Several senior terrorist commanders and more than 50 insurgents have reportedly been killed in the Lake Chad region following air strikes carried out by troops under Operation Hadin Kai.
According to military sources quoted by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, the strikes were conducted on May 31 in the Kirta and Arina Ciki areas after intelligence reports revealed terrorist activities and the presence of operational bases in the region.
“Post-strike battle damage assessments indicated that among those neutralised were Khalifa Umar, a prominent member of the terrorists’ Shura Council from Sigir, alongside two other field commanders identified as Abdallah and Abduljalil,” Makama reported.
The publication added that the operation targeted key terrorist hideouts and logistics centres.
“The sources disclosed that the operation resulted in the elimination of more than 50 terrorists.
“In addition to the loss of key personnel, several logistics facilities, supply depots and life-support structures used by the terrorists were destroyed during the strikes, further degrading their ability to sustain operations across the Lake Chad Basin.”
Makama said the sustained aerial campaign has increased pressure on insurgent groups, forcing many fighters to leave their traditional island bases and relocate to more exposed positions on the mainland.
According to security sources, the overall security situation in the theatre remains calm but fluid, requiring sustained vigilance by troops and security agencies.
“They, however, expressed confidence in the combat readiness, morale and operational effectiveness of troops engaged in the campaign,” Makama stated.
“The latest success is expected to further consolidate recent gains recorded by the US-and Nigeria Armed Forces and reinforce ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and stability in the region.”