A joint air operation involving the Nigerian military and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has reportedly neutralised 21 suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State, in what security sources described as a major blow to terrorist activities in the North-East.
The operation, carried out under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), targeted a suspected terrorist enclave in Arege, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State on May 30, following intelligence reports indicating that insurgents were using the location as a base for their activities.
Military sources said the strike was launched after intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions confirmed the presence of ISWAP members in the area.
According to the sources, the camp was believed to be one of the operational centres used by the insurgents to coordinate attacks, recruit members and plan movements across communities around the Lake Chad region.
The sources disclosed that fighter aircraft engaged the target after gathering sufficient intelligence, resulting in the reported killing of 21 suspected terrorists.
They added that the operation disrupted the activities of the group and destroyed facilities believed to have been used for planning attacks and storing logistics.
Security officials described the strike as a carefully planned intelligence-driven mission aimed at weakening the operational strength of ISWAP and preventing future attacks on civilian communities and military formations.
The latest operation is part of ongoing military efforts to contain insurgency in the North-East, where terrorist groups have continued to pose security threats despite years of military offensives.
Military authorities said the collaboration between Nigeria and the United States has improved intelligence gathering and operational effectiveness in the fight against terrorism.
According to the sources, the operation demonstrates the growing partnership between Nigerian security agencies and international allies committed to tackling violent extremism in the region.
The sources noted that intelligence sharing, surveillance support and joint planning have become important tools in confronting terrorist groups operating within the Lake Chad Basin.
“This operation forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, destroy their hideouts and limit their ability to launch attacks,” one of the sources said.
The Lake Chad region, which covers parts of Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, has remained a major area of operation for terrorist groups over the years.
The difficult terrain, vast waterways and remote islands have often provided hiding places for insurgents fleeing military operations.
ISWAP emerged from a split within the Boko Haram insurgency and has become one of the most active terrorist groups operating in parts of the North-East.
The group has carried out attacks on military formations, government facilities and civilian communities, particularly in Borno State and surrounding areas.
Over the years, the Nigerian military has launched several ground and air operations aimed at dismantling the group’s networks and restoring peace to affected communities.
Operation HADIN KAI, which is the military’s counter-insurgency operation in the North-East, has remained at the forefront of these efforts.
The operation combines air and ground offensives, intelligence gathering and cooperation with local and international partners to combat insurgent activities.
In recent months, military authorities have intensified attacks on terrorist hideouts, particularly around the Lake Chad Basin and the Sambisa Forest region.
Several commanders and fighters have reportedly been killed during these operations, while camps and logistics bases have been destroyed.
Despite these successes, security challenges remain in parts of the North-East, where insurgents occasionally launch attacks on villages, travellers and security personnel.
The Federal Government has repeatedly stated that the fight against terrorism remains a top priority and has continued to invest in military equipment, intelligence capabilities and international cooperation.
The partnership between Nigeria and the United States has been one of several international security collaborations aimed at strengthening counter-terrorism operations.
AFRICOM, the United States military command responsible for operations in Africa, has in the past supported regional efforts through intelligence sharing, training programmes and surveillance assistance.
Military sources expressed optimism that the latest operation would further weaken ISWAP’s presence in the area and reduce its ability to threaten communities around the Lake Chad Basin.
They said sustained pressure on terrorist groups remains necessary to prevent them from regrouping and launching fresh attacks.
The latest strike comes at a time when security agencies are intensifying efforts to prevent terrorist groups from regaining lost ground and expanding their influence in remote communities.
Residents in parts of Borno State have repeatedly called for stronger security measures to protect lives and property, especially in areas that have experienced years of insurgent violence.
Many communities in the state have suffered displacement, destruction of property and loss of livelihoods as a result of the prolonged insurgency.
While military operations have helped restore normalcy to several areas, authorities acknowledge that the fight against terrorism is still ongoing.
For now, security officials believe the successful operation in Arege represents another significant step in the campaign against insurgency and highlights the importance of cooperation between Nigeria and its international partners in confronting security threats.