Airstrikes Kill Terrorist Commanders, 50 Insurgents In Lake Chad

Several high-profile terrorist commanders and more than 50 insurgents have reportedly been killed in airstrikes conducted by the military under Operation Hadin Kai in the Lake Chad region.

Military sources cited by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, said the strikes were carried out on May 31 around the Kirta and Arina Ciki areas.

The operation reportedly targeted known terrorist enclaves and logistics hubs after actionable intelligence revealed insurgent activities in the region.

Makama said post-strike assessments showed that a prominent terrorist commander, Khalifa Umar, was among those killed.

Umar was reportedly a member of the terrorists’ Shura Council from Sigir.

Two other field commanders, identified as Abdallah and Abduljalil, were also reportedly neutralised.

“Post-strike battle damage assessments indicated that among those neutralised were Khalifa Umar, a prominent member of the terrorists’ Shura Council from Sigir, alongside two other field commanders identified as Abdallah and Abduljalil,” Makama said.

According to the publication, the strikes killed more than 50 terrorists.

“The sources disclosed that the operation resulted in the elimination of more than 50 terrorists,” Makama said.

It added that logistics facilities, supply depots and life-support structures used by the insurgents were destroyed.

“In addition to the loss of key personnel, several logistics facilities, supply depots and life-support structures used by the terrorists were destroyed during the strikes, further degrading their ability to sustain operations across the Lake Chad Basin,” the report added.

Makama said the sustained aerial offensive had increased pressure on insurgent groups.

According to the report, many fighters have been forced to abandon their traditional island hideouts for more exposed locations on the mainland.

Security sources described the situation across the theatre as calm but fluid, requiring continued vigilance by troops and security agencies.

Makama said, “They, however, expressed confidence in the combat readiness, morale and operational effectiveness of troops engaged in the campaign.

“The latest success is expected to further consolidate recent gains recorded by the US-and Nigeria Armed Forces and reinforce ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and stability in the region.”