The Nigerian military conducted airstrikes on November 6 against Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) camps near southern Lake Chad, killing a substantial number of militants. According to intelligence sources cited by Zagazola Makama, the strikes targeted camps led by ISWAP commander Usman Russia on Kwallaram and Arainna Ciki islands in Marte County in Borno State, Northeast Nigeria.
Ground assessment confirmed that over 70 ISWAP fighters were killed at the Kwallaram camp. While the exact number of casualties at Arainna Ciki remains unclear, sources indicated that several terrorists were eliminated in the coordinated assault.
The airstrike has been described as “arguably one of the most successful strikes undertaken by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai.” “Hadin Kai” means “cooperation” in the English language.
Despite the onslaught on the terror group, reports surfaced that ISWAP mobilized additional fighters from its Sambisa faction to regroup in Kusuma and Sigir within Gamboru Ngala County on November 7. Both locations are under Usman Russia’s control, and mobilized fighters reportedly include elements from Sambisa Forest and northern Cameroon. ISWAP’s intended actions in these areas remain unknown.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
