The Nigerian Air Force has killed 592 terrorists and destroyed 372 enemy assets in Borno in the last eight months, according to Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, surpassing all 2024 operational gains
Nigerian Air Force kills 592 terrorists in Borno The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has announced that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) eliminated no fewer than 592 terrorists and destroyed 372 enemy assets in Borno State within the past eight months surpassing the service’s total operational gains in 2024.
NAF’s spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, quoted Abubakar as making the disclosure during a courtesy visit to Governor Babagana Zulum on Tuesday.
According to the CAS, the destroyed assets included 206 technical vehicles and 166 logistics hubs in deep hostile territories, targeted in day-and-night airstrikes spanning Gonori to Rann, Dikwa to Damboa, and Azir to Mallam Fatori.
He credited the success to the deployment of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft for precision night missions, Mi-171 helicopters for logistics and medical evacuation, and enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms for 24/7 target tracking.
“Backed by an upgraded fleet and precision night-strike capabilities, NAF aircraft executed 798 combat sorties, clocking over 1,500 operational flight hours in Operation Hadin Kai,” Abubakar said.
“We are taking out high-value targets, crippling their logistics, and hunting down every cell that threatens the peace of the North-East.”
A new Mi-35 gunship is expected to further boost close-air support for ground troops.
Abubakar praised the “Borno Model” blending community-driven non-kinetic measures with decisive military action as key to recent counter-insurgency gains.
In his response, Governor Zulum lauded the NAF for its “steadfast” role in protecting communities, saying:
“Your operations have saved countless lives and allowed our communities to begin rebuilding. The people of Borno recognise your sacrifices and stand firmly behind you.”
