Nigerian Air Force strengthens fight against terrorists with new fighter jets

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken a major step in the fight against terrorism by adding nine new fighter jets to its fleet, with 49 more aircraft expected soon.

This move is aimed at improving the country’s ability to deal with terrorists and bandits.

Speaking at the Air Force War College in Makurdi, Benue State, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, explained that the Air Force has become more effective thanks to recent investments by the government. Since June 2023, airstrikes have led to the deaths of nearly 3,500 terrorists in the Northeast, and more than 121,000 insurgents and their families have surrendered.

Air Marshal Abubakar said the new jets will allow the Air Force to carry out more complex and longer missions. Last year alone, the NAF flew more than 4,500 hours in over 2,300 missions, mostly focused on fighting terrorism and banditry. They also conducted hundreds of operations to stop oil theft and destroy illegal refineries.

“These numbers represent real missions and real impact,” he said. He added that improved security has contributed to a 13% rise in oil production towards the end of 2024.

The Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, and the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, also spoke about the progress made in tackling insecurity. Badaru said over 124,000 insurgents have surrendered in the last two years, while more than 13,000 terrorists, including top commanders, have been killed.

Among those killed were known leaders like Abu Bilal Minuki and Haruna Isiya Boderi. Badaru also revealed that security forces have rescued nearly 10,000 kidnap victims and arrested over 17,000 suspects.

He dismissed claims that terrorists are better armed than Nigerian troops, insisting that the military has better weapons and technology. However, he acknowledged that some attacks are made easier by local informants helping terrorists.

Badaru also warned that some threats are linked to troubles in neighbouring countries. He said the military is dealing with these challenges effectively and that terrorists’ drones are not military-grade and pose little threat.

To boost self-reliance, 10 of Nigeria’s defence companies are now producing equipment such as drones, aircraft parts, and protective gear.

Minister Idris highlighted the government’s strong focus on improving security through training, better equipment, and global partnerships. He urged the media to report responsibly and avoid spreading terrorist propaganda.

“They’re not heroes or freedom fighters,” he said. “They are criminals, and that’s how they should be reported.”