A joint air operation conducted by the Nigerian military under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has reportedly eliminated 21 suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.
The airstrike targeted a suspected terrorist stronghold in Arege, Kukawa Local Government Area, on May 30, following intelligence indicating insurgent activity in the area.
Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, citing military sources, disclosed that the operation was launched after intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions confirmed the presence of ISWAP members at the location.
According to the sources, the targeted camp was allegedly being used by the group to plan and coordinate attacks across the Lake Chad region.
The strike reportedly resulted in the death of 21 suspected insurgents and disrupted the group’s operations in the area.
Military officials said the mission was part of ongoing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, destroying insurgent hideouts, and reducing the operational capacity of insurgent groups in the Northeast.
The sources described the operation as intelligence-led and carefully executed to achieve maximum impact against the targeted militants.
They added that the successful mission underscores the growing collaboration between Nigerian security forces and international partners in the fight against terrorism.
The officials also expressed confidence that the operation would further weaken insurgent activities around the Lake Chad Basin, where terrorist groups have continued efforts to regroup and launch attacks on vulnerable communities.
