BY: ABDULKADIR M LAWAN, OCTOBER 12, 2026/ 03:23PM
At least 40 terrorists have been killed in a precision air strike by the Air Component of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI on an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) enclave in Borno State.
The strike, which occurred on 10th October 2026, targeted a terrorist hideout at Badu Village, south of Gudumbali in Guzamala Local Government Area.
According to a statement by Hadin Kai's, Capt. Mohammed Goni, the intelligence-driven operation followed credible reports of a concentration of ISWAP fighters preparing to launch coordinated attacks on troops operating within sector 3 areas of responsibility.
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 and battle damage assessment indicates that over 40 terrorists, including a prominent ISWAP Qaid (commander), were neutralized in the strike.
The operation also destroyed two vehicles and approximately 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.
Capt. Goni said 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 within the area.
The military said 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, adding that further assessment is ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the damage inflicted.
The successful operation, the task force said, underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led, technology-enabled and coordinated air operations in dismantling terrorist networks.
The Joint Task Force North East reiterated its resolve to sustain 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.