NAF Strikes ISWAP Enclave in Lake Chad, Neutralises Scores of Terrorists
The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has dealt a major blow to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), neutralising scores of terrorists and destroying key insurgent infrastructure during a precision air interdiction operation in the Lake Chad Basin.
Security sources disclosed that the operation was conducted on June 10 at Metele, within the notorious Northern Tumbuns area, following credible intelligence indicating increased terrorist activity and the presence of senior ISWAP commanders in the enclave.
According to the sources, intelligence reports revealed a concentration of insurgents operating from concealed structures within the area. Subsequent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions confirmed unusual movements and heightened terrorist activities around the identified location.
Acting on the intelligence, the Air Component deployed a coordinated strike package comprising manned and unmanned aerial platforms, including the PHANTOM formation and the GREY RAPTOR system, to engage the targets.
Aerial surveillance conducted before the strike reportedly observed clusters of terrorists moving around the structures and carrying out activities believed to be linked to operational planning, logistics coordination and other insurgent activities.
Following positive target identification, the aircrew executed precision strikes on the terrorist hideout, delivering accurate munitions on the designated targets.
Read Also:
Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) conducted after the mission indicated that multiple terrorist structures were destroyed, while scores of ISWAP fighters were neutralised during the operation.
Military sources described the strike as part of ongoing offensive air campaigns aimed at dismantling terrorist sanctuaries, disrupting command-and-control networks and denying insurgents freedom of movement across the Lake Chad Basin.
The Northern Tumbuns region has long served as a strategic stronghold for ISWAP due to its difficult terrain, dense vegetation and extensive waterways, which have historically provided cover for insurgent movement and logistics operations.
However, sustained air offensives and intelligence-led operations by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai have continued to degrade the group’s operational capabilities and restrict its ability to operate freely within the region.
Sources noted that the latest operation underscores the growing effectiveness of intelligence-driven air power in targeting terrorist leadership, logistics hubs and staging areas deep within insurgent-controlled territories.
They added that the integration of real-time intelligence, surveillance assets and precision strike capabilities has significantly enhanced the military’s ability to disrupt terrorist activities and pre-empt planned attacks.
Military authorities expressed confidence that the successful mission would further weaken ISWAP’s operational capacity in the Lake Chad region and support ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North-East.
They reaffirmed that offensive operations against terrorist enclaves would be sustained until all remaining insurgent strongholds are dismantled and the threat posed by terrorist groups is decisively neutralised.
By PRNigeria
