Fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have reportedly buried about 30 of their members following devastating airstrikes by the Nigerian military in parts of northern Borno state.

Credible military sources told Zagazola Makama that the terrorists conducted burial rites in the Mallam Fatori axis after a series of precision air interdiction missions carried out by the Nigerian military under Operation HADIN KAI.

The sources said the strikes were executed after intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) reports confirmed the movement of ISWAP fighters along waterways around the Kaniram Island area.

An ISR platform had earlier observed a large number of boats estimated at over 30 positioned along the riverbank, with associated human activity indicating the presence of terrorists coordinating logistics and movement.

Following positive identification, air assets conducted multiple precision strikes on the targets.

“The initial strike disrupted and destroyed several of the boats used by the terrorists for transportation and logistics,” a source said.

Subsequent strikes targeted fleeing and regrouping elements within nearby vegetation, leading to further neutralisation of fighters.

According to Battle Damage Assessment (BDA), more than 30 terrorists were killed across the engagements, while several others were seen escaping into adjoining hideouts.

Further intelligence, including post-strike imagery and intercepted visuals, later confirmed that ISWAP members conducted mass burial rites for those killed during the operation in the Mallam Fatori axis.

“The burial activities observed serve as clear confirmation of the scale of losses inflicted on the terrorist group,” the source added.

In a related development, additional strikes were carried out at nearby locations, including Sowolwolo, where a separate group of terrorists was engaged and eliminated.

Military authorities noted that the sustained air operations have significantly degraded the operational capability of ISWAP elements in the Lake Chad region, particularly their mobility and ability to coordinate attacks.

The Nigerian military reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining pressure on terrorist groups and consolidating gains recorded in ongoing operations aimed at restoring peace and stability in the North East. (Zagazola)