The Nigerian military has stepped up both ground and air operations across parts of the North after US President Donald Trump threatened to consider deploying American troops to Nigeria over alleged attacks on Christians.
Trump, in a recent post on his Truth Social platform, claimed he had instructed the US Department of War to prepare for “possible action” if the alleged persecution continued. He also warned that the US could cut off aid to Nigeria if the Tinubu administration failed to take stronger action.
“If the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now-disgraced country ‘guns-a-blazing,’” he wrote, adding that any attack would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”
Rival terrorist groups clash in Borno
While the diplomatic tension was building, rival terrorist groups—Boko Haram and ISWAP—fought a bloody battle in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.
More than 50 fighters were reported killed after ISWAP attempted to retake Toumbun Gini, an island community it recently lost to Boko Haram. A video seen by our correspondent showed bodies floating in a canoe while fighters chanted “Allahu Akbar,” indicating that Boko Haram repelled the attack.
Local sources said ISWAP arrived with about 10 heavily armed boats, but Boko Haram had already picked up intelligence on the plan and ambushed them.
“What was supposed to be a surprise attack turned into a trap,” one source said. “They were overwhelmed within minutes.”
Seven ISWAP boats were seized, while three others escaped with the wounded. It is not yet clear if ISWAP will attempt a counter-offensive.
Attempts to reach the spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Uba Sani, were unsuccessful.
Troops foil ambush, rescue civilians
Just hours earlier, troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion under Operation Hadin Kai foiled a Boko Haram ambush in Dutse Kura. Soldiers rescued 86 civilians and arrested 29 suspected logistics suppliers.
Lt. Col. Sani said the terrorists had tried to abduct travellers and seize vehicles along the Buratai–Kamuya Road, but troops responded quickly and chased them to Mangari, where they discovered 11 makeshift structures used as a camp. An AK-47 rifle, ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and tricycles were recovered before the camp was destroyed.
Troops also intercepted two pickup vans and a tricycle loaded with about 1,000 litres of fuel, engine oil, tyres, medical supplies, and food items meant for terrorists in Chilaria. No soldiers were injured.
NAF intensifies airstrikes
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has also launched a series of precision strikes targeting terrorist and bandit hideouts in Borno, Kwara, Katsina, and other northern states.
NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the operations destroyed logistics hubs, weapons storage sites, and several hideouts. Airstrikes in Borno hit ISWAP positions in the Northern Tumbuns, especially around Shuwaram and Mallam Fatori, after intelligence showed terrorists mobilising on motorcycles and boats along the Lake Chad Basin.
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“The strikes degraded ISWAP’s operational capabilities and eliminated several fighters,” the statement said.
NAF also targeted bandit enclaves in Garin Dandi and Chigogo in Kwara State, and carried out armed reconnaissance across Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna. During one mission, air assets struck Zango Hill in Katsina, believed to be the hideout of a terrorist kingpin. Multiple attack runs destroyed logistics hubs and neutralised several fighters.
Ejodame said the operations reflect ongoing efforts directed by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, to maintain pressure on terrorist and bandit networks across the country.
