acting on a real-time situation report, the aircrew arrived overhead, where friendly forces were observed engaging terrorists withdrawing from the area. Further scans revealed terrorist elements attempting to regroup and take cover under nearby trees. The NAF aircraft promptly acquired and engaged the targets in successive, well-coordinated passes, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists. A post-engagement assessment confirmed no further threats in the area. Subsequent reports from ground troops, corroborated by local authorities and community sources, confirmed the devastating impact of the air strikes on the terrorists and the restoration of relative calm in the area.
Earlier, on 15 January 2026, NAF air assets executed a successful air interdiction mission at Musarram, within the Tumbuns general area, following credible intelligence of terrorists assembling on canoes with plans to launch attacks on the Baga and Fish Dam axis. On arrival, the aircrew sighted approximately 10 canoes and over 40 suspected terrorists at the location. The terrorists were engaged in three successive passes, forcing them into disarray. Some fleeing elements were trailed to nearby tree cover and subsequently engaged, while additional survivors who regrouped at an assembly area were equally acquired and neutralised using available mission stores. Feedback from ground forces and local communities later confirmed that the operation effectively dismantled the terrorist concentration and disrupted their planned attacks.
Reacting to the successful operations, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering resolve to provide prompt and effective air support to ground forces. “These operations highlight the Nigerian Air Force’s readiness to respond decisively whenever our troops are in contact,” the CAS said. “Through effective intelligence utilisation and close coordination with ground forces, we will continue to deny terrorists the ability to regroup, manoeuvre, or carry out attacks.”
Air Marshal Aneke further reassured Nigerians of the NAF’s sustained operational focus. “The Nigerian Air Force remains firmly committed to protecting our troops and safeguarding the nation. Nigerians can be assured that we will continue to maintain relentless pressure on all terrorist elements until lasting peace and security are achieved,” he added. The latest air operations once again demonstrate the effectiveness of integrated air–ground collaboration, reinforcing the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities and stabilise affected areas across the country.
(NAF Media,18 January 2026)
