By Sabiu Abdullahi
A joint military air operation involving the Nigerian Armed Forces under Operation HADIN KAI and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has killed 21 suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.
Military sources confirmed that the strike took place on May 30 in Arege, Kukawa Local Government Area. The target was a suspected terrorist base identified through intelligence reports that indicated insurgent activity in the area.
Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, reported that surveillance and reconnaissance missions first established the presence of ISWAP members before the air raid was authorised.
The operation focused on a camp believed to be used by the group to coordinate and plan attacks across the Lake Chad region. The strike left 21 fighters dead and caused major disruption to the group’s operations in the area.
Military officials explained that the mission forms part of ongoing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States. The partnership aims to dismantle terrorist networks, destroy hideouts, and reduce the operational strength of insurgents in the North-East.
They further described the attack as intelligence-led and carefully planned to maximise impact on the identified target.
According to the sources, the success of the operation reflects growing collaboration between Nigerian security forces and international partners in the fight against terrorism.
The officials also expressed confidence that continued coordinated strikes would weaken insurgent activity around the Lake Chad Basin, where terrorist groups have continued attempts to regroup and launch attacks on nearby communities.
