The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Friday bombed a gathering of Islamic State’s of West Africa Province (ISWAP) members.
The meeting was presided over by the new leader (Wali), Sani Shuwaram.
Fighter jets shelled locations at Sabon Tumbun and Jibularam under Marte Local Government Area in Borno State.
The operation, which involved Nigerian Army troops, targeted Shuwaram and heads of units.
The airstrikes were executed after an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance study by the Air Task Force (ATF).
A counter-terrorism officer said that many jihadists were killed, including high-ranking insurgents, foot soldiers and Hisbah Police of ISWAP.
“A ground assessment confirmed some ISWAP top commanders were at the scene at the time of the strikes.
“They include Muhammed Bako, Special Militant Forces Commander (Rijal Ann); Muhammad Malumma, Chief Judge of Marte; Goni Mustapha, Chief Imam; Muhammed Ba’ana, Commander of Kirta.
“Muhammed Ali, Amir of Kwalaram; Ibn Umar, Chief Prosecutor; Bakura Gana, Commander of Jubularam; and Malam Musa, Amir of Jubularam”, the source said.
It is still unclear if Shuwaram was hit by the strikes. The military is conducting further surveillance of the general area.
