Military Airstrikes Eliminate Over 50 Terrorists in Lake Chad, Arrests Logistics Supplier in Maiduguri
Military Airstrikes Eliminate Over 50 Terrorists in Lake Chad, Arrests Logistics Supplier in Maiduguri
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have recorded significant successes in ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North-East, with precision air strikes neutralising key terrorist commanders and scores of fighters in the Lake Chad region, while troops in Maiduguri arrested a suspected Boko Haram logistics supplier and informant.
Military sources disclosed that sustained air offensives conducted under Operation HADIN KAI on May 31 targeted terrorist enclaves and logistics hubs around the Kirta and Arina Ciki general areas following credible intelligence on insurgent activities.
According to post-strike battle damage assessments, the operation led to the elimination of more than 50 terrorists, including prominent insurgent figures identified as Khalifa Umar, a member of the terrorists’ Shura Council from Sigir, as well as two field commanders, Abdallah and Abduljalil.
The assessments further revealed that several logistics facilities, supply depots and life-support structures used by the insurgents were destroyed during the strikes, significantly degrading their operational and sustainment capabilities across the Lake Chad Basin.
Security sources said the sustained aerial bombardments have continued to place immense pressure on terrorist elements, forcing many fighters to abandon their traditional island hideouts and relocate to more exposed dry-land locations in an attempt to evade detection and targeting.
In a related development, troops of the 7 Division Provost Group arrested a 25-year-old man suspected of providing logistics and intelligence support to Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.
The suspect, identified as Mohammed Bulama, a resident of Mafa Local Government Area, was apprehended at about 4:30 p.m. on June 1 during intelligence-led surveillance operations at Ngawom, Muna Garage, within the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council area.
Preliminary investigations reportedly indicated that Bulama was involved in supplying logistical support and information to terrorist elements operating in the region. During interrogation, he allegedly confessed to knowing other members of the insurgent network and expressed willingness to assist security agencies in identifying and apprehending them.
The suspect remains in the custody of the 7 Division Provost Group for further investigation.
Military authorities said the latest operational successes form part of the broader campaign by Operation HADIN KAI to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt their logistics architecture and deny insurgents freedom of movement across the North-East.
While describing the security situation across the theatre as generally calm but fluid, sources expressed confidence in the combat readiness, morale and operational effectiveness of troops engaged in the counter-insurgency campaign.
The latest gains are expected to further strengthen ongoing efforts by the Nigerian military and its international partners to restore lasting peace, security and stability across the region.
By TimesNG