BY YUNUSA BUNU ZANNA, JUNE 11, 2025 | 11:54 AM

The recent successes of the Nigerian military against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have reignited hope among the people of Borno and the wider North-East region.

These renewed efforts, led by the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede, along with the Chiefs of Air and Naval Staff, are proving highly commendable in their aim to eliminate terrorism, particularly in the North-East.

Just last month, many residents of Borno State had grown despondent, contemplating leaving Maiduguri for safer havens.

This despair stemmed from the alarming rate at which ISWAP had overrun military locations like Buni Gari, Marte, Sabon Gari, and Pulka, completely depleting their armories.

The unfortunate incident at Giwa Barracks, where an armoury was destroyed by excessive heat, further exposed the vulnerability of the axis.

However, the military remained vigilant, awaiting an opportune moment to engage and decimate the terrorists just as they did in Damasak May 29 when the terrorists attempted to take the troops by surprise but were surprised and served a hot breakfast.

The situation began to turn after strategic visits to the theatre of operation by the service chiefs and ministers of defence, who re-strategized in collaboration with Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, and volunteers.

The assurance provided by these visits, coupled with the coordinated efforts of dedicated generals working behind the scene; keeping in mind the voluntary fasting observed across the state at Governor Zulum's request, proved effective.

While initial attacks by terrorists to locations like Damasak, Damboa, Dikwa, Marte, Mallamfatori, and Gwoza were met with significant challenges, the military has since adopted a more proactive approach, taking the fight directly to the terrorists' enclaves.

Successes and operational overview

On Sallah day, June 6, the Nigerian military dealt a major blow to the terrorists. The air component of Operation Hadin Kai launched a precision bombardment on a terrorist stronghold at Chiraliya village, near Ajigan in Damboa local government, within the Timbuktu triangle.

This operation, targeting terrorists preparing for Sallah attacks, resulted in the deaths of over 500 militants, including two prominent Ka'ids (commanders), Abu Dauda and Ya Mohammed, according to local sources of YERWA EXPRESS NEWS.

This recent victory is part of a series of successful military operations that have significantly degraded the capabilities of the terrorist groups over the past month:

Elimination of senior terrorist commanders:

On June 5, Nigerian troops neutralized three high-ranking Boko Haram/ISWAP commanders—Amir Abu Ali, Amir Ibunu, and Amir Abu Wuldume—during intense clashes in Mallam Fatori and Buratai. These operations also led to the recovery of sophisticated weaponry.

Killing of Ameer Malam Jidda:

On June 9, Ameer Malam Jidda, a key Boko Haram commander operating in the Timbuktu area, was killed during a combined air and ground clearance operation in Nzalgana, Gujba LGA, an area spanning parts of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states.

Repelled attacks in Buratai and Mallam Fatori:

Coordinated efforts on June 5 saw troops successfully repel terrorist attacks in Buratai and Mallam Fatori. Captain Reuben Kovangiya reported the neutralization of several insurgents and the recovery of large caches of weapons.

Failed RPG assault in Damboa:

Around midnight on May 23, an RPG assault on a military base in Damboa was decisively repelled by troops with air support. After several hours of combat, 16 terrorists, including two commanders, were confirmed killed.

Joint operations in New Marte and Bita:

On May 27, Nigerian forces repelled an attack in New Marte through a joint air and ground operation, killing several terrorists. In Bita, Gwoza LGA, another offensive resulted in the deaths of at least 60 militants.

Neutralization of Abu Fatima:

In a significant breakthrough on May 30, Abu Fatima, a top ISWAP commander with a ₦100 million bounty on his head, was killed in Aleru village, Kukawa LGA.

His death, which occurred after he was captured alive but succumbed to injuries, is considered a major blow to ISWAP operations around Baga and Kukawa, akin to the impact of Shekau's death on the region.

Precision airstrikes on terrorist hideouts:

Beyond the Sallah day strikes, on May 11, several terrorists were neutralized in Ladin Buttu, a Boko Haram stronghold in Sambisa Forest used for logistics and coordination.

On Sallah day, June 6, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Operation Hadin Kai Air Component conducted further airstrikes on terrorist bases in Tumbumma Baba and Chiraliya, Borno State, targeting coordination and logistics facilities.

According to NAF spokesman, Battle Damage Assessments confirmed the neutralization of several terrorists and the destruction of key infrastructure.

Considering the energy with which the terrorists overrun military formations in Late April and early May, the recent monumental achievements of the military represent a severe setback for Boko Haram terrorists and ISWAP.

The terrorists had been actively preparing to prevent the people of Borno State from farming this year.

However, if the military sustains its current momentum of taking the war directly to the terrorists' enclaves, there is strong hope for a successful farming season.