By Zagazola Makama
As a signal to the renewed diplomatic engagement between Niamey and Abuja, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in a coordinated operation with its Nigerien counterpart, on Friday launched a series of precision airstrikes on suspected terrorist hideouts along the Nigeria–Niger border in the Lake Chad region.
The joint operation, which reportedly lasted for over four hours, was based on actionable intelligence gathered by Nigerien air surveillance units. The intelligence guided Nigerian fighter jets to specific locations believed to be used by terrorists for cross-border attacks.
According to initial field reports, the targeted area, described as a strategic terrorist enclave, was suspected of housing a mix of fighters, women, and children. The location had been under sustained observation for its alleged role in coordinating operations across the tri-border region of Nigeria, Niger, and Chad.
Following the bombardment, over 50 individuals were reportedly seen fleeing towards Fefewa, a remote village within the Lake Chad basin. Some of the escapees, according to unverified accounts, may have been attempting to regroup with a larger armed faction said to be fortified in nearby forested zones.
Although the casualty figures remain unclear, sources monitoring the operation, confirmed that investigations are underway to ascertain the impact and full extent of the strikes.
The joint air campaign underscores the increasing regional collaboration between Nigeria and Niger in countering insurgency threats.
