UPDATE: NAF, Nigerien Air Force Repel ISWAP Attack on Chetimari, Eliminate Scores of Terrorists as 7 Niger soldiers critically injured

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Nigerien Air Force have successfully repelled an attempted incursion by ISWAP terrorists on a military outpost in Chetimari, Diffa region of Niger Republic, eliminating scores of the insurgents in coordinated airstrikes.

Intelligence sources who provided more update on the report, told Zagazola Makama that Prior to the air intervention, ISWAP terrorists launched a brutal assault on the outpost, injuring 7 and one killing, leaving one missing in action.

The attackers also seized weapons and equipment before retreating into the surrounding terrain.

The sources confirmed that as the terrorists attempted to reinforce, the NAF Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai swiftly deployed 2 Super Tucano aircraft to provide close air support to Nigerien ground troops. The precision strikes helped to prevent the troops from being overwhelmed, allowing them to hold their defensive positions.

A military source familiar with the operation revealed that the coordinated effort between the NAF and the Nigerien Air Force led to the neutralization of a significant number of terrorists, forcing the remaining fighters to flee.

The latest air operation further demonstrated the deepening military collaboration between Nigeria and Niger in tackling the persistent threat of ISWAP and other insurgent groups operating across their shared borders.

UPDATE: NAF, Nigerien Air Force Repel ISWAP Attack on Chetimari, Eliminate Scores of Terrorists as 7 Niger soldiers critically injured

NAF Super Tucano Strikes Neutralise ISWAP Terrorists in Chettimari, Niger Republic

By: Zagazola Makama

The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has conducted precise air interdiction missions, neutralising dozens of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the border axis between Damasak and Chettimari, located in Diffa Region of Niger Republic.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the successful strikes were executed on March 17, following credible intelligence indicating that mass number of the terrorists were moving on motorcycles with the intent of launching attacks on remote villages.

The sources said that acting swiftly on the intelligence, NAF Super Tucano aircraft were scrambled to track and engage the hostile elements.

According to him, a battle damage assessment (BDA) confirmed that the strikes were highly effective, eliminating a significant number of terrorists, destroying their motorcycles and disrupting their operational plans.

The coordinated air strikes not only degraded enemy combat capability but also prevented an imminent attack on vulnerable communities in the border region.

“The operation was meticulously planned and executed based on real-time intelligence, ensuring maximum impact on the enemy,” the sources said.

The latest air interdiction operation is part of sustained efforts by NAF and OPHK to dominate the battlespace and deny ISWAP and other terrorist elements freedom of movement within the Lake Chad Basin region.

The successful airstrikes in Chettimari was designed towards supporting joint operations with regional allies to restore peace and stability.

NAF Super Tucano Strikes Neutralise ISWAP Terrorists in Chettimari, Niger Republic

How Insurgents Exploit Women to Undermine Security Efforts in Northeast Nigeria

By: Zagazola Makama

The capture of a woman attempting to smuggle mobile phones and ammunition to Boko Haram insurgents in Sambisa Forest has once again highlighted the evolving tactics of terrorist groups in Northeast Nigeria. The suspect, who was among those rescued by troops from insurgent captivity, was found concealing phones strapped to her legs and carrying bullets meant for the insurgents.

Intelligence sources confirm that the woman had been given the best treatment after her rescue, only for her to exploit the goodwill of the troops and attempt to supply critical resources to the enemy. This incident reflects a disturbing trend where insurgent groups manipulate the perceived innocence of women to facilitate their operations.

Over the years, Boko Haram and its splinter factions, including the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have increasingly turned to women to transport weapons, gather intelligence, and even act as suicide bombers.

The use of women poses significant challenges for security forces, as cultural and humanitarian considerations often make it difficult to scrutinize female suspects as rigorously as their male counterparts. Intelligence reports indicate that some women, under the guise of being victims of conflict, have played key roles in sustaining terrorist networks by smuggling cash, SIM cards, and weapons to fighters in the bush.

The Nigerian military has made significant efforts to rescue women and children from insurgent captivity, often providing them with shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation.

Intelligence experts warn that some of these women may not be acting voluntarily. Boko Haram has been known to coerce captives into working for them under threats of harm to their families. However, in some cases, ideological indoctrination plays a role, leading some women to actively support insurgent activities even after their rescue.

As troops continue their battle to restore peace in the Northeast, they must navigate the difficult balance between providing humanitarian assistance and preventing insurgents from exploiting their goodwill. The latest incident in Maiduguri is a reminder that the war against insurgency is not just fought on the battlefield but also in the shadows where trust can be easily weaponized.

How Insurgents Exploit Women to Undermine Security Efforts in Northeast Nigeria