The Nigerian Armed Forces announced on Thursday that troops killed more than 50 militants in the country’s northeast following coordinated drone and ground attacks on military bases. (AP News)
According to army spokesman Sani Uba, the assault occurred early in the morning in multiple locations across Borno State and Yobe State, including the towns of Dikwa, Mafa, Gajibo and the village of Katarko. The militants reportedly used drones (commercial-type, modified to drop grenades, in some cases) and supplemented that with rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) fire. (Arab News)
The military said its combined ground and air operations — including support from the “Air Component” of the theatre of operations — prevailed against the attackers and inflicted heavy losses. Over 70 wounded militants are reportedly still being pursued. (AP News)
A recovery of arms and ammunition followed the fighting: among the items seized were dozens of AK-47 rifles, PKT machine guns, RPG tubes, and thousands of rounds of ammunition. (Peoples Gazette Nigeria)
The statement did not definitively name which militant group was responsible, though intelligence sources cited in reports suggest the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) faction of Boko Haram was involved. (Arab News)
This development comes amid a long-running insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast which has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. (AP News)
