By Sabiu Abdullahi
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have carried out a series of airstrikes that targeted ISWAP logistics networks along the Lake Chad waterways near Kaniram Island in northern Borno State.
The operation followed intelligence reports which indicated the presence of more than 30 terrorist boats and fighters coordinating movements in the area.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, confirmed the development in a statement. He explained that the military verified the targets in line with established Rules of Engagement before launching the strikes.
According to the statement, the air operations successfully destroyed several boats and disrupted the group’s supply structure in the area. The strikes also affected the group’s movement and operational capacity, as more than 30 fighters were neutralised.
“Surviving elements were observed escaping in disarray, reflecting a breakdown in their cohesion and command structure,” the statement claimed.
In another operation within the Sambisa Forest axis at Sowolwolo, troops carried out additional precision strikes. The exercise led to the destruction of three terrorist gun trucks and the elimination of more fighters in the vicinity.
Further assessment of the operation, supported by intelligence after the strikes, indicated heavy losses on the side of the insurgents. Reports also pointed to evidence of mass burials, especially among ISWAP elements around the Mallam Fatori axis.
The Military High Command praised the troops for their performance and urged them to maintain the momentum in ongoing operations across the region.
