In a significant blow to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), the Nigerian military has successfully eliminated two high-ranking ISWAP Commanders, Amir Malam Bello and Amir Malam Musa Modu, along with a considerable number of their fighters. The airstrikes were meticulously coordinated along the fringes of Lake Chad in Borno State, delivering a severe blow to the terrorist organization.
The strategic strikes were carried out at the river banks of Jibularam and Sabon Tumbum in Marte Local Government Area on Friday, June 16, 2023. According to intelligence sources, the Nigerian military executed the operation following comprehensive Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions that pinpointed the precise location of the terror leaders and their cohorts.
Ground assessments conducted after the air interdiction affirmed that numerous terrorists, including the two commanders, were neutralized in the process. The surviving and wounded mujahideens were observed fleeing towards the Tudun Wulgo and Ngilewa areas.
These successful airstrikes were part of Operation Warun 3, an intensive and ongoing military offensive orchestrated by the Nigerian Airforce under the coordination of Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali, the Theatre Commander of the North East Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai. This operation aims to annihilate Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in the North East region.
The elimination of these high-value ISWAP commanders and their fighters marks a significant achievement in the ongoing counter-insurgency efforts by the Nigerian military. The success of this operation is a testament to the intelligence capabilities, precision airstrikes, and ground forces’ coordination in combating terrorism in the region.
The Nigerian military remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the security and well-being of citizens and will continue to pursue the complete eradication of terrorist threats in Borno State and the North East region.
The Nigerian military’s airstrikes near Lake Chad have resulted in the neutralization of two ISWAP Commanders and a considerable number of fighters. This successful operation demonstrates the military’s resolve in combating terrorism and maintaining peace and security in Borno State.