Nigerian military air operations have reportedly killed nine suspected members of the terrorist group Islamic State West Africa Province and destroyed several vehicles during coordinated strikes in Borno State.
According to a report by TheCable, citing counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, the air component of Operation Hadin Kai launched the operation on June 6 after intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets detected suspicious activity around Cross Kauwa and Ali Sherifti in northern Borno.
Military sources said aerial surveillance identified about 12 vehicles concealed beneath trees at a suspected terrorist hideout in Cross Kauwa. The location was believed to be serving as a logistics and coordination base for insurgent operations within the Lake Chad axis.
Following confirmation of hostile activity, a precision air strike targeted a cluster of vehicles, destroying four and forcing suspected fighters to flee the area. Subsequent battle damage assessments indicated the attack disrupted enemy movements and operations.
Further surveillance reportedly revealed additional vehicle movements and fighters attempting to regroup. Intelligence later pointed to plans by ISWAP militants to launch attacks on nearby communities from the Ali Sherifti area.
An aircraft subsequently targeted eight suspected fighters sheltering under a tree, killing five. Four more militants moving towards a concealed vehicle were also killed, while the vehicle was destroyed.
Military sources said the operation highlighted the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led air power in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the North-East.
