Troops kill 16 ISWAP fighters in Lake Chad airstrikes

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed 16 suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters during coordinated air and artillery strikes on three suspected terrorist locations in the Tunbunma area of South Lake Chad, Punch reports.

The operation was carried out between 1am and 2am on Monday, following intelligence reports indicating the presence of key terrorist leaders and fighters in the area.

The military disclosed this in a statement signed by Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Captain Mohammed Goni, who said the operation involved air and ground weapon systems. “Battle Damage Assessment indicates that 16 ISWAP fighters were neutralised across the targeted locations,” the statement said.

The military identified some of those killed as Abu Zubiru, described as an Arab national, and his associates, Baana Nglewa and Jindullah Sadiq, while Abu Saleem, identified as the Wali of Tunbunma, sustained severe injuries alongside seven others.

The military said the operation was part of sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist networks in the Lake Chad Basin, adding that “there is no hiding place for terrorists.”

It urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations.