Nigerian Army troops have killed at least 22 members of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during military operations in Borno state.
Gatekeepers News reports that security sources told Zagazola Makama, a counterterrorism publication, that the killings occurred during sustained offensives by army special forces in the Timbuktu Triangle area, a known ISWAP stronghold.
According to the sources, those killed include a senior commander, known as a Qaid, and two unit leaders referred to as Munzirs. Several other fighters were said to have escaped with gunshot injuries.
“ISWAP suffered significant casualties during the fighting. A Qaid and two Munzirs were among those neutralised, with several other fighters wounded,” the sources said.
They added that efforts were ongoing to confirm the identities of the senior commanders eliminated in the operation.
The sources also disclosed that surviving ISWAP fighters were believed to be regrouping in forested areas around Bulabulin, about 18 to 20 kilometres west of Damboa, as well as around Korengelen, south-east of Azir.
Security officials said intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations have been intensified in the identified locations and surrounding forests to track and intercept fleeing fighters.
Another source said the military is maintaining pressure on the group through continuous clearance operations and aerial surveillance to prevent the terrorists from reorganising.
