By Jemilu Hassan
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The Nigerian Air Force has dealt a significant blow to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the southern Lake Chad region, eliminating at least 70 fighters in a series of airstrikes conducted on November 5. The operation, part of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), targeted camps led by notorious ISWAP commander Usman Russia, specifically hitting locations in Kwallaram and Arainna Ciki, near Jibilarram in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the airstrikes resulted in 79 casualties at the Kwallaram camp, with several militants also killed at Arainna Ciki, although the exact number of fatalities remains unknown.
In response to the strike, ISWAP mobilized additional fighters from its Sambisa wing, regrouping in the areas of Kusuma and Sigir in Gamboru Ngala Local Government Area. These locations fall within Usman Russia’s territory, with the mobilized fighters reportedly including elements from Sambisa Forest and northern border areas of Cameroon.
The Nigerian Air Force has been conducting sustained operations around the Lake Chad region, targeting terrorist and insurgent targets on islands and localities ². This recent airstrike is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat ISWAP’s activities in the region. The Nigerian Air Force continues to conduct sustained operations around the Lake Chad region, targeting terrorist and insurgent targets.
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