The Lake Chad basin (LCB) jihadist factions of Boko Haram (JAS) and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) are in disarray as they suffered another devastating loss of its foot soldiers following a series of airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) component of Operation Hadin Kai.

Sources confirmed that the intelligence-led aerial mission against identified Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists’ hideouts were carried out on  July 9 and 10, 2023 in Chikun, Gudu, Jibularam, Kwalaram, Arinna Ciki in Marte Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State, Northeast Nigeria.

A source said that an early damage assessment from the scene showed that the successful operation led to the elimination of scores of fighters, including some Commanders who are yet to be identified.

The source noted: “In continuation of the intensive air raids, similar strikes were also undertaken at Talala in the axis of Sambisa Forest after intelligence was received of terrorists moving on seven motorcycles. 

“The strikes were successful as at least six bodies of the eliminated terrorists were sighted after the clearance operations. The claim was collaborated by troops deployed around the area who revealed that the terrorists suffered heavy casualties from the airstrikes.

“Also, NAF’s fighter jets were sighted conducting aggressive patrols around Afa, Kafa, Buk, Talala, Galmasaku, Chiralia, Ajigin, Wajiroko, Sabon gari, Gogore, Doksa Buni Yadi and  Buni Gari, after Intelligence report revealed the terrorists moving in seven gun trucks and motorcycles.

“But on sighting the terrorists within the Timbuktu Triangle, the terrorists flee from the scene and hid under nearby trees to avoid being spotted.”

A top Military Intelligence source added that “the Chief of  Air Staff, Air Vice Marshall Hassan Bala Abubakar, has directed all Operational Commanders to sustain the tempo of military decisiveness against the terrorists and insurgents wherever they are at this period.”