NAF strike reportedly kills ISWAP leaders in Lake Chad

The Nigerian Air Force says an air strike in the Lake Chad region killed several senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) figures and destroyed equipment used by the group.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, NAF spokesman Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the operation targeted a suspected terrorist hideout under the military’s Operation Hadin Kai.

Ejodame said preliminary assessments indicated that those killed included Jindullah, described as chief security guard and confidant of ISWAP figure Abu Saleem, and Abul Kissa, a member of the group’s Shura Council.

The air strike also destroyed boat engines and motorcycles that the group allegedly used for transport and operations, he said.

Ejodame said the operation aimed to weaken ISWAP’s leadership and disrupt its logistics. He quoted the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, as saying the Air Force would continue operations against terrorist groups in support of efforts to restore peace and stability.

NAN