Midnight Borno strike: Military gunship wipes out eight ISWAP terrorists
Nigerian Military Conducts Aerial Strike, Kills Eight Suspected ISWAP Fighters
BAMAKURUM, Nigeria – The Nigerian military reported the killing of eight suspected fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during a late-night aerial operation in Borno State. The operation took place along the Bama–Maiduguri axis on July 22 at approximately 11:00 p.m.
The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted the aerial assault after identifying a location believed to be a terrorist training camp through intelligence sources, according to security analyst Zagazola Makama.
During the surveillance mission, military helicopter crews spotted muzzle flashes, indicating hostile activity in the area. Probing shots were fired to confirm the presence of insurgents, which prompted them to return fire. The aircraft responded with sustained strikes targeting the suspected ISWAP fighters.
Military sources indicated that the operation successfully neutralized eight suspected terrorists, although some armed fighters managed to escape into nearby bushes.
“The engagement resulted in the neutralization of eight terrorists, while surviving insurgents dispersed into the surrounding area,” the report stated.
This airstrike is part of a broader campaign under Operation HADIN KAI aimed at disrupting insurgent training camps, controlling their movement, and securing vital supply routes in the North-East region of Nigeria.
Military authorities noted that the operation underscores the increasing effectiveness of intelligence-driven air operations conducted during nighttime. Continued integration of air and ground tactics is planned to maintain pressure on ISWAP and other militant groups operating in the area.
