The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, has neutralised over 40 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, including a top commander, in a precision air strike in Borno State.
The operation was carried out on a terrorist enclave at Badu Village, south of Gudumbali in Guzamala Local Government Area on 10th October, 2026.
Military Information Officer, Capt.Mohammed Goni in a statement issued Monday said the strike was intelligence-driven, following credible reports that ISWAP fighters were massing to launch coordinated attacks on troops in Sector 3 areas of responsibility.
He noted: “Acting swiftly 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, Battle Damage Assessment indicates that over 40 terrorists, including a prominent ISWAP Qaid (commander), were neutralized in the strike.”
Goni added that the operation also destroyed two vehicles and about 20 motorcycles used by the terrorists for mobility, logistics and offensive operations, thereby significantly degrading their fighting capability and disrupting planned attacks on military positions and surrounding communities.
Further intelligence, Goni said, 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 within 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,” he added.
Goni said assessment is ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the damage inflicted, adding that the successful operation underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led, technology-enabled and coordinated air operations in dismantling terrorist networks.
“The Joint Task Force North East remains resolute in sustaining relentless, coordinated air and ground operations to eliminate terrorist threats, protect vulnerable communities and consolidate ongoing efforts towards restoring lasting peace and stability in the region,” the statement concluded.