A joint military operation involving Nigerian troops and the United States Africa Command has reportedly eliminated 21 suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province during an airstrike in Borno State.
The operation, conducted under Operation Hadin Kai in collaboration with AFRICOM, targeted a suspected terrorist hideout in Arege, Kukawa Local Government Area, following intelligence reports indicating the presence of insurgents in the area.
According to security and counter-insurgency sources, the strike was carried out on May 30 after intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions confirmed activities linked to ISWAP members at the location.
Military sources said the targeted camp was allegedly being used by the insurgents as a coordination centre for planning attacks and carrying out operations across the Lake Chad region.
The sources disclosed that the air assault resulted in the death of 21 suspected terrorists and dealt a significant blow to the group’s operational capabilities within the area.
They explained that the mission formed part of ongoing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, destroying insurgent bases and reducing the capacity of armed groups operating in the North-East.
Describing the operation as intelligence-driven, the military sources noted that it was carefully planned to maximise its impact on the targeted insurgents while supporting broader counter-terrorism efforts.
They added that the successful strike underscored the growing partnership between Nigerian security agencies and international allies in confronting terrorism and insecurity.
The sources expressed optimism that the latest operation would further weaken terrorist activities around the Lake Chad Basin, where insurgent groups have continued attempts to regroup and launch attacks on communities in the region.
