70 Top ISWAP Commanders, Fighters Killed In Military Airstrikes In Borno

The Nigerian military has killed at least 70 high-ranking commanders and fighters of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) by a series of airstrikes in Borno State.

Naija News learned that the ISWAP fighters were killed in a joint military intelligence-led aerial and ground operation conducted by the troops of Operation Hadin Kai, troops of Sector 3 Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), and the Special Forces of Sector 4 MNJTF of Niger Republic.

According to a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, the operation was carried out at the ISWAP bases located at Kusuma, Jibularam, and Kwalaram in the North East of Marte Local government area in Borno State on Wednesday.

A source in the military told the publication that the troops had targeted the ISWAP’s strategic human and material capacity spots before carrying out the multiple strikes.

He said the attack triggered the massive displacement of the fighters with hundreds of them scampering for safety in safe locations within Marte’s general area of operations.

The military source added that several vehicles, motorcycles, and weapons were destroyed during the airstrikes.

“Damage assessment confirmed the successful operation led to the elimination of more than 70 fighters, including high-ranking insurgents’ commanders, foot soldiers, and Hisbah police from the ISWAP faction,” the source said.

Naija News understands that the military, over the recent months, has continued to launch offensives on terrorists’ hideouts in the North East.