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A Nigerian military air strike killed more than 40 terrorists from the Islamic State West Africa Province, including a commander, at an enclave in Borno State over the weekend, the military said on Monday.
The strike hit Badu Village, south of Gudumbali in Guzamala Local Government Area, according to a statement from Captain Mohammed Goni, Military Information Officer at the Joint Task Force (North East) headquarters in Maiduguri.
Goni said the operation was launched after credible reports indicated a build-up of ISWAP fighters preparing coordinated attacks on troops in Sector 3.
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“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the Air Component conducted targeted aerial surveillance, identified terrorist movements around suspected hideouts and logistics facilities, and subsequently executed a precision strike on a building occupied by the terrorists,” Goni said.
Citing preliminary human intelligence and battle damage assessment, Goni said “over 40 terrorists, including a prominent ISWAP Qaid (commander), were neutralised in the strike.”
Two vehicles and about 20 motorcycles used for mobility, logistics and attacks were also destroyed, he said, describing the outcome as a significant blow to the group’s fighting capability and its plans to attack military positions and nearby communities.
Intelligence indicated the fighters belonged to ISWAP’s Murabitun element, a mobile unit responsible for patrols and coordinating attacks in the area, according to him.
“The destruction of the enclave and associated operational assets represents a significant setback to the group’s capacity to launch attacks and sustain its activities in the Lake Chad region,” he said.
The military personnel also noted that further assessment was ongoing to establish the full extent of the damage.
The operation, according to Goni, reflected the effectiveness of intelligence-led, technology-enabled and coordinated air operations in dismantling terrorist networks and denying armed groups freedom of movement.
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“The successful operation underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led, technology-enabled and coordinated air operations in dismantling terrorist networks, disrupting hostile activities and denying criminal elements freedom of action.
“It further demonstrates the sustained operational momentum of troops under Operation HADIN KAI in degrading terrorist capabilities and strengthening security across the North East.”
The Joint Task Force North East said it remained committed to eliminating terrorist threats, protecting communities and restoring peace in the region.
