Nigerian forces strike ISWAP and rescue kidnapped victims in multi‑state operation

Nigerian security forces carried out a series of coordinated operations under Operation HADIN KAI across Borno, Zamfara, Kogi and other states. The ground effort rescued 11 kidnapping victims and arrested 21 individuals linked to ISWAP, drug trafficking and logistics, while combat engineers detonated several IEDs.

Air assets also intensified the campaign. Drone and ISR‑guided strikes in the Marte Local Government Area of Borno State on 21 July killed an estimated 15‑23 ISWAP fighters, with a follow‑up helicopter mission on 22 July eliminating eight more insurgents along the Bama‑Maiduguri supply route. A malfunction in a laser targeting system prevented a second drone strike on concealed vehicles.

Separately, the army clarified that a man previously detained as a suspected ISIS associate, Aboubakar Muhammad Zein‑Nur, was a Nigerien camel rearer with no terrorist links, and he was officially cleared after a thorough investigation.