Nigeria’s air power has delivered a major blow to terrorist networks in the North-East, as precision airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) wiped out over 40 fighters planning fresh assaults on civilian communities.
Military sources said the operation followed actionable intelligence indicating that armed extremists had converged around Musarram in the Tumbuns area, using canoes to mobilise for attacks targeting the Baga and Fish Dam corridors.
According to the NAF, strike aircraft were immediately deployed after the intelligence was verified.
Upon arrival, aircrews identified multiple canoes clustered on the waterways, with dozens of armed men preparing to advance.
Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the targets were engaged decisively.
He explained that the aircraft carried out repeated strike runs, disrupting the movement and inflicting heavy casualties on the group.
“The aircrews executed three coordinated passes that completely scattered the terrorists and neutralised a significant number of them,” Ejodame said, adding that more than 40 fighters were taken out during the mission conducted on January 15.
Moreover, the air component extended support to ground troops the following day when fleeing terrorists attempted to regroup around Azir.
Ejodame said surveillance revealed the fighters hiding under trees in an effort to evade advancing forces.
“Once the elements were reacquired, the aircraft struck again with precision, denying them any chance to reorganise,” he said.
Reacting to the success of the missions, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups across the country.
He said air support would continue to be swiftly deployed whenever ground forces require reinforcement.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains resolute in defending our troops and protecting the nation from those who threaten peace and stability,” Aneke said.
Meanwhile, in the North-West, the Nigerian Army has stepped up reassurance efforts in communities battered by banditry.
The General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, has visited the Tidibale community in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State following recent attacks that displaced residents.
The visit, which marked Koughna’s first major field engagement since assuming command, comes as security agencies intensify operations to stabilise rural settlements frequently targeted by armed groups.
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Olaniyi Osoba, the army chief said troops had been permanently stationed in the area to prevent further incursions.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that no community is abandoned to criminal elements,” Koughna said, assuring residents that military protection in the area would be sustained.