Troops kill ‘70 ISWAP fighters’ in Lake Chad air strikes

The air component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has reportedly killed at least 70 ISWAP fighters in air strikes across the southern Lake Chad region.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the missiles were shot on November 5, targeting camps led by Usman Russia, a “notorious ISWAP commander”.

Makama reported that the strikes hit camps in Kwallaram and Arainna Ciki, located near Jibilarram in Marte LGA of Borno state.

The report added that 79 casualties were recorded at the Kwallaram camp.

While the exact number of fatalities at Arainna Ciki remains unknown, the report noted that several militants were killed there as well.

“Meanwhile, following the strike, on November 7, reports emerged that ISWAP had mobilised additional fighters from its Sambisa wing, regrouping in the areas of Kusuma and Sigir in Gamboru Ngala Local Government Area,” the report reads.

“Both locations are within the territory under Usman Russia’s control, with mobilised fighters reportedly including elements from Sambisa Forest and northern border areas of Cameroon.

“The group’s intent remains unknown.”