NAF Air Strikes Kill Over 10 ISWAP Fighters in North-East Operation

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has killed more than 10 fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during targeted air strikes in Borno and Yobe states, including the Timbuktu Triangle.

The strikes, part of Operation Hadin Kai, were carried out Tuesday using intelligence gathered from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Surveillance identified a group of roughly 10 militants armed with motorcycles and bicycles under a dense tree canopy along the Ambia Tasha, Ambia Sheruri, Ambia Turo, and Shangamaru axis in Yobe. Additional fighters were believed to be concealed nearby.

Following authorisation, NAF jets engaged the targets with precision munitions, destroying equipment and vehicles. Post-strike assessments confirmed significant casualties, with only one fighter reportedly escaping.

Military sources said the operations aim to restrict ISWAP’s movement, disrupt their supply networks, and safeguard communities in the north-east. Targeted strikes, coordinated with ground forces, are expected to continue until remaining threats are neutralized.

Earlier this month, similar operations across the north-east and north-west destroyed militant hideouts, seized weapons, and killed several fighters.

Ehimen Ejodame, director of public relations at NAF headquarters, confirmed that the air strikes were conducted from January 1 to 2 under joint task forces operating within Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Fasan Yamma Sector 2.