By Elizabeth Tanko
Maiduguri, Nigeria – The Air Component of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, has neutralised over 40 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, including a prominent commander, in a precision airstrike in Borno State.
The strike was executed on October 10, 2026, on a terrorist enclave at Badu Village, south of Gudumbali in Guzamala Local Government Area.
According to a statement by the Military Information Officer, HQ JTF (NE) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the intelligence-driven operation followed credible reports of a concentration of ISWAP fighters preparing to launch coordinated attacks on troops in Sector 3 area of responsibility.
Acting on the intelligence, the Air Component conducted targeted aerial surveillance, identified terrorist movements around suspected hideouts and logistics facilities, and executed a precision strike on a building occupied by the terrorists.
Preliminary Human Intelligence and Battle Damage Assessment indicated that over 40 terrorists, including a prominent ISWAP Qaid (commander), were neutralised.
The operation also destroyed two vehicles and about 20 motorcycles used by the terrorists for mobility, logistics and offensive operations, significantly degrading their fighting capability and disrupting planned attacks on military positions and surrounding communities.
Further intelligence revealed that the terrorists belonged to ISWAP’s Murabitun element – a specialised mobile fighting unit responsible for conducting patrols, coordinating attacks and sustaining terrorist activities in the area.
“The destruction of the enclave and associated operational assets represents a significant setback to the group’s capacity to launch attacks and sustain its activities in the Lake Chad region,” Captain Goni said, adding that further assessment was ongoing to ascertain the full extent of damage.
He said the successful operation underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led, technology-enabled and coordinated air operations in dismantling terrorist networks and denying criminal elements freedom of action.
“It further demonstrates the sustained operational momentum of troops under Operation HADIN KAI in degrading terrorist capabilities and strengthening security across the North East,” he said.
The Joint Task Force reiterated its resolve to sustain relentless, coordinated air and ground operations to eliminate terrorist threats, protect vulnerable communities and consolidate efforts towards restoring lasting peace and stability in the region.
