By Ghazali Ibrahim
A joint air operation conducted by the Nigerian military and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has reportedly killed 21 suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.
The operation, carried out under Operation HADIN KAI, targeted a suspected insurgent camp in Arege, Kukawa Local Government Area, following intelligence reports on terrorist activities in the area.
According to security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, who cited military sources, the strike was launched on May 30 after intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions confirmed the presence of ISWAP operatives at the location.
Military sources said the camp served as a strategic base where insurgents allegedly planned and coordinated attacks across communities within the Lake Chad Basin region.
The airstrike reportedly resulted in the death of 21 suspected terrorists and dealt a significant blow to the group’s operational activities in the area.
The sources described the mission as part of ongoing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, destroying insurgent hideouts and reducing the capacity of extremist groups operating in the North-East.
They noted that the operation was intelligence-led and carefully executed to ensure precision against identified targets.
According to the military sources, the successful strike demonstrates the growing collaboration between Nigerian security forces and international partners in efforts to combat terrorism and improve security in the region.
The sources expressed optimism that sustained military pressure and international cooperation would further weaken insurgent groups around the Lake Chad Basin, where terrorists have continued attempts to regroup and launch attacks on vulnerable communities.
