Nigerian Military Strikes Target Jihadists Amid Escalating Violence

In a recent series of air strikes, the Nigerian military announced the deaths of 35 jihadists, aiming to stem the tide of violence that has marked the nation for over a decade. Prominent figures have raised alarms over escalating conflicts, urging the government to take urgent action to halt the violence.

Nigeria's military has confidently reported the elimination of 35 jihadists in a coordinated effort involving a series of air strikes close to its northeastern border with Cameroon. This military operation, targeted across four regions, was primarily designed to disrupt what the military identified as imminent threats to its ground troops. The persistent battle against jihadist groups, particularly Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap), has continued for more than ten years, compounding the challenges of violent crime, sectarian strife, and rampant kidnappings for ransom within the country.

A statement released on Saturday by a coalition of distinguished Nigerians—including former officials, business leaders, and civil society representatives—warned that numerous regions in Nigeria are witnessing "war-time levels of slaughter," despite the official narrative of peace. This coalition referenced a grim report from Amnesty International, indicating that over 10,217 individuals have lost their lives since President Bola Tinubu took office. They are advocating for the establishment of a Presidential Task Force with robust authority to address the ongoing conflicts, highlighting the resurgence of militant activities in the northeast as a critical concern.

The Nigerian Army stated that it had successfully eliminated nearly 600 militants over the past eight months in the region, although these figures remain unverified by independent sources. Simultaneously, the Nigerian Air Force affirmed its commitment to provide air cover as ground troops work to dismantle jihadist sanctuaries.

According to the United Nations, the conflict has claimed over 35,000 lives and displaced approximately two million people. The Institute for Security Studies reported at least 15 jihadist attacks this year in areas adjacent to Nigeria's borders with Cameroon and Niger. Furthermore, the extremists are reportedly employing modified commercial drones to target military bases, complicating military logistics for troop reinforcements.

Amid these developments, the United States State Department recently approved the sale of $346 million worth of weaponry to Nigeria, with the aim of bolstering its military capabilities in combating the jihadist threat. As the situation evolves, experts and regional leaders continue to call for comprehensive strategies to address the violence and humanitarian crises facing the nation.