Military says air strike killed over 40 ISWAP fighters in Borno

The Nigerian military says an air strike carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai killed more than 40 suspected Islamic State West Africa Province fighters in Borno State.

The strike targeted what the military described as an ISWAP enclave at Badu village, south of Gudumbali in Guzamala Local Government Area.

According to Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the operation was carried out on October 10 following intelligence that fighters were gathering in the area to prepare coordinated attacks on military positions.

Military says ISWAP commander killed

Goni said aerial surveillance was deployed after intelligence indicated increased activity around suspected hideouts and logistics facilities.

The military subsequently targeted a building where suspected fighters were believed to have assembled.

Preliminary battle-damage assessments indicated that more than 40 fighters were killed, including what the military described as a senior ISWAP Qaid, or commander.

The command did not identify the commander by name in the statement reviewed.

Military authorities also said two vehicles and about 20 motorcycles allegedly used for movement, logistics and attacks were destroyed.

Fighters linked to ISWAP mobile unit

The military said those targeted belonged to ISWAP’s Murabitun element, described as a mobile fighting unit involved in patrols, coordinated attacks and sustaining insurgent operations in the Lake Chad region.

According to the statement, the fighters had allegedly been preparing attacks against troops operating within Sector 3 and surrounding communities.

Operation Hadin Kai said further assessment was ongoing to determine the full effect of the strike.

The latest operation comes as troops continue counter-insurgency operations against ISWAP and Boko Haram factions across Borno and other parts of Nigeria’s North-East.

Earlier in October, Operation Hadin Kai also reported killing 16 suspected terrorists during operations in Adamawa State, while three soldiers died during separate engagements.