Borno Under Siege: Military Strikes Neutralize ISWAP Fighters, Families Surrender

Nigerian military forces under Operation HADIN KAI have achieved significant successes in Borno State, encompassing both the surrender of terrorist family members and precision air strikes against insurgent fighters. These developments collectively underscore the increasing pressure on terrorist enclaves in the North-East, where sustained military operations and internal factional clashes continue to disrupt the groups’ activities and survival networks, as reported by security expert Zagazola Makama.

In a notable incident on August 17, seven family members of suspected terrorists, accompanied by twelve children, surrendered to troops of 112 Task Force Battalion deployed in Mafa, Borno State, at approximately 5 p.m. The women were identified as Falamatai Modu (30), Kelu Yaga (25), Fada Yaga (30), Gwaya Kadi (25), Hauwa Mallam (25), Maryam Yusuf (25), and Fanna Kadi (40). The children accompanying them ranged in age from three months to ten years. Preliminary interrogations revealed that these individuals had escaped from the Yaganari terrorist enclave due to severe hunger and profound concerns for their safety, stemming from violent clashes between rival terrorist factions. Following their surrender, the escapees were thoroughly profiled and documented by the troops and are slated for handover to the 24 Task Force Brigade Military Intelligence Regiment for further processing.

Complementing these ground efforts, Nigerian military forces under Operation Hadin Kai also neutralised eight suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in a precision air strike. This operation occurred in the Timbuktu Triangle of Borno State, specifically at Thethangala, at about 9:56 p.m. on August 18. The air strike was launched based on credible intelligence indicating the presence of ISWAP fighters who were reportedly preparing to launch an attack on Nigerian troops stationed in the area. A Guardian aircraft established the target overhead and successfully identified the eight suspected terrorists. The identified fighters were subsequently engaged in a precision air strike, with Battle Damage Assessment confirming that all terrorists were neutralised and no further movement was observed. The Timbuktu Triangle is recognized as a significant operational zone for ISWAP, where insurgents persistently attempt to regroup and target military positions in the North-East. This successful air strike forms part of ongoing coordinated ground and air operations by troops under Operation Hadin Kai aimed at dismantling terrorist formations and their vital logistics networks.

The military high command emphasized that the general security situation across the theatre remained calm yet unpredictable, while the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remained satisfactory. These intensified efforts by security forces are crucial in disrupting terrorist movements and preempting planned attacks on military formations and surrounding communities. Troops are expected to sustain offensive operations across identified terrorist strongholds throughout the North-East as security agencies continue their comprehensive efforts to contain insurgent activities.