Zagazola Makama
In a significant operation, the Nigerian Air Force under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has dealt a powerful blow to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), neutralizing over 70 fighters in a series of meticulously coordinated airstrikes on insurgent strongholds in Borno State. Renowned security analyst and counterinsurgency expert Zagazola Makama, sharing insights on his official X handle, highlighted the decisive impact of the strikes on November 6, which targeted ISWAP camps in the volatile southern Lake Chad region.
According to intelligence sources briefing Makama, the strikes were concentrated on camps overseen by the infamous ISWAP commander Usman Russia. These locations, identified as Kwallaram and Arainna Ciki islands near Jibilarram in Marte Local Government Area, were carefully selected based on intelligence reports of militant gatherings. Ground assessments revealed that the offensive was highly effective, with over 70 ISWAP fighters reportedly killed at the Kwallaram site alone.
Although the casualty count from the Arainna Ciki assault remains unverified, preliminary reports confirm that several additional militants were neutralized in the operation. The precision and effectiveness of these strikes make them one of the most impactful offensives by the Air Component of OPHK in recent months, underscoring Nigeria’s intensified efforts to dismantle ISWAP’s operational capabilities in the region.
In an unexpected response, intelligence reports indicated that ISWAP mobilized reinforcements from its Sambisa wing the following day, November 7. Fighters regrouped in strategic locations within Kusuma and Sigir in Gamboru Ngala Local Government Area, areas under Usman Russia’s control. These mobilizations reportedly involve a mix of forces from both Sambisa Forest and the northern border zones with Cameroon, suggesting a potential counter-movement by the group to consolidate strength in response to the airstrikes.
This unfolding development signals a critical moment in Nigeria’s ongoing campaign against ISWAP, as the success of OPHK’s latest operation highlights both the Nigerian military’s growing capability and the adaptive tactics of insurgent factions in the region. The outcome of this strategic confrontation remains pivotal in shaping the security landscape in Borno State and beyond.
PIONEER NEWS 