Nigerian Air Force bombs villages on Lake Chad in renewed assault on Iswap and Boko Haram

NIGERIAN Air Force (Naf)  jets have carried out unprecedented bombing raids on islands in Lake Chad as part of a renewed battle against terrorist groups the Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap) and Boko Haram.

Codenamed Operation Hadin Kai, the raids, carried out on Saturday,  involved precision air strikes on targets believed to be housing the insurgents.  Coordinated under the Theatre Command North East Joint Task Force, the operations were carried out after a series of reconnaissance and interdiction missions in the area between Gamboru and Lake Chad.

Apparently, the Naf, 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 destroyed.

One military source said: “The aircraft carried out the first precision strike targeting a suspected IED-making facility. Subsequent assessment revealed insurgents fleeing in disarray.”

Another strike reportedly hit a location serving as a command post, killing scores of fighters. According to the military source, over 20 insurgents were seen attempting to evacuate casualties, an indication of heavy losses and disruption to their operational capability as a result of the air strikes.

In another development, Operation Hadin Kai troops also repelled a Boko Haram/Iswap attack on Kurnari village in Buratai District, in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the attack happened around 1.34 am this morning when a large group of terrorists stormed the village.

He added: “A patrol team stationed in Kurnari engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, while reinforcements led by the commanding officer of 135 Battalion quickly joined to support the troops. One house was partially burnt but no civilian or troop casualties were recorded.”

According to Mr Makama, the terrorists destroyed an electricity pole supplying power to Kurnari and Buratai villages before the assault, plunging the area into darkness to gain an advantage. He added that during the clash, the soldiers executed direct fire missions along the terrorists’ withdrawal route.

“Bloodstains found at the scene suggested heavy losses among the attackers, although the exact number of casualties could not be confirmed. After the encounter, troops recovered four belts of PKT ammunition with 306 rounds of 7.62mm Nato five rocket propelled grenades, three AK-47 magazines with 30 rounds each, a yellow blanket, syringes, bandages, painkiller injections and ₦2,000 cash,” Mr Makama wrote on his social media handle.

He  added that normalcy has since returned to the community and local officials said the troops remain highly motivated and combat-ready. Apparently, their fighting efficiency remains high.