Several high-profile terrorist commanders and more than 50 insurgents have been reportedly killed in the Lake Chad region following air strikes conducted by the military under Operation Hadin Kai.
According to military sources cited by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the strikes were carried out on May 31 around the Kirta and Arina Ciki areas.
The publication said the operation targeted known terrorist enclaves and logistical hubs after actionable intelligence revealed insurgent activities 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 said.
“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.”
According to the publication, the sustained aerial offensive has piled significant pressure on insurgent groups, forcing many fighters to abandon their traditional island hideouts for more exposed locations on the mainland.
Makama said security sources described the overall situation across the theatre as calm but fluid, requiring continued vigilance from troops and security agencies.
“They, however, expressed confidence in the combat readiness, morale and operational effectiveness of troops engaged in the campaign,” Makama said.
“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.”
