…By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
Scores of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists were reportedly eliminated in a recent airstrike conducted by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The deadly airstrike took place near Marte Local Government Area of Borno State, according to reports obtained by Naija News.
Counter-Insurgency Expert Confirms Strike
Zagazola Makama, a prominent counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region, confirmed the airstrike through his Twitter handle.
He stated that the operation was led by the Air Component command of Operation Hadin Kai in Tumbum SHITTU. The airstrikes were conducted based on intelligence that revealed a significant gathering of terrorists in the targeted area.
ISWAP Commander Dies from Snake Bite
In a separate incident two weeks prior, a top commander of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP), known as Kiriku, reportedly succumbed to a snake bite injury in Borno State.
Makama confirmed that Kiriku sustained the injury in one of ISWAP’s hideouts in Damboa Local Government Area and passed away three days later due to the inability to access treatment.
Kiriku’s Role and Stronghold
Kiriku, who operated in the Jiddari axis of Chiralia within the Timbuktu triangle, was responsible for leading numerous attacks and ambushes against troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno.
The Timbuktu triangle is a stronghold for Boko Haram/SWAP, encompassing several local government areas, including Damboa, Jere, Kaga, Konduga, and Gujba LGA in Yobe State.
Conclusion:
The Nigerian Air Force successfully executed an airstrike targeting ISWAP terrorists near Marte Local Government Area in Borno State.
Scores of militants were reportedly neutralized in the operation.
Additionally, a significant blow was dealt to ISWAP when a top commander, Kiriku, lost his life due to a snake bite injury sustained in a hideout in Damboa.
These incidents mark important developments in the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region.