The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) carried out over 5,000 operational sorties and executed more than 1,200 air interdictions in counter-insurgency and internal security operations between June 2023 and October 2025.
This was disclosed on Saturday by the immediate past Chief of the Air Staff, retired Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, during his Flying-Out Parade held at the NAF Base in Abuja.
Abubakar said the Air Force stepped up precision air strikes, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions across several troubled regions, including the North-East, North-West, North-Central and South-South.
According to him, the increased tempo of operations helped disrupt terrorist supply routes, weaken insurgent groups, and provide strong air support for troops involved in Operation Hadin Kai and other joint task force missions.
He added that beyond fighting insurgency, NAF aircraft also supported operations against banditry and crude oil theft, helping to improve security and restore stability in affected communities.
Abubakar stressed the importance of aircraft readiness, noting that improved sortie generation and better serviceability were key to sustaining air dominance in different theatres of operation.
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He also explained that these achievements were supported by improved training, stronger maintenance culture and aviation safety measures, which boosted mission effectiveness.
While paying tribute to fallen personnel, the retired air chief urged officers, airmen and airwomen to remain professional, strengthen inter-agency collaboration and stay committed to national security.
He further called on NAF personnel to support the current Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, in consolidating the gains and ensuring the Air Force remains responsive and combat-ready.
