Nigeria-US Joint Airstrike Kills 21 ISWAP Terrorists in Lake Chad Region
A joint air operation conducted by the Nigerian military under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has neutralised 21 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in a precision strike on a terrorist enclave in Arege, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources disclosed that the operation was executed on May 30 following credible intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions that confirmed the presence of ISWAP elements within the area.
According to the sources, the coordinated airstrike targeted a terrorist camp where insurgents were reportedly planning and directing hostile operations across the Lake Chad region.
The precision engagement resulted in the elimination of 21 terrorists and significantly disrupted the operational capabilities of the insurgent group.
Sources further revealed that the mission forms part of ongoing Nigeria–United States counterterrorism cooperation aimed at degrading terrorist networks, dismantling their safe havens, and denying them freedom of movement across the North-East theatre.
“The strike was intelligence-driven and carefully executed to achieve maximum operational impact against the terrorists,” one of the sources said.
Military authorities noted that the successful operation underscores the growing synergy between Nigerian security forces and international partners in the fight against terrorism and the broader effort to strengthen regional security.
The latest strike is expected to further weaken terrorist activities within the Lake Chad Basin, where remnants of insurgent groups continue attempts to regroup and launch attacks on vulnerable communities.
By TimesNG