Nigerian Military Reports 35 Jihadist Deaths in Air Strikes Amid Ongoing Conflicts

The Nigerian military has intensified efforts against jihadist threats, but concerns rise over the escalating conflict.

Nigeria's military reported the successful elimination of 35 jihadists following a series of targeted air strikes close to the nation's northeastern border with Cameroon. The operation aimed to thwart planned attacks against ground forces, a military statement noted. For over a decade, Nigeria has grappled with jihadist groups, violent gangs, sectarian strife, and widespread kidnappings for ransom.

Recently, a coalition of high-profile Nigerians—including former government officials, business leaders, and civil society advocates—voiced alarm over what they described as "war-time levels of slaughter" occurring in parts of Nigeria, despite the country's official status of peace. Their statement referenced findings from Amnesty International, highlighting that at least 10,217 individuals had died since President Bola Tinubu assumed office two years ago.

In light of the ongoing violence, the group called for establishing a Presidential Task Force endowed with extensive powers to address the rampant unrest, notably the resurgence of Boko Haram and the breakaway faction, Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap), in the northeast. The military reported nearly 600 militant deaths in the region within eight months, although these claims lack independent verification.

The Nigerian Air Force committed to ongoing air support for ground troops engaged in dismantling jihadist operations. According to United Nations figures, the conflict has resulted in over 35,000 deaths and displaced two million people. The Institute for Security Studies noted at least 15 jihadist attacks this year near Nigeria's borders with Cameroon and Niger, pointing out that extremists have employed modified commercial drones to assault military bases, complicating reinforcements.

This month, the US State Department approved a significant arms sale to Nigeria, valued at $346 million, to bolster the country's military capabilities in combating the escalating insurgency.