Air Strike Kills 40 ISWAP Terrorists, Destroys Enclave in Borno
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — The Air Component of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai has killed over 40 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, including a high-ranking commander, during a precision air strike in Borno State.
The successful operation took place on Saturday, 10 October 2026, at a terrorist enclave in Badu Village, located south of Gudumbali in the Guzamala Local Government Area.
Military Information Officer Captain Mohammed Goni confirmed the development in an official statement released from the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force in Maiduguri on Monday.
According to the military, the operation was launched following credible information indicating that a large concentration of ISWAP fighters had gathered in the area.
The terrorists were reportedly preparing to launch coordinated attacks on military troops operating within the Sector 3 area of responsibility.
In response, the Air Component conducted targeted aerial surveillance to monitor movement around the suspected hideouts and logistics facilities. Once the targets were confirmed, a precision air strike was executed on a building occupied by the insurgents.
Major Blow to ISWAP’s Mobile Unit
A preliminary Battle Damage Assessment and Human Intelligence report confirmed over 40 terrorists were neutralized, including a prominent ISWAP Qaid (commander). Two operational vehicles and 20 motorcycles, which were actively used for logistics, mobility, and offensive operations, were also destroyed.
Intelligence sources revealed that the targeted insurgents belonged to ISWAP’s Murabitun element, a specialized mobile fighting unit responsible for conducting patrols, coordinating ambushes, and sustaining terrorist activities within the Lake Chad region.
The military stated that the destruction of the enclave and the loss of key operational assets represent a significant setback for ISWAP’s operational capacity. Assessments are still ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage.
