Author(s) :

Olutoye, Israel Ibukun; Assoc. Prof. Julia O. Ogbaji; Assoc. Prof. Hanatu K. Ali.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), through air strikes and air support, conducted a series of operations in the northeastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe targeting Boko Haram hostile activities, within the period 2013 to 2021. However, there is a paucity of extant works on the role of the NAF, which seems to give more attention to the role of the Army alone. The study analyses the impact of the NAF in air and ground operations through targeted campaigns such as Operations BOYONA, Zaman Lafiya, Lafiya Dole and Hadin Kai. The research employed a descriptive analysis framework of data collected from oral interviews, defence manuscripts, academic journals, books, and internet sources. The study revealed the Air Force's crucial role in counterinsurgency campaigns through diverse means. The Air Force conducted more than 2.045 air strike missions in over 2,098 hours. Additional aircraft like the Alpha-Jets L-39ZA, F7Ni and Mi-35 attack helicopter were used to destroy insurgent hideouts. The principle that all military services should be self-sustaining is seen in the Air Force carrying out ground operations of its own. The study highlights some significant challenges facing Air Force counterinsurgency operations in the northeast. The study concludes that the role of the Air Force in counterinsurgency campaigns has significantly improved the number of pilots, special forces and advanced military hardware crucial to counterinsurgency victory. It also notes that the significant challenges could mar the success of this counterinsurgency operations effort in the northeast if not adequately addressed. Keywords: Counterinsurgency operations, Air Force Operations, Nigerian Air Force, Boko Haram

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