TROOPS INVADE ISWAP CAMPS, KILL 55 TERRORISTS INCLUDING TOP COMMANDERS

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The Multinational Joint Task Force has killed over 55 Islamic State-West Africa Province terrorists, including top commanders in Arege, Malam Fatori, and Abadam Local Government Areas of Borno State.

According to the Niger Ministry of Defence, a 22-day operation tagged Operation HARBIN ZUMA was carried out to target ISWAP strongholds.

According to the statement, soldiers from MNJTF Sectors 3 and 4 coordinated the operation.

The operation started on May 6, 2023, and ended on Sunday, May 28.

The 22-day Operation HARBIN ZUMA resulted in the deaths of a number of top ISWAP commanders, including Fiya Abouzeid, Qad Abou Oumama, and Qad Malam Moustapha, as well as some unidentified religious figures.

The Niger-Nigerian Air Task Force and land forces worked together to locate the enemy and cause significant damage.

The troops destroyed 13 vehicles, 13 motorcycles and five Vehicles Borne Improvised Explosive Devices.

Two soldiers from Nigérienne Sector 4 MNJTF were killed, three were slightly wounded, and one phantom Mrap was damaged during the operation.

However, the report did not mention any casualties on the Nigerian side.

The main aim of Operation HARBIN ZUMA was to neutralise terrorists in their stronghold in Aregé, Nigeria.

The operation also aimed to maintain pressure on the Islamic State in West Africa and eliminate any presence of armed terrorist groups in the BOSSO, BAGA, GOUDOUMBALI, and GASHIGAR areas.

The operation also planned to cut off all supply routes for armed terrorist groups and reduce the threat in the region.