Army Offensive Leaves 22 ISWAP Terrorists Dead In Borno

No fewer than 22 fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been killed during fierce encounters with Nigerian troops in the Timbuktu Triangle area of Borno State.

Security sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that the terrorists were neutralised during sustained ground operations carried out by Special Forces of the Nigerian Army in the notorious axis.

According to the sources, those killed included a senior ISWAP commander, known as a Qaid, as well as two unit leaders (Munzirs), while several other fighters sustained varying degrees of injuries.

“ISWAP suffered significant casualties during the fighting. A Qaid and two Munzirs were among those neutralised, with several other fighters wounded,” one of the sources said.

The source added that efforts were ongoing to confirm the identities of the senior commanders killed during the operation.

It was gathered that surviving ISWAP elements fled the area and are believed to be regrouping within forested locations around Bulabulin, about 18 to 20 kilometres west of Damboa, as well as in Korengelen, south-east of Azir.

Security officials disclosed that intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations have since been intensified over the identified areas and adjoining forests to track and intercept fleeing terrorists.

“The military is sustaining pressure on the remnants of the group through aggressive clearance operations and aerial surveillance,” the sources said.

They added that troops remain determined to degrade ISWAP’s operational capacity in the North-East and restore lasting peace to communities affected by insurgency.