At least 22 fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been killed, while several others were wounded, during recent clashes with Nigerian troops in the Timbuktu Triangle area of Borno State, security sources confirm.

The sources told Zagazola Makama that the encounters occurred during sustained operations by troops of the Nigerian Army’s Special forces in the notorious Timbuktu Triangle axis.

According to the sources, those killed included a senior commander (Qaid) and two unit leaders (Munzirs), while many others escaped with injuries.

“ISWAP suffered significant casualties during the fighting. A Qaid and two Munzirs were among those neutralised, with several other fighters wounded,” the sources said, adding that efforts were ongoing to confirm the identities of the senior commanders killed in the operation.

They further disclosed that surviving ISWAP elements were believed to be regrouping around forested areas near Bulabulin, about 18 to 20 kilometres west of Damboa, and around Korengelen, south-east of Azir.

Security officials said intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations had been intensified over the identified locations and surrounding forests to detect and interdict fleeing terrorists.

“The military is sustaining pressure on the remnants of the group through aggressive clearance operations and aerial surveillance,” the sources said.

They added that troops remained resolute in degrading ISWAP’s operational capability in the North-East and restoring lasting peace to affected communities. (Text, excluding headline: Zagazola)