ISWAP Buries 30 Fighters After NAF Airstrikes in Borno State [Video]

A video has surfaced showing Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters burying approximately 30 of their members after Nigerian military airstrikes in northern Borno State, marking a significant blow to the insurgents’ operations in the Lake Chad region. The footage, shared by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama on X, captures the burial rites conducted in the Mallam Fatori axis following precision air interdiction missions under Operation HADIN KAI. The Nigerian military’s actions were based on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) reports that confirmed ISWAP movements along waterways near Kaniram Island.

Makama, who has extensive experience in security matters in the Lake Chad Basin, cited reliable sources within the military and intelligence community to confirm the details. According to these sources, the airstrikes were carried out in response to confirmed troop movements by ISWAP fighters, who were using waterways to evade detection and reposition. The strikes targeted key areas where the insurgents were believed to be regrouping, resulting in the neutralization of around 30 fighters.

This development comes days after DAILY POST reported on the military’s successful air operations in the region, which have intensified in recent weeks as part of efforts to dismantle ISWAP’s infrastructure and disrupt their supply lines. The use of ISR technology has allowed Nigerian forces to conduct more accurate and timely strikes, minimizing collateral damage while maximizing impact on enemy targets. The Mallam Fatori area has long been a stronghold for ISWAP, making it a critical zone for military operations.

The burial video, which has drawn widespread attention online, serves as a rare visual confirmation of the military’s effectiveness in hitting ISWAP’s core operational zones. It also underscores the group’s continued presence in remote, hard-to-reach areas, despite ongoing efforts to degrade their capabilities. The Nigerian Air Force’s role in these operations has been pivotal, with drones and fixed-wing aircraft conducting surveillance and strikes in coordination with ground units.

As the military continues its campaign under Operation HADIN KAI, the focus remains on dismantling ISWAP’s command structure and preventing the group from regrouping. The recent airstrikes and their aftermath highlight the evolving tactics used by both the Nigerian armed forces and the insurgents. With intelligence-led operations becoming more frequent, the hope is that sustained pressure will lead to long-term stability in Borno and surrounding areas.

This incident reinforces the importance of coordinated military and intelligence efforts in combating terrorism in Nigeria’s northeast. As the security situation evolves, the Nigerian government and military remain committed to restoring peace and protecting civilians in conflict-affected regions.