Nigeria-US Joint Airstrike Neutralises 21 ISWAP Terrorists in Borno

A joint air operation conducted by the Nigerian Military under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has reportedly neutralised 21 suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.

The operation targeted a terrorist enclave in Arege, Kukawa Local Government Area, on May 30, following intelligence reports indicating the presence of insurgents in the area.

Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, citing military sources, disclosed that the strike was carried out after intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions confirmed the activities of ISWAP members at the location.

According to the sources, the terrorists were operating from a camp allegedly used to coordinate and plan attacks across communities within the Lake Chad region.

The airstrike reportedly inflicted significant damage on the terrorist network, resulting in the death of 21 insurgents and disrupting ongoing operational activities within the enclave.

Military sources said the operation formed part of sustained counterterrorism efforts and security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States aimed at dismantling terrorist structures in the North-East.

They noted that the mission was intelligence-driven and carefully executed to maximise operational success while targeting key insurgent positions.

The sources further explained that the collaboration between Operation HADIN KAI and AFRICOM reflects growing international support for Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism and restore stability in affected regions.

According to the military, the operation is expected to weaken ISWAP’s operational capacity and reduce its ability to launch attacks against civilian populations and security forces in the Lake Chad Basin.

The sources expressed optimism that continued intelligence-sharing and joint operations would further degrade terrorist networks operating in the region.

The North-East has remained a major theatre of counterinsurgency operations, with security forces intensifying efforts to prevent terrorist groups from regrouping and expanding their influence across border communities.

Military authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the operation, but security sources described the mission as a significant success in ongoing efforts to combat insurgency and enhance security in the region.