At least 103 terrorists have been neutralised between October 10 and 18, as the Joint Task Force (North- East) Operation Hadin Kai executed targeted, intelligence-driven airstrikes on Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) strongholds.
The successful operations were carried out through coordinated efforts involving the Nigerian Army Aviation, the Nigerian Army Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (NARPAS) Regiment, and Air Component assets.
Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer at Headquarters Joint Task Force, revealed that the sustained aerial offensive comprised seven strategic strikes.
He stated that the airstrikes were conducted near Gudumbali in Guzamala Local Government Area on October 10, Badu in Monguno LGA on October 11, Mairari in Guzamala LGA alongside a location east of Badu on October 13, Duste Uku in Gombi LGA of Adamawa State on October 16, and the alternate residence of Abu Saleem—the ISWAP Wali of South Lake Chad—in the Arina Woje area of Monguno LGA on October 18.
Goni added that the targeted strike on Abu Saleem’s alternate residence on October 18, which was executed following intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, marked a significant operational success for the Air Component.
He added that intelligence reports confirmed the elimination of several high-ranking fighters inside the targeted facilities, including Abul Kissa, a member of ISWAP’s Shura Council.
“The strike completely destroyed the targeted structure and key logistics assets, including nine boat engines and several motorcycles stored within the premises,” he said.
Backstory…
Earlier, on October 13, a Guardian aerial asset tracked a squad of 16 terrorists moving from the Mairari axis to a larger gathering of over 100 militants equipped with numerous motorcycles, located roughly 23 kilometers east of Badu and 19 kilometers west of Monguno.
A subsequent precision strike on the assembly was estimated to have neutralized approximately 30 terrorists.
Goni noted that the remaining strikes conducted during the period—targeting insurgent elements and infrastructure around Gudumbali, Badu, Mairari, and Duste Uku—resulted in the deaths of 103 additional militants.
“The sustained successes underscore the effectiveness of coordinated, intelligence-led air operations in degrading terrorist capabilities, disrupting command structures and dismantling critical logistics networks.
“Through continued synergy among Nigerian Army Aviation, NARPARS, the Air Component and ground forces, OPHK remains resolute in maintaining operational momentum, denying terrorists safe havens and advancing efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North East.”
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