Several senior terrorist commanders and more than 50 insurgents were reportedly killed in a series of air strikes carried out by the military under Operation Hadin Kai in the Lake Chad region.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to military sources quoted by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, the strikes were conducted on May 31 around the Kirta and Arina Ciki areas following intelligence reports on terrorist activities in the region.
The operation reportedly targeted known insurgent enclaves and logistical hubs used to support terrorist operations across the Lake Chad Basin.
“Post-strike battle damage assessments indicated that among those neutralised were Khalifa Umar, a prominent member of the terrorists’ Shura Council from Sigir, alongside two other field commanders identified as Abdallah and Abduljalil,” Makama said.
“The sources disclosed that the operation resulted in the elimination of more than 50 terrorists.”
The publication added that, beyond the loss of key commanders and fighters, the air strikes also destroyed several facilities critical to the insurgents’ operations.
“In addition to the loss of key personnel, several logistics facilities, supply depots and life-support structures used by the terrorists were destroyed during the strikes, further degrading their ability to sustain operations across the Lake Chad Basin,” Makama stated.
According to the report, the sustained aerial campaign has intensified pressure on insurgent groups, forcing many fighters to abandon their traditional island hideouts and relocate to more vulnerable positions on the mainland.
Makama said security sources described the security situation across the operational theatre as generally calm but fluid, stressing the need for continued vigilance by troops and other security agencies.
“They, however, expressed confidence in the combat readiness, morale and operational effectiveness of troops engaged in the campaign,” he said.
The publication noted that the latest operation is expected to build on recent counter-insurgency gains recorded by Nigerian and allied forces in the region.
“The latest success is expected to further consolidate recent gains recorded by the US-and Nigeria Armed Forces and reinforce ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and stability in the region,” Makama added.
