Skyrocketing Violence: Nigerian Air Strikes Claim Lives of 35 Jihadists

In response to escalating violence, the Nigerian military has reported significant progress in combating jihadist factions through recent air strikes, claiming the deaths of at least 35 militants.

Nigeria's military forces, battling an uphill struggle against terrorist groups, have successfully eliminated 35 jihadists through targeted air strikes near the northeastern border with Cameroon. This operation comes as part of an ongoing effort to forestall attacks on ground troops, as persistent violence plagues the nation.

With a more than decade-long fight against insurgents, Nigeria continues to grapple with the resurgence of extremist groups, including Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Recent concerns have emerged from a coalition of prominent Nigerians who have denounced the alarming levels of violence, likening current conditions in certain regions to "war-time" despite the official peace status.

Citing a recent report from Amnesty International, which indicated an estimated 10,217 deaths since his inauguration, the coalition has urged the formation of a Presidential Task Force aimed at reinvigorating efforts to quell the chaos surrounding the nation.

Amidst their aerial campaign, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has asserted its commitment to support ground troops in dismantling jihadist strongholds across the northeast. The UN estimates approximately 35,000 fatalities and the displacement of two million persons as a direct result of the conflict.

The United States has recently issued a green light for a $346 million arms sale to bolster Nigeria's military capabilities. Reports suggest that at least 15 jihadist attacks have been registered this year in border areas adjacent to Cameroon and Niger, with militants employing modified commercial drones to menace military bases, complicating the situation further.

Moreover, the military has expanded its reach by carrying out strikes against criminal groups in northwestern Katsina state, successfully rescuing 76 kidnapping victims, including women and children. Tragically, a child's life was lost in the course of these rescue efforts, highlighting the human cost of the ongoing violence.

Recent statistics show that Katsina, along with neighboring Zamfara state, has faced the highest number of attacks and casualties in recent months due to rampant banditry. Following an attack on worshippers in a mosque that resulted in at least 50 deaths and numerous abductions, the military's actions underscore the urgent need to restore safety and order for affected communities.