Nigeria’s military has confirmed the death of 35 jihadists following a series of air strikes conducted near the country’s north-eastern border with Cameroon. The strikes took place in four locations, specifically targeting a group of jihadists attempting to mount an attack on ground troops. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by Nigerian forces to combat militant activities in the region.
The conflict in Nigeria has persisted for over a decade, with jihadist groups like Boko Haram at the forefront of the violence. The situation has been exacerbated by violent criminal gangs, sectarian conflicts, and widespread kidnappings for ransom. On Saturday, a coalition of prominent Nigerians, including former government ministers, business leaders, and civil society activists, issued a statement expressing grave concern over the escalating violence. They noted that certain areas of Nigeria are experiencing “war-time levels of slaughter,” despite the country being officially classified as at peace.
According to a report released by the rights organization Amnesty International in May 2023, at least 10,217 people have been killed since President Bola Tinubu assumed office two years ago. The coalition has called for the establishment of a Presidential Task Force, equipped with extensive powers to address the multiple conflicts, including the resurgence of Boko Haram in the north-eastern region.
In a recent report, the Nigerian army stated that it had eliminated nearly 600 militants within the past eight months in the same region. While these claims highlight the military’s ongoing operations, independent verification of such figures remains elusive. The Nigerian Air Force has pledged to sustain air support for ground troops engaged in dismantling jihadist bases across the north-east.
The continued violence raises critical questions about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security measures and the need for a comprehensive approach to restore peace and stability. As the situation evolves, the international community is closely monitoring developments, particularly in light of the significant civilian toll.
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