The Nigerian Army has killed more than 20 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in a precision air strike in Borno State that also destroyed key logistics assets belonging to the terrorists.
The operation dealt a major blow to the group’s operational capacity, with several other fighters reportedly wounded during the strike.
The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai carried out the engagement on Tuesday in the Southern Lake Chad axis of Borno State following intelligence reports on the movement of insurgents and the presence of strategic supplies at a terrorist logistics hub.
A military source on Wednesday said the strike destroyed more than 30 motorcycles acquired by the terrorists for future operations.
Many of the motorcycles, which were said to be newly procured, were intended to enhance the group’s mobility and support attacks across difficult terrains.
The source also disclosed that the operation destroyed a large food stockpile belonging to the insurgents, including significant quantities of beans and other supplies allegedly obtained from communities within the region.
Describing the strike as a major setback for ISWAP, the source said the destruction of the motorcycles would weaken the terrorists’ ability to move quickly, launch raids and reinforce their positions.
“The destruction of the motorcycles has severely weakened the terrorists’ ability to move quickly, conduct raids and reinforce their positions,” the source said.
The source added that the loss of the food reserves would further affect the group’s ability to sustain prolonged operations and maintain fighters in the field.
Military assessments indicated that the operation could disrupt attempts by the insurgents to regroup and expand their influence in affected areas.
The Guild reports that Operation Hadin Kai has intensified air offensives in recent months, relying on intelligence-driven surveillance and precision strikes to target terrorist hideouts, disrupt logistics networks and restrict insurgent movements across the North-East.