ISWAP Fighters Fear for Families After Airstrikes in Sambisa, Intelligence Reveals
Fresh intelligence has revealed growing anxiety among suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) over the safety of their families following recent airstrikes in Sambisa Forest, underscoring mounting internal strain within the insurgent group.
Security sources disclosed that the concerns emerged after the Nigerian Air Force, under Operation Hadin Kai, carried out precision strikes on insurgent positions in the Sambisa axis of Borno State.
According to the intelligence report, a suspected ISWAP fighter identified as Shettima, along with associates operating around the Limanti axis along the Maiduguri–Mafa road, expressed frustration over delayed and conflicting information regarding the impact of the strikes. He reportedly lamented that news of the bombardment reached him late, raising doubts about the accuracy of updates concerning the fate of their relatives.
Another associate, identified as Abu Fatima, was said to have explained that senior commanders discouraged the sharing of operational or casualty details with fighters and their families, warning that such disclosures could attract internal sanctions.
Intelligence further indicated that during the air operations, fighters fled targeted locations while their families—including women and children—were gathered separately. The airstrikes were said to have recorded direct hits on insurgent positions, resulting in casualties and injuries.
Sources revealed that while some of the wounded were receiving treatment within insurgent-controlled enclaves, others suffered severe injuries, including amputations, with a number reportedly treated and discharged.
Security analysts say the development highlights increasing psychological pressure within ISWAP ranks, as sustained aerial bombardments continue to disrupt the group’s operational stability and weaken command confidence.
They noted that beyond physical losses, fighters are grappling with fear, misinformation and distrust, particularly regarding the safety of relatives caught in conflict zones.
The military campaign under Operation Hadin Kai has continued to degrade insurgent mobility, logistics and cohesion, forcing fighters to contend with both battlefield setbacks and growing uncertainty within their ranks.
However, experts caution that while the air operations are yielding significant gains, consolidating long-term stability in the North East will require sustained coordination between air and ground forces, alongside improved intelligence efforts to prevent insurgent regrouping.
