Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have neutralised 16 suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in coordinated air and artillery strikes on three suspected terrorist enclaves in the Tunbunma area of South Lake Chad.
The operation conducted between 1 am and 2 am on Monday October 26 followed intelligence reports indicating the presence of key terrorist leaders and fighters at the locations.
The Acting Military Information Officer of OPHK Capt. Mohammed Goni said the operation deployed air and ground weapon systems against the identified targets.
According to Goni those killed included Abu Zubiru described by the military as an Arab national and two associates Baana Nglewa and Jindullah Sadiq.
He added that Abu Saleem identified as the Wali of Tunbunma sustained severe injuries along with seven other fighters during the strikes.
Goni said the battle damage assessment indicated that the military neutralised 16 ISWAP fighters across the three targeted locations.
He said the operation underscored the military’s continued efforts to disrupt terrorist networks operating within the Lake Chad Basin through intelligence-led offensive operations.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling terrorist enclaves and restoring peace and normality to the Northeast.
It also urged the public to provide timely credible information to security agencies to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations stressing that terrorists have no hiding place.