Military Escalates Operations After Trump Intervention Threat

The Nigerian military has significantly increased ground and aerial counter-terrorism operations across the northern part of the country.

This intensification follows a public statement by former United States President Donald Trump, who suggested he might consider deploying American forces to Nigeria over claims of attacks targeting Christians.

Mr. Trump had previously used his social media platform to warn of possible military intervention if the alleged security issues persisted.

He also threatened to cut off all aid to Nigeria if the current administration failed to act decisively.

Terrorist Factions Clash in Borno

Amidst the heightened security situation, rival terrorist factions have been locked in violent territorial disputes in the northern region.

A major clash reportedly occurred in the Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State. More than 50 fighters were allegedly killed in a confrontation between factions of Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) over control of the area.

The fighting erupted on Sunday evening in the island community of Toumbun Gini. This was after ISWAP launched an attempt to regain control of territory recently lost to the opposing Boko Haram faction.

Reports from the ground indicate that ISWAP deployed about 10 powerful watercraft for the attack. However, they were reportedly ambushed by Boko Haram operatives who had prior knowledge of the offensive.

A source familiar with the situation stated that the surprise attack became a “deadly trap.” The Boko Haram fighters rapidly overwhelmed the opposing forces. Over 50 ISWAP fighters were reportedly neutralized, and seven of their boats were captured. The situation regarding a possible counter-attack remains uncertain.

Troops Rescue Civilians and Foil Ambush

Just hours before the intense factional clash, troops from the military’s special forces battalion, operating under Operation Hadin Kai, successfully thwarted a Boko Haram ambush on civilians in Dutse Kura. This decisive action resulted in the rescue of 86 victims and the apprehension of 29 suspected logistics suppliers.

A statement released by a military spokesman confirmed that terrorists attempted to kidnap civilians and seize vehicles along the Buratai–Kamuya Road.

Troops intervened and pursued the terrorists to Mangari, where they discovered an established camp of 11 makeshift structures.

Recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, five magazines containing 73 rounds of ammunition, four PKT ammunition belts, five vehicles, five motorcycles, eight bicycles, and two tricycles. The discovered camp was subsequently destroyed.

In a related operation at Mangada, troops intercepted 29 suspected logistics suppliers traveling to Chilaria.

They were found with two pickup vans and a tricycle loaded with nearly 1,000 litres of petrol, engine oil, gun-truck tyres, essential medical supplies, and food items. No military casualties were reported during these operations.

Air Force Intensifies Precision Strikes

In further action, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) conducted precise airstrikes targeting terrorist and bandit hideouts across multiple northern states, including Kwara, Borno, and Katsina.

A NAF spokesperson confirmed that these strikes successfully destroyed hideouts, logistics hubs, and weapons storage locations. The operations also resulted in the neutralization of several terrorists.

In Borno State, NAF assets focused on ISWAP elements entrenched in the Northern Tumbuns. Guided by real-time intelligence feeds, air assets conducted precision attacks southeast of Shuwaram before shifting to Mallam Fatori. Terrorist mobilization on motorcycles and boats along the Lake Chad Basin was actively targeted.

These attacks resulted in multiple neutralizations and significantly degraded ISWAP’s operational networks in the area.

Simultaneously, NAF aircraft struck bandit camps in Garin Dandi and Chigogo in Kwara State. Air assets also targeted Zango Hill in the Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, aiming for a terrorist kingpin and his fighters.

Air assets engaged and neutralized targets during an armed reconnaissance mission across Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States. The operation confirms a sustained effort against threats under the command of the Chief of Air Staff.