By Abdulkareem Haruna

MAIDUGURI, Borno State – Several fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have surrendered to security forces in Borno State after a series of coordinated airstrikes with Niger Republic forces, security sources have confirmed.


The airstrikes, according to a Zagazola, a news blog popular for reporting intriguing counterinsurgency activities in the region, was carried out on March 17. And that it targeted ISWAP positions in Chettimari, a border town in Niger Republic near Damasak, Borno State. The operation was a direct response to an ISWAP attack on Nigerien troops, which resulted in the deaths of at least four soldiers and injuries to seven others.


In a swift and decisive action, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in collaboration with Nigerien intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets, deployed two Super Tucano aircraft. The precision strikes inflicted significant casualties on the terrorist group, disrupting their operational capabilities.


“As a direct result of these airstrikes, numerous ISWAP fighters have surrendered in Borno State, bringing with them their weapons and horses,” an intelligence source disclosed.


The surrendered fighters are believed to be part of a group responsible for repeated attacks on communities in Damasak, Geidam, Mallam Fatori, and Diffa in Niger Republic, demonstrating the cross-border nature of the insurgency. This operation highlights the effectiveness of collaborative security efforts in combating terrorism in the region.