In January, the Air Component of Nigeria’s ongoing military operations once again proved decisive in shaping the battlefield across the North East and North West theatres, delivering precision firepower, intelligence-driven strikes, and critical support that significantly degraded terrorist capabilities.
According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who briefed the media at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, coordinated air interdiction, armed reconnaissance, and close air support missions were central to the operational gains recorded during the month.
In the North East, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, working closely with Nigerian Army Aviation, sustained relentless pressure on Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements. Intelligence-led operations uncovered a newly established terrorist hideout in the Northern Tumbus—identified as a hibernation and regrouping area for high-value ISWAP commanders and their fighters.
Precision air interdiction missions were swiftly executed. Terrorist targets assembling at multiple locations were tracked, acquired, and engaged with rockets and bombs. Post-strike Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the neutralisation of several terrorists, alongside the destruction of weapons and logistics critical to their operations.
The impact was further felt in the notorious Timbuktu Triangle, where ground troops, supported by air assets, engaged fleeing ISWAP fighters. Dozens of terrorists were neutralised, while many others escaped with severe injuries. Among those eliminated were a senior ISWAP commander, identified as Qaid, and his lieutenant Munzir—a development seen by analysts as a major disruption to the group’s command and control structure.
To prevent regrouping, the Air Component intensified aerial surveillance over Bulabulin and Korengelen, southeast of Azir in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, as well as adjoining forest corridors. This persistent presence in the air denied terrorists freedom of movement and increased the likelihood of intercepting fleeing elements.
Beyond the North East, January operations also highlighted the growing effectiveness of air power in the North West theatre. Under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Air Component responded to a distress call from ground troops conducting clearance operations at Chukuba Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
Swift close air support proved decisive. Aerial scans confirmed terrorist activity in the area, after which identified targets were engaged with precision cannon fire. Subsequent assessments revealed that several terrorists were neutralised, allowing ground forces to stabilise the area and continue their mission with reduced risk.
Military experts note that the true impact of air operations in January extended beyond the immediate destruction of terrorist targets. The combination of surveillance, interdiction, and rapid response support boosted troop morale, enhanced situational awareness, and constrained terrorist movements across vast and difficult terrain.
By denying terrorists safe havens, disrupting leadership structures, and providing timely support to ground forces, the Air Component reinforced its role as a critical force multiplier in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism campaign.
As operations continue into the new year, January’s outcomes underscore a clear message: sustained air dominance remains pivotal to restoring security and stability across Nigeria’s most challenging theatres of operation.