Military precision airstrikes neutralise 40 ISWAP terrorists in Borno

Military precision airstrikes carried out by troops under Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised no fewer than 40 Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, terrorists during a coordinated air operation around Wulgo–Momaduru in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.

The strikes, according to Zagazola Makama, a security analyst in a post on X on Tuesday, were conducted in the early hours of November 10. He said the strikes followed intelligence surveillance that detected a large gathering of terrorist fighters approximately 1.5 kilometres north-west of Wulgo–Momaduru.

Security sources disclosed that the initial assessment revealed a significant concentration of terrorists in the area, prompting the commencement of an air operation to disrupt the gathering and eliminate the threat.

During the operation, a precision strike was executed against the first identified terrorist position. Post-strike assessment indicated that about 30 terrorists were neutralised, while a motorcycle was destroyed.

“Multiple secondary explosions were also observed following the strike, suggesting the possible destruction of additional explosive materials or other combustible items at the location,” Makama stated in the post.

Makama added that as the operation progressed, surviving terrorists were observed fleeing the initial impact area in an apparent attempt to escape the assault. Some of the fleeing fighters subsequently sought cover beneath trees in the surrounding area.

He said the military maintained surveillance and tracked their movement, allowing another concentration of terrorists to be identified. Following the necessary authorisation, a second precision strike was conducted against the fleeing fighters’ position.

Subsequent battle damage assessment indicated that an additional 10 terrorists were neutralised, bringing the total number of terrorists eliminated during the operation to 40.

Security sources noted that the coordinated strikes represent a significant operational setback for ISWAP elements operating around the Wulgo–Momaduru axis, particularly given the number of fighters reportedly assembled in the area.

Makama added that the operation also illustrated the importance of sustained intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance and precision targeting in disrupting terrorist concentrations before they can reorganise, reinforce their positions or launch attacks against military formations and civilian communities.

The security analyst said the Wulgo–Momaduru axis remains strategically important to security operations in the Lake Chad region, where terrorist groups have continued to exploit difficult terrain and remote settlements to sustain their activities.

He pointed out that the latest success further demonstrates the determination of leadership under Operation Hadin Kai to maintain offensive pressure on terrorist networks, dismantle their operational structures and deny them safe havens across the North-East.

According to him, with 40 terrorists neutralised in a single coordinated operation, the military has delivered another significant blow to ISWAP’s manpower and freedom of movement in Borno State.