By Kazeem Waris
Nigerian Navy Marines, working with the 403 Amphibious Brigade of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai, have neutralised 34 suspected terrorists in offensive operations in the Lake Chad area.
The operations, conducted on October 28 and 30, targeted ISWAP and Boko Haram elements, including a terrorist enclave at Dumba.
The Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, saying the operations were intelligence-driven.
He said the October 28 offensive initially recorded eight terrorists killed, but a subsequent Battle Damage Assessment revised the figure to 28.
Folorunsho said in a separate operation on October 30, Navy Marines deployed at the Naval Base Lake Chad launched a strike against an identified Boko Haram enclave at Dumba.
He explained that the operation followed Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions that enabled the military to identify and monitor the terrorists before carrying out a precision strike.
“Preliminary Battle Damage Assessment indicates that approximately 6 terrorists were neutralised, while several others reportedly sustained injuries,” he said.
He added that the casualty figures remained subject to further verification as operational assessments continued.
According to him, the newly established Nigerian Navy Marines have served as a force multiplier under Operation Hadin Kai, strengthening offensive operations against terrorist groups in the Lake Chad area.
“Their operational contributions have enhanced the capacity to target terrorist enclaves, disrupt hostile activities and deny Boko Haram Terrorists freedom of action within the Lake Chad area,” he said.
Folorunsho said the operations were helping to degrade terrorist capabilities and support ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in the North-East.
He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to joint military operations, saying: “The Nigerian Navy remains committed to supporting joint operations through sustained offensive action and intelligence-driven engagements to strengthen national security and protect vulnerable communities.”
