The Nigerian Air Force announced late Sunday that it had killed more than 40 militants in airstrikes in Borno State, the epicenter of Nigeria's 17-year militant insurgency.

The strikes, carried out on January 15 and 16 in the Musarram and Azir communities near Lake Chad, targeted fighters linked to Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), both of which have intensified attacks on military convoys and civilians in recent weeks.

Ehimen Ejodame, the Nigerian Air Force spokesperson, said that the operations followed intelligence indicating that militants were using the region's waterways and dense vegetation to regroup and plan raids on nearby towns.

According to the Air Force, aircraft struck militants in Musarram after intelligence showed they were assembling in canoes to attack Baga town and the Fish Dam area along Lake Chad. Three bombing runs scattered the fighters, while those fleeing into nearby trees were tracked and targeted.

"Some fleeing elements were trailed and neutralised, while others who regrouped at an assembly area were also engaged, effectively dismantling the terrorist concentration," Ejodame said.

Troops and local officials said the strikes foiled the planned assault.

A day later, Air Force aircraft provided close air support in Azir, where militants were retreating from an earlier clash with ground forces. Aerial surveillance detected fighters attempting to regroup under tree cover, prompting further strikes.

"Post-strike assessment confirmed no further threats, while feedback from ground troops, local authorities and community sources indicated a significant degradation of terrorist presence and a return of relative calm," Ejodame said.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the operations underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-led air power and coordination with ground troops.

He reaffirmed the military's commitment to maintaining pressure on insurgent groups as Nigerian forces continue efforts to stabilize communities around Lake Chad.