The Nigerian military has confirmed that multiple Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters were killed during precision airstrikes on an island in Lake Chad on Saturday.
The operation, conducted under the Theatre Command North East Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, followed a series of reconnaissance and interdiction missions in the area between Gamboru and Lake Chad Island.
Military sources said the airstrikes, carried out in coordination with the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), targeted insurgent movements, destroyed at least 12 boats suspected of transporting personnel and supplies, and neutralized concealed shelters believed to store weapons, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
“The aircraft carried out an initial precision strike on a suspected IED-making facility. Subsequent assessment revealed insurgents fleeing in disarray,” a source said. Another strike reportedly hit a command post, killing scores of fighters. Over 20 insurgents were observed evacuating casualties, signaling heavy losses and disruption to ISWAP operations.