The military establishment in Nigeria has expanded its ongoing ground and aerial counter-terrorism campaign across the northern territories. This strategic scaling up immediately follows a public declaration by former United States President Donald Trump.
Mr. Trump suggested the possibility of deploying American troops to the country over reported attacks targeting Christian communities.
Mr. Trump previously used his social media account to issue a sharp warning. He alluded to potential foreign military intervention should the security challenges persist. He additionally threatened to halt all financial assistance to Nigeria if the current administration failed to take decisive action.
Deadly Rivalry: Terror Factions Battle
In the atmosphere of heightened security, hostile terror factions are locked in intense clashes over territorial control in the North.
A significant confrontation reportedly took place in the Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State. Over 50 combatants were allegedly killed in a fierce battle.
The fighting involved factions of Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) competing for dominance.
The conflict erupted late Sunday in the island community of Toumbun Gini. ISWAP forces initiated an offensive intending to recapture territory recently seized by the opposing Boko Haram group.
Ground reports indicate ISWAP launched the attack using about 10 high-powered watercraft. However, Boko Haram operatives, having received advance intelligence, reportedly ambushed them.
A person with knowledge of the event described the surprise attack as transforming into a “deadly trap.” The Boko Haram combatants quickly overpowered the rival forces.
More than 50 ISWAP fighters were reportedly killed, and seven of their boats were seized. The chance of a retaliatory attack by ISWAP remains unknown.
Ground Troops Prevent Abduction and Capture Logisticians
Hours preceding the major terror faction clash, the military’s special forces battalion, operating under Operation Hadin Kai, successfully disrupted a planned Boko Haram ambush targeting civilians in Dutse Kura.
This key intervention resulted in the liberation of 86 civilians and the capture of 29 individuals suspected of supplying logistics.
A military spokesperson released details confirming the terrorists’ goal was to abduct civilians and confiscate vehicles along the Buratai–Kamuya Road.
The troops engaged the terrorists and pursued them to Mangari. There, they located an established camp consisting of 11 makeshift shelters.
The haul of recovered items included one AK-47 rifle, five ammunition magazines with 73 rounds, four PKT ammunition belts, five vehicles, five motorcycles, eight bicycles, and two tricycles. The discovered terror camp was subsequently dismantled.
In a separate action near Mangada, soldiers intercepted 29 suspects transporting supplies to Chilaria. They were found with two pickup vans and a tricycle loaded with approximately 1,000 litres of fuel, engine oil, tires for gun-trucks, medical equipment, and food items. The military reported zero casualties during these engagements.
Air Force Unleashes Precision Strikes
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) also launched precise airstrikes targeting known strongholds of terrorists and bandits. These operations covered multiple northern states, including Borno, Kwara, and Katsina.
A NAF representative confirmed the success of these strikes. They destroyed hideouts, crippled logistics centers, and eliminated several terrorists.
In Borno State, NAF assets concentrated fire on ISWAP elements in the Northern Tumbuns region. Air assets, guided by real-time intelligence, delivered precision attacks southeast of Shuwaram.
They subsequently moved to Mallam Fatori, where terrorists were actively observed mobilizing using motorcycles and boats along the Lake Chad Basin.
These strikes successfully neutralized numerous targets. They significantly degraded ISWAP’s ability to operate in the area.
Concurrently, NAF aircraft hit bandit camps in Garin Dandi and Chigogo in Kwara State. Air assets also struck Zango Hill in Katsina State, targeting a prominent terror leader and his fighters.
The operation confirms a continuous effort against internal threats, executed under the direction of the Chief of Air Staff.
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