The Nigerian military has confirmed that several Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, fighters were killed during precision airstrikes on an island in Lake Chad on Saturday.
The operation, coordinated under the Theatre Command North East Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, was carried out after a series of reconnaissance and interdiction missions in the area between Gamboru and Lake Chad Island.
According to sources, the air component, in collaboration with the Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF, targeted the movement of ISWAP fighters, destroying at least 12 boats suspected to be used for logistics. Concealed shelters believed to house weapons, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices, IEDs, were also neutralised.
“The aircraft carried out the first precision strike targeting a suspected IED-making facility. Subsequent assessment revealed insurgents fleeing in disarray,” one of the sources said.
Another strike reportedly hit a location serving as a command post, killing scores of fighters. The sources added that over 20 insurgents were seen attempting to evacuate casualties, an indication of heavy losses and disruption to their operational capability.
