Several high-ranking terrorist commanders and more than 50 insurgents have reportedly been killed in coordinated air strikes carried out by troops under Operation Hadin Kai in the Lake Chad region.
Military sources, quoted by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, said the strikes were executed on May 31 around the Kirta and Arina Ciki axis following credible intelligence on heightened terrorist activities in the area.
According to the report, the operation targeted key insurgent enclaves, logistics hubs, and supply routes used by the terrorists to sustain their 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 field commanders identified as Abdallah and Abduljalil,” Makama reported.
The sources disclosed that the offensive resulted in the elimination of over 50 insurgents, dealing a major setback to the terror network operating within the region.
The air strikes also reportedly destroyed several logistics facilities, supply depots, and life-support structures considered critical to the group’s operational capacity.
“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,” the publication stated.
The report added that the sustained aerial bombardment has intensified pressure on insurgent groups, forcing many fighters to abandon their traditional island hideouts for more vulnerable positions on the mainland.
Makama further quoted security sources as describing the security situation across the theatre of operations as “calm but fluid,” underscoring the need for sustained vigilance by troops and security agencies.
Despite the volatile environment, the sources expressed confidence in the combat readiness, morale, and operational effectiveness of troops participating in the ongoing counterinsurgency operations.
“The latest success is expected to consolidate recent gains recorded by the Nigerian Armed Forces and reinforce ongoing efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and stability in the region,” the report added.
