The Nigerian military and United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) have conducted a joint precision airstrike targeting an ISWAP stronghold in Arege, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, resulting in the deaths of 21 suspected militants.
The operation, carried out under Nigeria’s Operation Hadin Kai on May 30, was intelligence-led, with surveillance and reconnaissance activities confirming insurgent presence in the area before the strike was authorised.
Security sources indicate the targeted camp was being used by fighters to plan attacks and coordinate operations across the Lake Chad region. The strike is said to have not only eliminated the 21 fighters but also significantly disrupted the group’s operational capacity in the area.
“The strike was intelligence-driven and carefully executed to achieve maximum operational effect against the terrorists,” a source disclosed.
Officials described the mission as part of a broader, sustained campaign between Nigerian forces and international partners aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, destroying their bases, and cutting off their freedom of movement across the North-East.
The airstrike is expected to further degrade insurgent activity around the Lake Chad Basin, where remnants of extremist groups have continued to regroup and launch attacks on vulnerable communities.
