Nigerian military strikes kill over 70 militants in Borno operation

The Nigerian Air Force has carried out an operation in the northeast of the country, eliminating more than 70 militants from radical groups.

Major General Edward Buba, Director of Media Relations at the Nigerian Ministry of Defence, confirmed this during a briefing in Abuja, Caliber.Az reports via Nigerian media.

He stated, "Strikes were carried out on terrorists' positions at Kwallaram and Araina-Siki islands in Borno State, killing over 70 militants."

Buba emphasized that the Nigerian Armed Forces' efforts to eliminate the militants were "yielding results." He further noted, "Recently, extremist groups have been experiencing a severe shortage of personnel and are trying to recruit new members by intensifying their propaganda work on social media."

In a separate incident, it was reported that at least 15 people were killed and several others injured when a new insurgent group, the Lakurawas, attacked a rural community in Kebbi State, located in north-western Nigeria.

A week earlier, the Nigerian Army had carried out a successful counter-terrorism operation, eliminating at least 187 militants and capturing 262 others. Major General Edward Buba, spokesperson for the Nigerian Armed Forces, said, "Our servicemen have killed at least 187 terrorists, 262 more have been captured," adding that the operation was a successful offensive against the terrorists. He also confirmed the capture of the infamous terrorist leader Abubakar Ibrahim, known as Habu Dogo, in a village in Sokoto State. Dogo, one of the most wanted men in Nigeria and neighbouring Niger had been involved in raids on both sides of the border.

Experts note that the Nigerian Armed Forces' primary focus remains on countering the Boko Haram terrorist organization, which emerged in northern Nigeria in 2002. While the Nigerian military defeated Boko Haram in 2015 and significantly reduced its territorial control, the group, along with other extremist factions, continues to pose a threat.

By Tamilla Hasanova