The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out decisive close air support and precision air interdiction operations in the Azir and Musarram areas of Borno State, neutralising several terrorist elements and disrupting planned attacks.
The operations, conducted on January 15 and 16, 2026, were part of coordinated air–ground engagements in support of troops in contact, aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action while safeguarding both military personnel and civilian populations.
According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the missions highlighted the Air Force’s sustained commitment to timely, intelligence-led operations and seamless collaboration with ground forces.
“The Nigerian Air Force provided decisive close air support and precision air interdiction in the Azir and Musarram areas, successfully eliminating terrorist elements and disrupting their planned attacks,” Ejodame said.
He added that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, reaffirmed the Air Force’s unwavering resolve to continue providing prompt and effective air support to troops on the ground.
Air Marshal Aneke noted that the latest operations once again demonstrated the effectiveness of integrated air-to-ground collaboration. “These air operations reinforce the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities and stabilise affected areas across the country,” he said.
The Air Force maintained that such operations remain critical to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups and restoring lasting peace and security in conflict-affected regions.
