The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced that its recent airstrike operations successfully neutralized a total of 50 terrorists, including a notable high-ranking commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), identified as Bashir Dauda. This significant military action took place in the Marte Local Government Area, as detailed in a statement released by Air Commodore Olusola F. Akinboyewa, the Director of Public Relations and Information at the NAF Headquarters, on Monday night.
According to the statement, the precision airstrikes were meticulously executed against well-known ISWAP strongholds located in the villages of Tumbun Daribiyar, Jubularam, Buluwa, and Tumbu Karfe. This operation represents a substantial effort in the ongoing campaign against terrorism in Nigeria’s northeastern region, which has faced increasing violence and unrest due to the activities of various extremist groups.
An assessment conducted after the strikes confirmed that approximately 50 terrorists had been neutralized, including the high-ranking ISWAP commander, Bashir Dauda. In addition to this significant achievement, the airstrikes also targeted an ISWAP supply depot situated in the Jubularam enclave. This depot was reportedly filled with a considerable amount of food and essential supplies, including beans, millet, and rice. The destruction of this resource center is expected to severely disrupt the logistical capabilities of the terrorists, cutting off a critical supply line that they rely on for sustenance and operations.
Air Commodore Akinboyewa emphasized that these successful airstrikes, which targeted both personnel and logistical resources, highlight the NAF’s unwavering commitment to supporting ground forces and enhancing collaborative efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist strongholds throughout the region. This operation underscores the ongoing resolve of the Nigerian military to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and security of its citizens.