In a significant victory against the Islamic State of the West African province (ISWAP), the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has successfully eliminated no fewer than 55 terrorists, including several high-ranking Commanders. The operation took place on the fringes of Arege in Malam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Ministry of Defence in Niger Republic revealed that the MNJTF troops, specifically from Sector 3 and Sector 4, carried out an aggressive 22-day operation codenamed Operation HARBIN ZUMA. The operation, which commenced on May 6, 2023, and concluded on Sunday, May 28, specifically targeted ISWAP strongholds in the Tumbums region.
During the operation, notable Commanders such as Fiya Abouzeid, Qaïd Abou Oumama, and Qaïd Malam Moustapha, along with several unidentified religious leaders, were neutralized.
The success of the operation can be attributed to the close coordination between the Niger-Nigerian Air Task Force and the ground forces, enabling the precise location of the enemy and inflicting significant losses on them.
Additionally, the MNJTF troops successfully destroyed 13 vehicles and 13 motorcycles. They also tracked, trapped, and neutralized five other Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) used by the terrorists.
While the Nigérienne Sector 4 MNJTF reported the loss of two soldiers, three others sustained minor injuries, and one phantom MRAP was damaged. However, no information was disclosed regarding the casualties on the Nigerian side.
The primary objective of Operation HARBIN ZUMA was to neutralize the terrorists who had entrenched themselves in Aregé, Nigeria. The operation also aimed to maintain pressure on the Islamic State in West Africa (EIAO) and eradicate any presence of armed terrorist groups within the area bounded by BOSSO, BAGA, GOUDOUMBALI, and GASHIGAR. Additionally, the operation sought to sever all supply routes for armed terrorist groups and reduce the overall threat in the region.