NAF Says Borno Airstrike Killed Nine ISWAP Fighters, Commander

The Nigerian Air Force says an airstrike in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State killed nine ISWAP fighters, including a commander linked to the movement and protection of senior members of the group.

The operation took place on Saturday, August 8, after intelligence pointed to the movement of suspected terrorists in the forest, according to the accounts from Punch and Channels TV.

NAF spokesman Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said a remotely piloted aircraft carried out surveillance before the strike. He said the aircraft tracked a group moving towards a suspected hideout before the target was engaged.

The Air Force identified the commander killed in the strike as Abu Khalid Al Muhajir. It described him as a figure involved in providing special security escorts for senior ISWAP members.

The reports said several other fighters were wounded. NAF also linked some of the targeted fighters to elements suspected of involvement in a recent ambush of troops around the Bita-Yamtage axis in Gwoza Local Government Area.

The military said the operation was part of continuing counterterrorism pressure in Borno, where troops have been trying to disrupt ISWAP routes and hideouts around Sambisa and nearby enclaves.

Sources: Punch, Channels TV