The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced the neutralisation of more than 40 terrorists during coordinated close air support and air interdiction operations carried out at Azir and Musarram areas of Borno State, dealing a significant blow to insurgent activities in the North-East.
The successful air operations, which disrupted planned terrorist attacks and strengthened ongoing ground offensives, were confirmed in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
Precision Air Operations Against Terrorist Strongholds
According to the NAF, the operations were executed following credible intelligence indicating that terrorists had converged in the Azir and Musarram areas to regroup, stockpile weapons, and plan coordinated attacks against military formations and civilian communities.
Air Commodore Ejodame stated that the Nigerian Air Force deployed multiple air assets in a carefully coordinated mission that combined precision strikes with sustained aerial surveillance to ensure maximum operational impact.
“The Nigerian Air Force conducted coordinated close air support and air interdiction operations at identified terrorist enclaves in Azir and Musarram areas of Borno State, resulting in the neutralisation of over 40 terrorists,” the statement said.
Disruption of Planned Attacks
Military sources indicated that the targeted airstrikes were launched at a critical moment, effectively foiling imminent terrorist attacks that could have resulted in significant casualties and destruction of property.
By striking the terrorists before they could mobilise, the NAF disrupted:
- Command and control structures
- Logistics and supply routes
- Weapon stockpiles and hideouts
The air operations reportedly caused disarray among surviving fighters, forcing them to abandon positions and flee into surrounding terrain under pressure from advancing ground troops.
Boost to Ground Operations
The Nigerian Air Force noted that the airstrikes were conducted in close coordination with ground forces engaged in ongoing clearance and stabilisation operations in the area.
According to the statement, the air component provided decisive support by suppressing enemy fire, neutralising threats ahead of advancing troops, and enhancing the overall momentum of the ground offensive.
“The successful execution of these missions has significantly bolstered ongoing ground operations, enabling troops to advance with reduced resistance,” Air Commodore Ejodame said.
Military analysts say such coordination between air and land forces remains critical in counter-terrorism operations, particularly in the difficult terrain of the North-East.
Strategic Importance of Azir and Musarram
Azir and Musarram are among areas in Borno State that have historically been exploited by terrorist groups as transit routes, hideouts, and staging grounds for attacks on military positions and nearby communities.
Security experts explain that controlling these locations is vital to:
- Denying terrorists freedom of movement
- Cutting off escape routes
- Preventing infiltration of rural and semi-urban areas
The latest operation, they say, reflects sustained efforts by the Armed Forces of Nigeria to degrade terrorist capabilities and reclaim contested spaces.
Intelligence-Led Warfare
The Nigerian Air Force emphasised that the success of the mission was driven by actionable intelligence, continuous surveillance, and careful mission planning.
NAF intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms reportedly tracked terrorist movements over time, enabling the Air Force to identify patterns and strike when the militants were most vulnerable.
“This operation demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led air power in modern counter-insurgency warfare,” the NAF said.
Commitment to Protecting Civilians
Air Commodore Ejodame stressed that the operations were conducted with strict adherence to rules of engagement and measures to minimise civilian harm.
According to him, target verification processes were completed before the strikes, and munitions were selected to ensure precision and limited collateral damage.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains committed to protecting innocent civilians while decisively engaging all threats to national security,” the statement added.
Sustained Pressure on Terrorist Groups
The latest airstrikes form part of a broader campaign by the Nigerian military to sustain pressure on terrorist groups operating in the North-East, including factions of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
In recent months, the Armed Forces have intensified operations aimed at:
- Eliminating high-value terrorist targets
- Destroying logistics hubs
- Encouraging defections through sustained military pressure
Defence officials say the cumulative effect of these actions is steadily reducing the operational capacity of insurgent groups.
Morale Boost for Troops and Communities
The successful air operations have been described as a major morale booster for troops deployed in the theatre of operations, as well as for communities affected by years of insurgency.
Local sources say residents in nearby areas have expressed cautious optimism, noting a reduction in terrorist movement and attacks following recent military offensives.
Security experts, however, caution that sustained operations and stabilisation efforts are necessary to prevent terrorists from regrouping.
NAF’s Expanding Role in Counter-Insurgency
The Nigerian Air Force has continued to expand its operational role through:
- Improved air assets
- Enhanced pilot training
- Better integration with ground forces
Observers note that air power has become a critical force multiplier in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, particularly in areas where terrain and distance pose challenges for ground troops alone.
The NAF says it remains focused on maintaining air superiority and rapid response capability across the North-East and other parts of the country facing security challenges.
Call for Public Support and Cooperation
In concluding the statement, Air Commodore Ejodame urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces by providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
He noted that public cooperation remains essential in identifying suspicious movements and preventing terrorist infiltration into communities.
“The Nigerian Air Force, in collaboration with other components of the Armed Forces, will continue to remain relentless in its mission to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensure the safety of all citizens,” he said.
Conclusion
The neutralisation of over 40 terrorists in Azir and Musarram areas of Borno State marks another significant operational success for the Nigerian Air Force and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Through coordinated close air support and air interdiction missions, the NAF not only disrupted planned terrorist attacks but also strengthened ongoing ground operations, reinforcing Nigeria’s resolve to end insurgency in the North-East.
As military pressure intensifies, authorities say sustained collaboration, intelligence-led operations, and community support will remain key to achieving lasting peace and security in the region.
