From HASSAN JIRGI Maiduguri
Nigerian Air force, NAF, have reportedly eliminated three top commanders of the Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP, during the failed terrorist attack on Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.
In a statement by Zagazola Makama, Northeast region security expert who confirmed that yesterday the commanders, identified as Amir Abu Ali Weldone, Amir Ibunu, and Amir Abu Waldume, were among those neutralised during the four-hour firefight at the Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, camp in Mallam Fatori.
According to him, the slain commanders played key operational roles in ISWAP’s hierarchy, with Abu Ali Wadume believed to be in charge of terrorist operations in Kerenoa axis near the Nigeria–Niger border.
He added that the troops of Nigeria military under operation Hadin Kai ambushed the terrorists during launched the coordinated attack from the Kaniram axis in the early hours of Wednesday, targeting troops.
They advanced in large numbers using armed drones and heavy weaponry, including Automatic Grenade Launchers, but were met with stiff resistance from ground troops, supported by mortar and tank fire.
Another source confirmed that at least 12 members of Militants were killed, with the recovery of seven AK-47 rifles, three general purpose machine guns, GPMGs, two rocket-propelled grenades, RPGs, and several explosive devices.
Zagazolo, further said that exploitation and battle damage assessment are still ongoing, but the confirmed killing of the three Amirs is a significant operational success”, he source.
Source said troops were able to repel the assault after intense fighting, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray.
