In a strategic and meticulously executed operation, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI delivered a severe blow to the Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP, eliminating three high-ranking commanders and numerous fighters in the volatile regions of Marte and Kukawa in Borno State.
The three commanders who met their demise in the precision airstrike were identified as Abou Maimuna, Abou Zahra, and Commander Saleh, notable figures within the ISWAP hierarchy.
The orchestrator of this decisive mission was none other than the recently appointed Air Component Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Air Commodore UU Idris, showcasing his strategic prowess and commitment to eradicating the terrorist threat.
The operation unfolded on January 10, following the intelligence gathered by a NAF Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, which spotted the terrorists navigating through the waterways in canoes.
The seamless coordination of the attack aircraft ensured that the terrorists were targeted and neutralised as they attempted to flee their location.
Intelligence sources have revealed that the strikes, carried out in succession, effectively dismantled the terrorist group’s leadership, with the three commanders and their lieutenants meeting their end on the ill-fated canoe.
This significant development deals a substantial blow to the organisational structure of ISWAP, disrupting their command chain and instilling a sense of vulnerability among their ranks.
Furthermore, the relentless pursuit of justice extended to other areas, with additional strikes conducted around Ali Sherifti or Kwatan Shalla in the Kukawa axis.
While the exact number remains unconfirmed, reports suggest that a significant portion of ISWAP terrorists were eliminated in these strikes, further weakening the group’s foothold in the region.
The success of this operation underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and restoring peace to the troubled regions of Borno State.
Air Commodore UU Idris’ leadership has proven instrumental in executing precise and effective measures against the terrorist threat, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle for security and stability in the region.
