…Says air operations show improved effectiveness, accountability

ABUJA — A civil society organisation, Civil Society For Peace, Security and Development (CSPSD), has confirmed the killing of six high-profile terrorist commanders and dozens of fighters in recent air operations by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), describing the development as a significant boost to counterinsurgency efforts.

Presenting findings of an independent assessment in Abuja, the group’s National Coordinator, Kabiru Muhammed, said field monitors deployed to Borno State, Yobe State, Adamawa State, Katsina State, Zamfara State and Sokoto State between October 2025 and February 2026 verified “measurable improvements” in operational effectiveness, civilian protection and civil–military relations under the leadership of the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke.

According to the report, those neutralised include Boko Haram commanders Basulhu and Ubaida, killed on January 22, 2026, in the Mandara Mountains; ISWAP leaders Qaid and Munzir, eliminated in coordinated airstrikes in the Timbuktu Triangle of Borno State; an unidentified ISWAP commander neutralised in the Tumbuns region of Lake Chad in February 2026; and notorious bandit leader Kachalla Dogo Sule, whose camp was destroyed at Turba Hill in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State in December 2025.

Muhammed explained that the findings were based on corroborated intelligence from community leaders, vigilante groups and cross-referenced field reports. He noted that Basulhu coordinated attacks on civilian convoys along the Madagali–Gulak axis, while Ubaida was linked to multiple abductions along the Adamawa–Borno border. Qaid reportedly oversaw insurgent operations in northern Borno, including attacks on fishing communities around Lake Chad, with Munzir managing logistics and weapons supply routes.

Beyond the high-profile targets, the report stated that more than 50 rank-and-file fighters were neutralised during separate operations in Abbagajiri, Musarram, Azir and Ambia Tasha in January 2026.

The group also commended the Air Force for improved accountability and civilian protection measures, citing its response to the December 25, 2024, airstrike error in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State that claimed 12 civilian lives. According to Muhammed, the NAF publicly accepted responsibility and engaged directly with the affected community, a move he said helped build institutional credibility despite the tragic loss.

The report documented positive operational impacts on communities, including improved access to farmlands in parts of Borno previously considered unsafe, reduced insurgent incursions around the Timbuktu Triangle, disruption of terrorist logistics networks and psychological pressure on insurgents leading to some defections.

CSPSD also acknowledged ongoing fleet modernisation efforts by the Air Force, including the acquisition of M-346 fighter ground-attack aircraft, AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, AW-109 Trekker helicopters and increased investment in unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities and training.

While applauding the gains, the group urged the NAF to sustain momentum, deepen community engagement in conflict zones and strengthen post-strike verification mechanisms. It also called on the Federal Government to accelerate aircraft delivery, enhance maintenance and logistics, support conflict-affected communities and establish a compensation framework for civilian victims of military operations.

Muhammed concluded that although progress has been recorded, the fight against terrorism remains ongoing, pledging that civil society will continue to support the armed forces while holding them accountable in the collective pursuit of lasting peace.