Nigeria’s Military Kills 592 Terrorists in Borno, Intensifies Air Strikes

Nigeria’s military has killed 592 terrorists in Borno State over the past eight months in what officials describe as one of the most decisive phases yet in the war against Boko Haram and Islamic State–linked insurgents.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, disclosed the figures during a courtesy call on Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, on Tuesday. He said the operations have already surpassed the achievements recorded last year, pointing to a sharper and faster campaign strategy.

“This year, our air campaign is quicker, more precise, and more surgical,” Abubakar said. “We are eliminating high-value targets, crippling logistics networks, and dismantling cells that threaten peace in the northeast.”

According to him, the Nigerian Air Force has destroyed more than 200 technical vehicles and 166 logistics hubs used by the insurgents. The strikes, carried out under Operation Hadin Kai, have targeted strongholds in Gonori, Rann, Dikwa, Damboa, Azir, and Mallam Fatori, with pilots flying 798 combat sorties and logging over 1,500 operational hours.

Borno State has been the epicentre of the insurgency for more than a decade, with Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters launching repeated attacks on both civilians and security forces. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions across the region.

The recent gains in Borno follow another major operation in Zamfara State last week, where a joint air-and-ground assault killed dozens of armed kidnappers. Military sources said more than 400 attackers had been preparing to raid a village before troops intercepted them.

Officials say the latest results reflect a more aggressive and coordinated approach to counter-insurgency, but acknowledge that sustaining peace will require continued pressure on militant groups, as well as stronger community engagement.

“The fight is not over,” Abubakar stressed. “But we are determined to reclaim every inch of our territory and restore lasting peace to our people.”