Borno Security Update: 6 ISWAP/JAS Terrorists Eliminated, Fighter Surrenders in Gwoza

MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA — Nigeria’s offensive against terrorists in the northeast is intensifying as the Joint Task Force, codenamed Operation Hadin Kai, has eliminated six terrorists, arrested 11 suspected collaborators, and secured the defection of a Boko Haram (JAS) fighter in a series of weekend operations in Borno State.

Military officials confirmed that the multi-front operations, conducted alongside Hybrid Force personnel between October 24 and October 25, 2026, have severely disrupted the logistics and support networks of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS).

The midnight operation saw troops from the 29 Task Force Brigade Garrison stage a successful ambush against moving terrorists along the Targejeri axis in the Kaga Local Government Area.

Troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, 169 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, five mobile phones, and various charms from the scene.

This came on the heels of a targeted early-morning raid on Saturday, October 24, in Benisheikh town. The latest arrests bring the total number of suspects detained in connection with the ring to 11, following the capture of five individuals earlier in the week.

During the Benisheikh raid, security forces uncovered a cache of military gear and communication tools, including 169 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 3 terrorist uniforms, a turban, a face mask, 5 mobile phones, charms, and an AK-47 rifle.

The 11 suspects are currently undergoing interrogation to map out their links to wider terror networks in the region.

JAS Insurgent Surrenders in Gwoza

In a separate development on Saturday night, troops of the 192 Battalion (Main), stationed at the Hambagda Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Gwoza LGA, received a surrendering JAS member.

The insurgent reportedly fled a stronghold in the Mandara Mountains to renounce terrorism and handed himself over along the Gwoza–Limankara road, turning in an AK-47 rifle and a magazine loaded with 28 rounds of ammunition. He has been taken into custody for profiling and processing.

In a statement issued from the Headquarters of Joint Task Force (North East) in Maiduguri, Captain Mohammed Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer, emphasized that the recent victories reflect the high combat readiness and seamless coordination within the theatre command.

“The recovery of weapons and the dismantling of collaborator networks reinforce our determination to deny these terrorists the resources they need to sustain their activities,” Goni said.