The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its operations against jihadist groups in the northeastern region, claiming to have killed 35 militants during recent air strikes near the border with Cameroon. The military conducted these strikes in response to an imminent threat from jihadists attempting to attack ground forces. Nigeria has grappled with a persistent insurgency, primarily from groups like Boko Haram and its offshoots, for over a decade, alongside rising cases of banditry and kidnappings.
A coalition of prominent Nigerians, including former ministers and notable civil society leaders, expressed grave concern over what they described as "war-time levels of slaughter" in certain regions of the country, despite Nigeria being officially at peace. They referenced a distressing report from Amnesty International indicating that at least 10,217 lives have been lost since President Bola Tinubu assumed office two years ago. The group has called for the establishment of a Presidential Task Force with extensive authority to address the ongoing conflicts.
In just the past eight months, the Nigerian military claims to have neutralized nearly 600 militants, although independent verification proves challenging. UN estimates indicate that the prolonged conflict has resulted in over 35,000 fatalities and displaced two million individuals. Recently, the US government approved a significant arms sale worth $346 million to support Nigeria's efforts to stabilize the region.
Moreover, the Institute for Security Studies has recorded at least 15 jihadist attacks near Nigeria’s borders with Cameroon and Niger this year, noting that militants have resorted to using modified commercial drones against military positions. The military also reported an operation targeting bandits in north-western Katsina state, leading to the rescue of 76 kidnapping victims. Despite these efforts, ongoing violence continues, as exemplified by a recent attack in which gunmen killed at least 50 people and abducted about 60 others in a mosque and surrounding homes in Katsina.
As the security situation remains precarious, the Nigerian military pledges to maintain aerial support to ground troops engaged in the critical battle against insurgents and violent crime.
A coalition of prominent Nigerians, including former ministers and notable civil society leaders, expressed grave concern over what they described as "war-time levels of slaughter" in certain regions of the country, despite Nigeria being officially at peace. They referenced a distressing report from Amnesty International indicating that at least 10,217 lives have been lost since President Bola Tinubu assumed office two years ago. The group has called for the establishment of a Presidential Task Force with extensive authority to address the ongoing conflicts.
In just the past eight months, the Nigerian military claims to have neutralized nearly 600 militants, although independent verification proves challenging. UN estimates indicate that the prolonged conflict has resulted in over 35,000 fatalities and displaced two million individuals. Recently, the US government approved a significant arms sale worth $346 million to support Nigeria's efforts to stabilize the region.
Moreover, the Institute for Security Studies has recorded at least 15 jihadist attacks near Nigeria’s borders with Cameroon and Niger this year, noting that militants have resorted to using modified commercial drones against military positions. The military also reported an operation targeting bandits in north-western Katsina state, leading to the rescue of 76 kidnapping victims. Despite these efforts, ongoing violence continues, as exemplified by a recent attack in which gunmen killed at least 50 people and abducted about 60 others in a mosque and surrounding homes in Katsina.
As the security situation remains precarious, the Nigerian military pledges to maintain aerial support to ground troops engaged in the critical battle against insurgents and violent crime.
