The Nigerian Air Force says it recorded one of its most effective operational years in 2025, neutralising 2,351 terrorists during 274 Air Interdiction missions conducted through 379 combat sorties across various operational theatres.
The disclosure was made in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
Ejodame explained that the Air Interdiction missions were directed at terrorist enclaves, logistics bases, training facilities and key movement corridors used by armed groups.
He noted that the statistics did not include numerous additional air operations such as Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, close air support for ground troops, and armed reconnaissance tasks.
According to him, the AI missions alone accounted for about 800 flight hours, reflecting the sustained operational reach, persistence and dominance of the Nigerian Air Force.
“Beyond the immediate neutralisation of terrorist fighters, the air interdiction campaign delivered decisive operational effects across key threat corridors.
“Sustained precision strikes disrupted supply chains, severed mobility routes, and degraded leadership structures linking terrorist enclaves in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions, denying hostile elements freedom of movement and sanctuary.
“These effects enabled surface forces to advance, reclaim contested areas, and stabilise vulnerable communities, while significantly reducing the operational tempo and morale of terrorist and bandit groups.
“Overall, the campaign has resulted in a measurable contraction of hostile networks and a marked improvement in security across several previously threatened areas,” he said.
On maritime and energy security, Ejodame said precision air operations in the Niger Delta also produced significant strategic outcomes.
He stated that the operations led to the destruction of hundreds of illegal refining reservoirs, 126 storage tanks, and several boats used by oil thieves and criminal groups.
According to him, the actions weakened the financial capacity of criminal networks, supported improved oil production levels and strengthened national economic resilience.
Ejodame added that the success of the operations underscored the growing importance of air power in protecting critical national assets and supporting Nigeria’s economic recovery.
Reacting to the operational achievements, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to sustaining pressure on threats to national security.
He said the outcomes recorded in 2025 reflected the increasing precision, effectiveness and lethality of Nigerian Air Force operations.
“These results were made possible through intelligence-driven targeting, improved platform availability, enhanced crew proficiency, and seamless integration with surface forces and other security agencies,” he said.
Aneke attributed the successes to sustained Federal Government support under President Bola Tinubu, noting that investments in modern aircraft, personnel welfare, training, infrastructure and enabling policies had strengthened the NAF’s operational readiness.
He stressed that strong political will, strategic direction and consistent funding have positioned the Air Force to deliver credible air power in support of national security objectives.
Looking ahead, the CAS assured that the NAF would intensify kinetic air operations in 2026 while maintaining strict compliance with Rules of Engagement and International Humanitarian Law.
He said the Air Force would remain firm and decisive against all enemies of the state, warning that terrorists and criminal elements would find no safe haven within Nigeria’s borders.
He also called on those involved in violence to abandon their actions and embrace peace, warning that continued defiance would attract precise and overwhelming air power.
The air chief further reassured citizens that civilian protection remains central to NAF operations, with ongoing improvements in intelligence validation, targeting procedures and mission oversight to minimise collateral damage.
“Nigerians are encouraged to remain vigilant, support security agencies with timely and credible information, and maintain confidence in the Armed Forces’ commitment to restoring lasting peace, stability, and national prosperity,” he added.
