The air component of Operation Hadin Kai has reportedly killed a top commander of the Islamic States for West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abu Sale, during a raid on the group’s camp in Jubillaram, Marte local government area of Borno State.
The group’s foot soldiers were also killed in the well-coordinated operation.
A counter-insurgency and security expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed this in a post on his X platform on Monday.
He wrote: “The Nigerian Air Force has carried out a successful airstrike on the camp of a notorious ISWAP commander, Abu Sale, in Jubillaram, Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.
“The precision airstrikes, conducted following credible intelligence, neutralized scores of ISWAP fighters and dealt a significant blow to the operational capabilities of the terrorist group in the region.
“The airstrike targeted a key staging ground in Jubillaram, which had been serving as an operational hub for attacks in the Lake Chad area. Surveillance platforms identified a heavy concentration of fighters under the command of Abu Sale, who has been a prominent figure in ISWAP’s operations.
“Abu Sale, known for his coordination of high-profile attacks, had recently been tasked with overseeing a major offensive against military positions in Borno State.
“This plan was conceived during a meeting in Kangarwa on October 26, 2024, during which he was mandated to mobilize 150 ISWAP Special Forces under the leadership of Abu Ubaida.
“Abu Ubaida, serving as the lead for the offensive, was supported by four other key commanders: Abu Ali, Ibn Mustapha, Abu Nazir, and Goni Ali.
“These commanders operated under the oversight of Abu Sale, who coordinated all tactical and operational activities in Jubillaram.
“Prior to the offensive, ISWAP had relocated the families of its fighters to the Hisbah center in Tumbumma Babba, where provisions were made for their care.”
Nigerian Air Force Neutralizes ISWAP fighters in the camp of Abu Sale, in Jubillaram
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), air Component of Operation Hadin Kai has carried out a successful airstrike on the camp of a notorious ISWAP commander, Abu Sale, in… pic.twitter.com/cLemDlJAPO
— Zagazola (@ZagazOlaMakama) November 25, 2024