Nigerian Military Kills 103 ISWAP Terrorists, Including Top Commanders in Massive Air Campaign
MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA—The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has dealt a major blow to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), neutralising 103 terrorists and obliterating multiple logistics hubs during an intensive eight-day air campaign.
The precision operations, which spanned from 10 to 18 October 2026, combined the firepower of the Nigerian Army Aviation, the Nigerian Army Remotely Piloted Aircraft (NARPAS) Regiment, and Air Component assets to dismantle insurgent networks.
A major breakthrough occurred on 18 October 2026, when intelligence-led air assets executed a precision strike on the alternate residence of Abu Saleem, the ISWAP Wali (Governor) of South Lake Chad, located in the Arina Woje area of Borno State’s Monguno Local Government Area (LGA).
Human Intelligence (HUMINT) confirmed that the raid successfully neutralised Abul Kissa, a high-ranking member of ISWAP’s decision-making Shura Council. Also killed in the blast was Jindullah, a prominent fighter who served as Abu Saleem’s chief security guard, alongside several other top insurgents.
The strike leveled the structure, destroying vital logistics assets hidden within the forested safe haven, including nine boat engines and multiple motorcycles.
The military’s multi-day bombardment featured seven highly coordinated strikes targeting key terrorist concentrations across Borno and Adamawa states around Gudumbali in Guzamala and aerial raids in Mongonu.
On October 13, a “Guardian” air asset is said to have tracked 16 terrorists from Mairari to a mass gathering of over 100 insurgents east of Badu. A subsequent precision strike wiped out approximately 30 terrorists at the assembly.
Air strikes were also initiated against terrorist targets at Duste Uku in Gombi, and on October 18, troops raided Abu Saleem’s leadership compound in Arina Woje.
Dismantling the Logistics Network
Beyond the high casualty count, the operation is said to have crippled ISWAP’s capacity to launch future attacks. The strikes shattered the group’s concealment arrangements in dense canopies and destroyed vital supply reserves.
In an official statement released from the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) in Maiduguri, Captain Mohammed Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer, emphasized that the military remains resolute.
“The sustained successes underscore the effectiveness of coordinated, intelligence-led air operations in degrading terrorist capabilities,” Goni stated. He re-affirmed that the synergy between the army’s air branches, drone regiments, and ground forces will maintain its fierce momentum until lasting peace is restored to the region.
