The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has revealed that Nigerian Air Force (NAF) operations in the North-East have killed 592 terrorists and destroyed 372 enemy assets within the last eight months.

He disclosed the figures in Maiduguri yesterday during a courtesy visit to Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum. According to a statement by NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai executed 798 combat sorties, clocking over 1,500 operational flight hours.

Backed by upgraded aircraft and precision night-strike capabilities, NAF forces destroyed 206 terrorist vehicles and 166 logistics hubs deep within hostile territory, crippling enemy mobility and supply chains.

“This year, our air war is faster, sharper, and more surgical,” Air Marshal Abubakar declared. “We are taking out high-value targets, disrupting logistics, and hunting down every cell that threatens the peace of the North-East.”

From Gonori to Rann, Dikwa to Damboa, Azir to Mallam Fatori, NAF airpower has relentlessly targeted terrorist strongholds through coordinated day-and-night missions. The offensive has been bolstered by A-29 Super Tucano aircraft for precision and night operations, Mi-171 helicopters for medical evacuation and logistics, and advanced surveillance platforms for 24-hour target tracking. A newly acquired Mi-35 gunship is also set to enhance close-air support for ground troops.

Governor Zulum commended the NAF for its unwavering role in degrading terrorist capabilities and protecting communities. “Your operations have saved countless lives and allowed our communities to rebuild. The people of Borno State recognise your sacrifices and stand firmly behind you,” he said.

In response, the CAS praised the “Borno Model” a combination of community-driven non-kinetic measures and decisive military action describing it as a winning formula in the counter-insurgency effort. “We are winning this war in the air, on the ground, and in the hearts of the people,” he vowed.

Air Marshal Abubakar also inspected facilities at the NAF Base in Maiduguri and interacted with aircrew and ground crew, urging them to sustain their momentum in the ongoing operations.