Abuja, Aug 24 (V7N) – The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reported killing at least 35 armed militants in an airstrike near the Cameroon border, following intelligence indicating a planned attack on military forces. The strike took place in the Kumshe area of Borno state, close to the Cameroon border, according to Qatar-based Al Jazeera on Sunday (August 24).

NAF spokesman Ehimen Ejodame said that contact with ground troops was re-established after the operation, and the situation around their position was now under control.

The airstrike comes amid a surge of attacks by Boko Haram and its rival group, ISIL West Africa Province (ISWAP), targeting military bases in northeastern Nigeria. The groups have been killing soldiers and seizing weapons, with violence also spilling into border areas of Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.

Although the conflict, ongoing for roughly 16 years, had subsided since 2015, attacks have increased again since early 2025. UN data indicates that over 35,000 civilians have been killed and more than 2 million people displaced due to the violence.

In response to the rising threat, the US State Department has approved the sale of $346 million in arms to Nigeria, including bombs, rockets, and various warheads. The deal now awaits Congressional approval, with the US stating that the weapons will help Nigeria conduct more effective counter-terrorism operations and respond to future threats.

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