The Nigerian military has reported a significant victory against jihadist groups, claiming the deaths of over 60 militants, including a senior commander, in a series of coordinated aerial and ground assaults in northeastern Nigeria. This area has been a hotspot for insurgent violence, particularly from Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), following years of conflict that began in 2009.
The operations commenced early on Friday with troops launching two simultaneous attacks targeted at known camps of Boko Haram and ISWAP. An assault on a Boko Haram camp in Bita village, situated near Gwoza town in Borno state close to the Cameroon border, reportedly resulted in the neutralization of at least 60 militants. An official statement from the army indicated that the operation was intense, confirming a substantial toll on the insurgents.
In addition to the Bita operation, aerial bombings targeting Boko Haram camps were confirmed in two locations, including Bita and Kareto village in the Abadam district near the Niger border. Intelligence sources indicated that while the Bita operation accounted for the reported 60 deaths, specific details from the Kareto attack were yet to be fully assessed, suggesting that the overall militant death toll might be even higher.
Subsequently, military forces targeted another Boko Haram stronghold in Kukawa, close to Lake Chad, where they encountered heavy resistance. During this confrontation, Amir Abu Fatima, the commander responsible for the Kukawa district, was reportedly fatally injured alongside several of his lieutenants and other militants. The military had previously issued a bounty of 100 million naira (approximately $62,500) for information leading to his capture, emphasizing the significance of this operation in dismantling the leadership structure of Boko Haram.
These recent successes come at a crucial time, as the Nigerian military has faced significant challenges, suffering numerous losses in skirmishes with both Boko Haram and ISWAP. In recent months, these groups have increasingly overwhelmed military bases, resulting in the deaths of soldiers and the confiscation of weapons. The militants have launched multiple raids on military installations, exacerbating the already precarious security situation in the region.
In a broader context, the situation in Borno state has drawn attention amid concerns raised by local officials, including the Governor of Borno, Babagana Umara Zulum, who previously criticized what he described as “military setbacks” in efforts to counter the threats posed by these insurgent factions. This includes the growing entrenchment of Boko Haram and ISWAP in the Lake Chad islands, the Sambisa Forest, and the Mandara mountains that border Cameroon, where they have established strongholds.
The latest military operations are viewed as a potential morale booster for the armed forces, signaling active engagement and effort to reclaim control over areas severely affected by insurgent violence. Yet, as the military acknowledges its ongoing challenges, the need for sustained efforts to stabilize the region remains paramount.
