Abuja, August 23, 2025 – The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced that at least 35 fighters were killed in targeted air strikes in Borno State, close to the border with Cameroon.
According to NAF spokesperson Ehimen Ejodame, the strikes were launched on Saturday against four identified targets in the Kumshe area, following intelligence reports that armed groups were preparing to attack ground troops. He confirmed that communication with Nigerian soldiers in the area was re-established after the operation, with troops reporting the situation had been stabilized.
The strikes come amid a renewed wave of violence in northeastern Nigeria, where Boko Haram and its offshoot, ISIL West Africa Province (ISWAP), have stepped up attacks. Fighters have repeatedly ambushed troops, seized weapons, and briefly overrun military bases in recent months.
Nigeria’s conflict with insurgent groups, which began in 2009, has claimed more than 35,000 civilian lives and displaced over 2 million people, according to UN estimates. While large-scale violence has declined since its peak in 2015, attacks have intensified since the start of this year.
The announcement follows last week’s approval by the U.S. State Department of a potential $346 million arms deal with Nigeria, including bombs, rockets, and munitions aimed at boosting the country’s counterterrorism capabilities.