MORE than 40 fighters, including a prominent commander, have been killed in a fresh air strike on a terrorist enclave at Badu Village, south of Gudumbali in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State, over the weekend, according to a statement by the military.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement issued in Maiduguri on Monday, noting that the operation followed credible reports of a concentration of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters preparing to launch coordinated attacks on troops within Sector 3 areas of its operations.
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“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the Air Component conducted targeted aerial surveillance, identified terrorist movements around suspected hideouts and logistics facilities, and subsequently executed a precision strike on a building occupied by the terrorists,” the statement read in part.
The statement added that preliminary Human Intelligence and Battle Damage Assessment indicated that over 40 terrorists, including a prominent ISWAP Qaid (commander), were neutralised in the strike.
“The operation also destroyed two vehicles and approximately 20 motorcycles used by the terrorists for mobility, logistics and offensive operations, thereby significantly degrading their fighting capability and disrupting planned attacks on military positions and surrounding communities.
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“Further intelligence revealed that the terrorists belonged to ISWAP’s Murabitun element, a specialised mobile fighting unit responsible for conducting patrols, coordinating attacks and sustaining terrorist activities within the general area.
“The destruction of the enclave and associated operational assets represents a significant setback to the group’s capacity to launch attacks and sustain its activities in the Lake Chad region.”
The military noted that further assessment was ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the damage inflicted.
“The successful operation underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led, technology-enabled and coordinated air operations in dismantling terrorist networks, disrupting hostile activities and denying criminal elements freedom of action.
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“It further demonstrates the sustained operational momentum of troops under Operation HADIN KAI in degrading terrorist capabilities and strengthening security across the North East,” the statement added.
The Joint Task Force North East said it remained resolute in eliminating terrorist threats, protecting vulnerable communities and consolidating ongoing efforts towards restoring lasting peace and stability in the region.
