Military Jets Bombard ISWAP Camp In Lake Chad, Kill ‘Consultation Chiefs’

Nigerian Military fighter jets have neutralized two kingpins of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP), Mallam Ali Kwaya and Mallam Bukar Mainoka, at Lake Chad.

Kwaya and Mainoka, who were also key members of the ISWAP Shura (Consultation) Council met their waterloo when the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted air interdiction missions at Belowa, on Saturday.

Belowa is reportedly one of the very few remaining ISWAP/Boko Haram enclaves in the Tumbuns, Lake Chad Region in Abadam Local Government.

ISWAP Shura Council

A military intelligence operative told PRNigeria that their airstrikes at Belowa became necessary after intelligence revealed the convergence of some ISWAP leaders and fighters from surrounding areas for a meeting with the motive of planning attacks on friendly forces.

According to the operative, who asked not to be named, their Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter aircraft dispatched to the location of the terrorists’ meeting at Belowa, engaged the ISWAP elements with rockets and bombs in multiple passes.

“An hour after the strikes, 2 vehicles conveying about 13 injured surviving terrorists to another hideout were struck through precision strikes by NAF aircraft.

“Feedback after the strikes revealed that ISWAP kingpin, Mallam Ali Kwaya who is a key member of the ISWAP Shura Council and Mallam Bukar Mainoka were among those neutralized in the strikes,” he said.

Vehicles On Fire

The military intelligence operative also disclosed that similar strikes were conducted on Friday at Ngwuri Gana in Bama LGA, a location East of Maiduguri.

He said: “The strikes became an expedient sequel to intelligence that a group of ISWAP insurgents in 15 trucks were spotted converging at the location.

“Feedback revealed the strike was on point as several terrorists were neutralized and all their structures and vehicles engulfed in fire.”

Path To Victory

The military operation was confirmed by NAF Spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet.

The Airforce spokesperson, however, refused to revealed the names of the terrorists killed.

“Our path to victory in the Northeast and northwest remains on course and we won’t relent until all locations are free of terrorists and insurgents.

“Let’s also not forget that the resilience of our pilots and technicians is in line with the directive of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Amao that terrorists and insurgents must be denied their hiding places,” he said.