Nigerian Military Kills 35 Jihadists in Targeted Air Strikes
Nigeria’s military has confirmed the deaths of 35 jihadists in a series of air strikes conducted near the country’s north-eastern border with Cameroon. This operation aimed to prevent the jihadists from launching an attack on ground troops, according to an official statement from the military.
The air strikes targeted four specific areas, reflecting ongoing efforts to combat the insurgency that has plagued Nigeria for over a decade. The nation continues to grapple not only with jihadist groups but also with violent criminal gangs and widespread kidnappings for ransom.
Concerns Over Rising Violence
On March 16, 2024, a coalition of prominent Nigerians, including former government ministers and civil society leaders, expressed alarm at escalating violence in the country. They highlighted that certain regions are experiencing “war-time levels of slaughter,” despite Nigeria officially being in a state of peace.
The group referenced a report from human rights organization Amnesty International, which documented that at least 10,217 people have died since President Bola Tinubu took office two years ago. In light of these alarming statistics, they called for the establishment of a Presidential Task Force with extensive authority to address the various conflicts, including the resurgence of the militant Islamist group Boko Haram in the north-east.
Last week, the Nigerian army reported achieving significant success against the militants, claiming to have killed nearly 600 jihadists over the past eight months in the same region. However, independent verification of these claims remains absent.
Continued Military Operations
The Nigerian Air Force has pledged to maintain air support for ground troops engaged in dismantling jihadist bases in the north-eastern part of the country. This commitment underscores the military’s determination to restore stability and security in an area that has long been a hotbed of insurgent activity.
As the situation unfolds, the military’s operations and the responses from civil society will be closely monitored, with many calling for more effective strategies to combat the entrenched violence that continues to impact the lives of countless Nigerians.
The ongoing conflict not only poses a threat to national security but also raises critical humanitarian concerns as communities struggle to cope with the repercussions of violence and instability.
