As part of intensified efforts to curb terrorism in the North-East, the Nigerian military says at least 40 fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), including a senior commander, have been killed in an airstrike in Borno State.
The operation was conducted by the Air Component of the Joint Task Force, North East, under Operation HADIN KAI, following intelligence reports of a planned attack on military positions.
The task force’s Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed in a statement on Monday that the strike targeted a terrorist hideout in Badu Village, south of Gudumbali, in Guzamala Local Government Area, over the weekend.
According to Goni, intelligence indicated that the insurgents had assembled in the area to coordinate attacks against troops operating within Sector 3’s area of responsibility.
He explained that aerial surveillance was used to monitor the fighters around suspected hideouts and logistics facilities before a precision strike was launched against a building occupied by the group.
The operation also destroyed two vehicles and approximately 20 motorcycles reportedly used by the insurgents for transportation, logistics and offensive operations.
The military said the airstrike significantly weakened ISWAP’s operational capabilities and disrupted its planned attacks on military formations and surrounding communities.
