By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Military operations under Operation Hadin Kai have reportedly eliminated multiple high-ranking terrorist commanders and more than 50 insurgents in coordinated airstrikes across the Lake Chad region.
Reports said the strikes were carried out on May 31 in the Kirta and Arina Ciki areas, following credible intelligence on insurgent movements. Military sources, as cited by counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama, said the targets included known terrorist strongholds and logistics hubs.
Post-strike assessments indicate that a senior insurgent figure, Khalifa Umar, believed to be part of the group’s Shura Council based in Sigir, was killed during the operation. Two other field commanders, identified as Abdallah and Abduljalil, were also reportedly neutralised.
In addition to the leadership losses, over 50 insurgents were said to have been killed, while several logistics facilities, supply depots, and support structures were destroyed, significantly disrupting the group’s operational capacity in the Lake Chad Basin.
The report further noted that sustained aerial operations have increased pressure on insurgent elements, forcing some fighters to abandon island hideouts for more exposed mainland locations.
Security sources described the situation in the theatre as “calm but fluid,” stressing the need for continued vigilance, while expressing confidence in ongoing military efforts to restore stability in the region.
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