More than 15 Islamist militia fighters were killed in an airstrike conducted by the Nigerian air force on their hideout around the Sambisa forest in the northeastern Borno state, a spokesperson said.
Nigeria has been fighting a 16-year Islamist insurgency in the northeast, led by Boko Haram and its offshoot ISWAP, which has resulted in immense casualties, displacement, and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
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According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the operation was carried out on September 3 targeting fighters and commanders linked to recent attacks. The strike followed intelligence and surveillance that confirmed militant activity in the area, he said.
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Ejodame stated that the attack destroyed major insurgent sites. He did not identify the group, although the Sambisa region is a renowned hub for Boko Haram and ISWAP.
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According to the Nigerian Air Force, it has killed 592 armed insurgents in Borno over the past eight months, following intensified airstrikes in the insurgency-hit region.
