Midnight Borno strike: Military gunship wipes out eight ISWAP terrorists

The Nigerian military has killed eight suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, during a late-night aerial operation along the Bama–Maiduguri axis in Borno State.

The development was reported by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security analyst covering the Lake Chad region.

According to the report, the operation was carried out at about 11:00pm. on July 22 by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI along the Main Supply Route linking Bama, the University of Maiduguri and Maiduguri.

Makama reported that the helicopter gunship was conducting surveillance over a location previously identified through intelligence as a suspected terrorist training ground when the crew observed muzzle flashes from the area.

According to the report, the crew fired probing shots to verify the presence of insurgents, prompting armed terrorists to open fire on the aircraft.

The report stated that the hostile response confirmed the presence of the suspected ISWAP fighters, after which the attack helicopter launched sustained strikes on the target.

Military sources quoted in the report said the operation resulted in the killing of eight suspected terrorists, while other fighters fled into nearby bushes.

“The engagement resulted in the neutralisation of eight terrorists, while surviving insurgents dispersed into the surrounding area,” the report stated.

Makama further reported that the operation formed part of intensified aerial offensives under Operation HADIN KAI aimed at disrupting insurgent training camps, restricting their movement and securing key supply routes across the North-East.

According to the report, military authorities said the latest night strike demonstrated the growing effectiveness of intelligence-driven air operations in identifying and engaging terrorist elements operating under the cover of darkness.

The report added that the military would continue integrating air and ground operations to sustain pressure on ISWAP and other terrorist groups operating around strategic routes and known insurgent enclaves across the North-East.