Troops neutralise 40 ISWAP terrorists in Borno 

The air component of the 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 air strike in Borno State.

The strike hit a terrorist enclave at Badu village, south of Gudumbali in Guzamala local government area, on October 10, 2026.

The intelligence-driven operation followed credible reports of a concentration of ISWAP fighters preparing to launch coordinated attacks on troops in Sector 3 areas of responsibility.

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 indicate that over 40 terrorists, including a prominent ISWAP Qaid (commander), were neutralised.

The operation also destroyed two vehicles and approximately 20 motorcycles used by the terrorists for mobility, logistics and offensive operations.

Further intelligence revealed that the terrorists belonged to ISWAP’s Murabitun element, a specialised mobile fighting unit responsible for patrols, coordinating attacks and sustaining terrorist activities in the area.

The military said the destruction of the enclave and associated assets represents a significant setback to the group’s capacity to launch attacks in the Lake Chad region.

It said further assessment is ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the damage inflicted.

The military said the operation underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led, technology-enabled and coordinated air operations in dismantling terrorist networks.

It said the Joint Task Force North East remains resolute in sustaining relentless air and ground operations to eliminate terrorist threats and protect vulnerable communities.