At least five soldiers of the Nigerian Army have been reportedly killed in an ambush by members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.
Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, reports that the attack occurred on January 4 in Sabon Gari, Damboa Local Government Area of the state.
The report added that the ambush triggered a two-hour firefight, resulting in the death of five soldiers and the destruction of some military equipment.
The publication also reported that the air component of the operation Hadin Kai targeted ISWAP’s stronghold with airstrikes within the Timbuktu Triangle, in Borno.
“In response to escalating insurgent activities, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted targeted airstrikes on ISWAP strongholds within the Timbuktu Triangle, a critical area in Borno state known for its difficult terrain and strategic importance to the insurgents,” Makama said.
“Intelligence sources confirmed that the precision airstrikes dismantled several ISWAP positions and disrupted their operational capabilities.
“A significant number of terrorists were reportedly neutralised during the operation.
“Additionally, airstrikes were carried out against Boko Haram factions in the Gwoza axis of the Mandara mountain range.
“The offensive targeted insurgents loyal to Ali Ngulde, a key Boko Haram commander, as part of ongoing efforts to weaken terrorist networks in the region.”
