Nigerian troops take down 50 terrorists, key ISWAP leader in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have stepped up their actions in the North-east. They have killed over 50 terrorists, including a top ISWAP commander, and arrested several collaborators in Borno.

This information was shared in an operational report released to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.

The military said their big win came after an airstrike around Kirta and Arina Ciki. This airstrike took out several terrorist commanders, including Khalifa Umar, who is part of the ISWAP Shura Council.

The report also stated that the ongoing air offensive had made insurgents leave their island hideouts. They were forced to move towards the mainland due to the pressure.

The troops captured three suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers and informants. They also arrested a soldier who had deserted with his weapon and later got involved in criminal activities. This happened in separate operations within Maiduguri and nearby areas.

Items recovered from these suspects included a rifle with magazines, a vehicle, 30 litres of petrol, and other materials used to support terrorist activities.

"Troops also conducted fighting patrols in the Kukawa area, engaging fleeing terrorist scouts and recovering ammunition," the report added.

The North-east region remains the center of Nigeria’s fight against terrorism under Operation Hadin Kai. Over the years, coordinated air and ground attacks have focused on ISWAP and JAS hideouts around the Lake Chad Basin and Sambisa area.

Recent operations have combined intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance with precise airstrikes. This aims to disrupt terrorist command structures, supply hubs, and movement routes.

Military officials say this new strategy has forced insurgents to leave fortified island hideouts. They have started breaking into smaller groups, making them easier to target.

The latest operations show ongoing efforts to weaken leadership, cut off supply chains, and limit terrorists' movement across the state and nearby borders.

The military has promised to keep up operations to further weaken terrorist capabilities and bring back normal life in the region.