Troops kill ‘ISWAP commander, 21 fighters’ in Borno

Troops of the Nigerian Army have reportedly killed at least 22 fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno state.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-terrorism publication, security sources said the incident occurred during sustained operations by troops army’s special forces in the notorious Timbuktu Triangle axis.

Sources told Makama that those killed includes 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.

The source added that efforts were ongoing to confirm the identities of the senior commanders killed in the operation.

They also disclosed that surviving ISWAP members 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,” another source said. (The Cable)