Maiduguri — The Nigerian military says it has neutralised more than 30 fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province in precision airstrikes carried out under Operation HADIN KAI in Borno State.
The strikes, conducted on April 22 in the Lake Chad region, followed intelligence indicating active insurgent movement along waterways near Kaniram Island. Military sources said surveillance identified about 31 boats clustered along the riverbank, with patterns consistent with ISWAP logistics and fighter activity, before the targets were engaged.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt insurgent supply routes and mobility across the Lake Chad basin, a key operational corridor for militant groups.
However, recent attacks suggest the insurgency remains active. On April 13, ISWAP fighters reportedly overran a military base in Monguno, killing a base commander and four soldiers. A week earlier, another base in Benesheikh was attacked, with casualties reported, including a commanding officer.
Security analysts say the developments highlight a dual reality: while the military is achieving tactical gains through air operations, insurgents retain the capability to launch coordinated assaults on ground positions.
The situation underscores the continuing challenge of sustaining operational gains in a conflict marked by adaptive insurgent tactics and difficult terrain.