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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has eliminated over 40 militants through joint close air support and aerial interception missions in the Azir and Musarram regions of Borno, hindering planned assaults and strengthening current land operations.

This information was included in a statement released by the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Sunday in Abuja.

Ejodame mentioned that the operations took place on January 15 and 16 by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, based on actionable intelligence and with close cooperation from troops in contact.

He said the NAFAircraft arrived quickly on the morning of January 16 to address a distress call in Azir, where military forces were confronting terrorists retreating from the region.

He stated that additional scans identified terrorist groups trying to reorganize under nearby trees, leading to accurate and repeated air strikes that eliminated several of them.

A post-strike evaluation verified there were no additional dangers, while input from frontline soldiers, local officials, and community members suggested a major reduction in terrorist activity and the restoration of a sense of stability.

Earlier on January 15, NAF air forces conducted an effective aerial interception in Musarram within the Tumbuns region following intelligence reports of terrorists gathering on canoes to initiate assaults along the Baga and Fish Dam corridor.

Upon arriving, the aircraft spotted approximately 10 canoes and more than 40 individuals believed to be terrorists, who were conducting several passes, causing confusion.

“Some portions of the group were pursued and eliminated, while those who regrouped at a gathering point were also confronted, successfully breaking up the terrorist cluster,” he stated.

In response, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, emphasized the NAF’s dedication to delivering prompt and effective air assistance to land-based troops.

Aneke stated that the operations highlighted the success of intelligence-driven air power and effective cooperation between air and ground forces in restricting terrorists’ mobility.

He pledged to maintain continuous pressure on extremist groups as the Nigerian Armed Forces work to weaken their strength and bring stability to impacted regions..