The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been applauded by a rights group, Civil Society For Peace, Security and Development (CSPSD), over the elimination of six high-profile Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorist commanders during recent air operations across parts of the country.

Presenting the findings of an independent assessment in Abuja, the National Coordinator of the group, Dr. Kabiru Muhammed, said the successful airstrikes represent a major boost to Nigeria’s counter-insurgency campaign and demonstrate improved operational effectiveness by the Air Force.

According to him, CSPSD field monitors deployed to Borno State, Yobe State, Adamawa State, Katsina State, Zamfara State and Sokoto State between October 2025 and February 2026 confirmed measurable improvements in precision strikes, civilian protection and civil-military relations under the leadership of the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke.

The group disclosed that those eliminated include Boko Haram commanders Basulhu and Ubaida, neutralised on January 22, 2026, in the Mandara Mountains, as well as ISWAP leaders Qaid and Munzir, killed in coordinated airstrikes in the Timbuktu Triangle area of Borno State.

Also neutralised were an unidentified ISWAP commander in the Tumbuns region of Lake Chad in February 2026 and a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Dogo Sule, whose camp was destroyed at Turba Hill in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State in December 2025.

Dr. Muhammed said the CSO applauded the NAF for the successful operations, noting that they were based on credible intelligence gathered from community leaders, vigilante groups and cross-verified field reports.

He explained that the neutralised commanders were directly responsible for attacks on civilian convoys, abductions, and logistics coordination for insurgent operations across the North-East and North-West.

Beyond the six commanders, the CSPSD noted that more than 50 rank-and-file terrorist fighters were also eliminated in separate operations in Abbagajiri, Musarram, Azir and Ambia Tasha in January 2026.

The group further commended the NAF for improved accountability and civilian-protection measures, citing its handling of the December 25, 2024, airstrike error in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State as evidence of growing transparency and institutional responsibility.

According to the CSO, the Air Force’s operations have yielded positive impacts on affected communities, including improved access to farmlands, reduced insurgent activity around the Timbuktu Triangle, disruption of terrorist logistics networks and increased pressure on insurgents, leading to defections.

CSPSD also applauded ongoing fleet modernisation efforts by the NAF, including the acquisition of M-346 fighter ground-attack aircraft, AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, AW-109 Trekker helicopters and expanded unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities.

While commending the Air Force for the successes recorded so far, the group urged the NAF to sustain the momentum, deepen community engagement and strengthen post-strike verification mechanisms, while calling on the Federal Government to provide additional logistical support and assistance to conflict-affected communities.

Dr. Muhammed concluded that although the fight against terrorism is ongoing, the Nigerian Air Force deserves commendation for its growing effectiveness and commitment to restoring peace and security across the country.