The Nigerian military says an airstrike by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai has neutralised more than 40 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, including a prominent commander, and destroyed vehicles and motorcycles used by the terrorist group in Borno State.
The operation was conducted on October 10, 2026, at a terrorist enclave in Badu Village, south of Gudumbali, in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.
This was contained in a statement issued by Captain Mohammed Goni, Military Information Officer at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East).
The strike followed intelligence reports indicating that ISWAP fighters were assembling to launch coordinated attacks against troops operating within Sector 3 of Operation Hadin Kai.
Intelligence-Led Operation Targeted ISWAP Enclave
The military said the operation began with intelligence gathering and targeted aerial surveillance to identify terrorist movements around suspected hideouts and logistics facilities.
Following the surveillance, the Air Component reportedly carried out a precision strike on a building occupied by the fighters.
Preliminary human intelligence reports and battle damage assessments indicated that more than 40 terrorists were killed.
This includes a prominent ISWAP commander identified as a Qaid, according to the military statement.
The military added that the operation was intended to disrupt planned attacks against military positions and surrounding communities.
ISWAP Vehicles, Motorcycles Destroyed
The airstrike also reportedly destroyed two vehicles and approximately 20 motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists for transportation, logistics and offensive operations.
The military said the destruction of these assets would reduce the group’s mobility and operational capacity in the affected area.
Further intelligence, according to the statement, indicated that the fighters belonged to the Murabitun element of ISWAP.
It described the fighters as a specialised mobile fighting unit responsible for patrols, coordinating attacks and sustaining the group’s activities in the region.
The military characterised the destruction of the enclave and its associated assets as a setback for ISWAP’s ability to organise attacks and maintain its operational presence in the Lake Chad region.
It added that further assessments were underway to determine the full extent of the damage.
Military Vows Sustained Operations Against Terrorists
The Joint Task Force said the operation demonstrated the role of intelligence-led surveillance and technology.
The force also coordinated air operations in disrupting ISWAP terrorist networks and limiting their freedom of movement.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to continued air and ground operations against terrorist groups operating across Nigeria’s North-East.
According to the military, the ongoing campaign is aimed at neutralising terrorist threats, protecting vulnerable communities and supporting efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.
Editorial note: The reported casualty figures and destruction of equipment are based on the military’s preliminary assessment and have not been independently verified.
Further assessments are ongoing, according to the statement.
