NAF airstrikes kill 592 terrorists, destroy 372 assets in eight months

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar on Tuesday, disclosed that the Service, through its numerous airstrikes in the ongoing efforts to end insurgency activities in the North East Zone of the country, has killed over 592 terrorists and destroyed 372 assets in the past eight months.

The CAS disclosed this while speaking during a courtesy visit to Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, in Maiduguri.

According to him, “This year, our air war is faster, sharper, and more surgical. We are taking out high-value targets, crippling their logistics, and hunting down every cell that threatens the peace of the North-East.”

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He explained the feat against the terrorists was achieved through an upgraded fleet and precision night-strike capabilities, executing 798 combat sorties that clocked over 1,500 operational flight hours in the North East theatre of operation.

He pointed out that the offensive had been boosted by the deployment of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, capable of precision and night missions, Mi-171 helicopters for medical evacuation and logistics, and enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms for round-the-clock target tracking.

The CAS further added that a new Mi-35 gunship was expected to further intensify close air support for ground troops in the theatre.

According to him, “The operations had crippled terrorist mobility and logistics by destroying 206 technical vehicles and 166 key logistics hubs deep in the battlefield.

“From Gonori to Rann, Dikwa to Damboa, Azir to Mallam Fatori, NAF airpower has pounded terrorist strongholds with coordinated day-and-night operations, delivering devastating strikes in some of the most difficult terrain”.

The elated CAS commended several initiatives of the Borno State Government, including the ‘Borno Model’, a community-driven, non-kinetic engagement combined with decisive military action, which experts have deemed a winning formula in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign.

“We are winning this war in the air, on the ground, and in the hearts of the people,” he assured.

The Air chief reassured that NAF operations were as much about protecting civilians and destroying enemy capabilities.

Speaking, Governor Zulum commended the NAF for its sustained air support in degrading terrorist capabilities and protecting communities in the Zone.

“The Nigerian Air Force has been a steadfast partner in our fight against insurgency your operations have saved countless lives and allowed our communities to begin rebuilding. The people of Borno State recognise your sacrifices and stand firmly behind you.”

The CAS also inspected facilities at the NAF Base in Maiduguri, where he engaged with aircrew and ground crew, during which he urged them to maintain their relentless efforts.

The CAS was also briefed on the ongoing operational activities of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI.

The Service stated that the operational visit underscored the NAF’s unwavering commitment to national defense, leveraging air power, intelligence, and collaborative partnerships to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians.