Military Neutralises Arab National, 15 Other ISWAP Fighters In Lake Chad

Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, under “Operation Hadin Kai”, have neutralised 16 suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists during coordinated air and artillery strikes on three of their suspected locations in Tunbunma area of the South Lake Chad region.

Some of the ISWAP members reportedly killed by the troops include Abu Zubiru, described as an Arab national and two of his associates, Baana Nglewa and Jindullah Sadiq.

The operation, conducted between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. on Monday followed intelligence reports indicating the presence of key terrorist leaders and members at the targeted locations.

According to a statement issued by the acting military information officer at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force, Captain Mohammed Goni, a battle damage assessment indicated that 16 suspected ISWAP fighters were killed in the strikes.

The statement added that Abu Saleem, identified as the Wali of Tunbunma, sustained severe injuries alongside seven other individuals during the operation.

The military said the strikes formed part of its sustained offensive against terrorist networks operating within the Lake Chad Basin, with air and ground weapon systems deployed to engage the identified targets.

Operation Hadin Kai reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying intelligence-led operations against terrorist elements in the North-East, with the aim of restoring peace and normalcy to the region.

The task force also urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations.