5th September, 2022
Details of military operation that led to killing of some commanders of Islamic State of West Africa ISWAP terrorists and their foot soldiers in coordinated operation launched by ground troops supported by fighter jets of the Nigerian Air Force, NAF in the Bama and Sambisa axes of Borno State late last week have emerged.
According to reports on Sunday, over 100 terrorists and their commanders were killed in the series of intelligence-led joint military which involved surprise attacks on different fronts on the fringes of Bama axis of Sambisa Forest.
Quoting a military source, PR Nigeria reports that the operation which targeted some identified terrorists’ enclaves at Gabchari, Sheruri, Mantari and Mallum Masari in the axis involved the use of local volunteers, who assisted troops in locating the hideouts of the ISWAP fighters after obtaining the GPS coordinates.
“Some notorious Commanders suspected to have been eliminated in the massive well-coordinated onslaught include the so-called Ibn Hassan and Abuo Uzaifa, Abou Hauwa, Amir Shettima Bargo, Akura Buri, Abuo Zainab and Abuo Idris. They are the high-ranking leaders of ISWAP.
“The ground troops of the 199 Special Battalion and 222 Battalion of the Operation Hadin Kai demonstrated exceptional gallantry during the preparation and the execution of decisive attacks on the hideouts of terrorists.
“More impressive is the fact that the air support from our NAF aircraft engaged fleeing terrorists, bombing many of them in the process,” said the source.
Also, PRNigeria reported that another commander of ISWAP terrorist, Goni Faarouq has signified his intention to surrender himself, his family and some followers to the Nigerian troops.
Due lack of food and medication compounded by the rainy season which affected their dwelling in the forest, more terrorists are trooping out to surrender.