The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has reported the neutralisation of 103 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and the destruction of several logistics hubs and storage facilities during a series of intelligence-led air strikes conducted between October 10 and 18, 2026.
According to a statement issued in Maiduguri on Monday by the Acting Military Information Officer at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the operations involved coordinated efforts by Nigerian Army Aviation, the Nigerian Army Remotely Piloted Aircraft (NARPAS) Regiment and Air Component assets.
The military said the coordinated strikes were aimed at weakening terrorist networks, disrupting their logistics and restricting their operational movements across the joint operations area in Adamawa and Borno states.
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The statement outlined seven air strikes carried out during the period against suspected terrorist targets in different locations.
The operations covered Gudumbali in Guzamala Local Government Area (LGA) on October 10; Badu in Monguno LGA on October 11; Mairari in Guzamala LGA and an area east of Badu on October 13; Duste Uku in Gombi LGA of Adamawa State on October 16; and the alternate residence of Abu Saleem, identified by the military as the ISWAP Wali of South Lake Chad, in the Arina Woje area of Monguno LGA, Borno State, on October 18.
The military said the sustained campaign placed pressure on terrorist formations, leadership structures and logistics networks operating across the region.
One of the major operations took place on October 18, when the Air Component carried out a precision strike on the reported alternate residence of Abu Saleem following intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activities.
According to the military, subsequent human intelligence (HUMINT) reports confirmed the death of Jindullah, described as a prominent ISWAP fighter who reportedly served as Abu Saleem’s chief security guard.
The military also reported the death of Abul Kissa, identified as a member of the group’s Shura Council, alongside other prominent fighters who were allegedly present at the location.
The strike reportedly destroyed the targeted building and several logistics assets, including nine boat engines and multiple motorcycles stored at the premises.
The statement added that the operation disrupted the group’s concealment arrangements within the forested area, limiting its ability to use the location as a safe haven for its activities.
Earlier Strike Reportedly Killed About 30 Terrorists
The military also highlighted an operation conducted on October 13, when a Guardian air asset reportedly tracked 16 terrorists moving from the Mairari axis towards a gathering of more than 100 suspected fighters.
According to the statement, the gathering was accompanied by several motorcycles and was located approximately 23 kilometres east of Badu and 19 kilometres west of Monguno.
A subsequent precision strike on the gathering was assessed to have killed approximately 30 terrorists. However, the military said the extent of damage to the motorcycles could not be confirmed.
Other air strikes during the eight-day period targeted suspected terrorist elements and facilities around Gudumbali, Badu, Mairari and Duste Uku.
Military Reaffirms Commitment to Counterterrorism Operations
The Joint Task Force said the seven strikes collectively resulted in the reported neutralisation of 103 terrorists and the destruction of several logistics hubs and storage facilities.
According to the military, the operations were intended to weaken ISWAP’s operational capacity, disrupt its command structures and damage the networks supporting its activities.
The statement emphasised the importance of coordination among Nigerian Army Aviation, NARPAS, the Air Component and ground forces in sustaining pressure on terrorist groups.
Operation HADIN KAI reiterated its commitment to maintaining operational momentum, denying terrorists safe havens and supporting efforts to restore lasting peace and security across Nigeria’s North East.
The military’s casualty figures and operational assessments were based on information contained in its statement.
Additional source: Channels Television
