Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hassan Bala Abubakar, during a courtesy visit at the Government House, Maiduguri, on Tuesday.
By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
In a remarkable display of air superiority, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has neutralized 592 terrorists and obliterated 372 enemy assets in Borno over the past eight months, outstripping the operational achievements of the entire 2024 campaign.
A statement by the NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, revealed these milestones during a courtesy visit to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum on Tuesday.
Abubakar detailed the NAF’s aggressive operations, which demolished 206 technical vehicles and 166 logistics hubs across hostile territories from Gonori to Rann, Dikwa to Damboa, and Azir to Mallam Fatori through meticulously coordinated day-and-night strikes.
He credited the success to advanced assets like the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, capable of precision and nocturnal missions, Mi-171 helicopters for medical evacuations and logistics, and cutting-edge intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems enabling continuous target tracking. A new Mi-35 gunship is also set to enhance close-air support for ground forces.
“Our air operations are now faster, sharper, and more precise,” Abubakar stated.
“With 798 combat sorties and over 1,500 flight hours under Operation Hadin Kai, we are dismantling high-value targets, disrupting logistics, and relentlessly pursuing threats to peace in the North-East.”
Abubakar also lauded the “Borno Model,” which integrates community-focused non-kinetic strategies with robust military action, proving highly effective in the counter-insurgency effort.
During his visit, he inspected NAF facilities, engaged with aircrew and ground personnel, and reviewed operational briefings, reaffirming the NAF’s dedication to precision strikes, intelligence-driven missions, and collaboration with other agencies to safeguard Nigerians.
Governor Zulum commended the NAF’s unwavering support, stating, “Your operations have saved countless lives and enabled our communities to start rebuilding. The people of Borno deeply appreciate your sacrifices and stand firmly with you.”
