The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has killed more than 40 terrorists in coordinated air strikes in Azir and Musarram areas of Borno State, thwarting planned attacks on nearby civilian communities.

In a statement on Sunday, NAF spokesman, Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the precision strikes were carried out on January 15 and 16 by aircraft operating under the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, following credible intelligence on terrorist movements and imminent threats.

Ejodame said surveillance showed terrorist elements attempting to regroup under tree cover after the initial strikes, prompting successive air attacks that neutralised several of them.

“Post-strike assessment confirmed no further threats, while feedback from ground troops, local authorities and community sources indicated a significant degradation of terrorist presence and a return of relative calm,” the statement said.

According to him, earlier on January 15, NAF air assets also conducted a successful interdiction at Musarram in the Tumbuns general area after intelligence revealed terrorists assembling on canoes to launch attacks along the Baga and Fish Dam axis.

“On arrival, the aircraft sighted about 10 canoes and over 40 suspected terrorists, who were engaged in multiple passes, throwing them into disarray,” Ejodame said.

“Some fleeing elements were trailed and neutralised, while others who regrouped at an assembly area were also engaged, effectively dismantling the terrorist concentration,” he added.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said the operations underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-led air power and close air–ground coordination in denying terrorists freedom of action.

Aneke reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to providing timely and decisive air support to ground forces and assured Nigerians of sustained pressure on terrorist elements as efforts continue to stabilise affected areas.