Military Airstrikes Kill 18 Top Terrorist Commanders in Sambisa
The Nigerian military says airstrikes conducted by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai have eliminated several high-ranking terrorist commanders in Sambisa Forest, Borno State.
According to military authorities, the precision strike targeted terrorist enclaves in the forest on March 2 following intelligence indicating the presence of senior leaders of Boko Haram and allied insurgent factions.
Among those reportedly killed in the air assault were terrorist commanders identified as Saddam, Saleh Garin Kago and Ba Alayi Benbem, along with another fighter, Hussaini Ubaida.
A battle damage assessment conducted after the operation indicated that the airstrikes also neutralised several other fighters and destroyed multiple terrorist structures.
Military sources said corroborating intelligence reports suggest that the attack may have resulted in the elimination of more than 18 ring leaders and about 42 fighters operating within the forest.
The operation is believed to have dealt a significant blow to the command structure of the insurgent groups operating in the region.
Security officials explained that the strikes were part of ongoing joint air and ground operations aimed at dismantling remaining terrorist networks in the North-East.
They added that follow-up surveillance and ground operations are continuing in the area to confirm additional casualties and prevent regrouping by fleeing fighters.
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Troops Repel Terrorists Deploying Armed Drones in Borno
In another development, troops of Operation Hadin Kai have also repelled a terrorist attack involving the deployment of armed drones in Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State.
Military authorities disclosed that the attack occurred on March 1 when insurgents attempted to target troop positions using drones armed with explosives.
However, the troops reportedly responded swiftly, engaging the attackers in a fierce firefight that resulted in significant casualties among the terrorists.
Following the encounter, security forces recovered a cache of weapons and equipment from the scene, including arms, ammunition, anti-tank bombs, locally fabricated mortar bombs and several armed drones.
Materials used in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices were also discovered during exploitation of the area.
Military analysts say the incident highlights the evolving tactics of insurgent groups, who are increasingly experimenting with drone technology in their attacks against security forces.
Despite the emerging threat, defence authorities say troops remain well-prepared to counter such tactics through improved intelligence gathering, operational coordination and modern counter-measures.
Officials also stressed that the successful repulsion of the attack demonstrates the growing capability of troops to adapt to new forms of asymmetric warfare being deployed by terrorist groups.
By PRNigeria
