No fewer than 592 terrorists have been killed, and 372 assets destroyed in several airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in the past eight months, in the North East.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, revealed this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, in Maiduguri.
He said, “This year, our air war is faster, sharper, and more surgical. We are taking out high-value targets, crippling their logistics, and hunting down every cell that threatens the peace of the North-East.”
Air Marshal Abubakar said the feat against the terrorists was achieved through an upgraded fleet and precision night-strike capabilities, executing 798 combat sorties that clocked over 1,500 operational flight hours in the North East theatre of operation.
The NAF Chief further revealed that the offensive had been boosted by the deployment of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, capable of precision and night missions, Mi-171 helicopters for medical evacuation and logistics, and enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms for round-the-clock target tracking.
The NAF chief commended several initiatives of the Borno State Government, including the ‘Borno Model’, a community-driven, non-kinetic engagement combined with decisive military action, which experts have deemed a winning formula in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign.
“We are winning this war in the air, on the ground, and in the hearts of the people,” assured.
He reassured that NAF operations were as much about protecting civilians and destroying enemy capabilities.
In his remarks, Governor Zulum commended the NAF for its sustained air support in degrading terrorist capabilities and protecting communities.
He said, “The Nigerian Air Force has been a steadfast partner in our fight against insurgency.
“Your operations have saved countless lives and allowed our communities to begin rebuilding. The people of Borno State recognise your sacrifices and stand firmly behind you.”
The Nation reports that the NAF has also achieved significant success recently in Zamfara State, where its airstrikes eliminated over 400 bandits in the area.