The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), says its air operations have killed 103 suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and destroyed several logistics hubs in Borno and Adamawa states.
The operations were carried out between October 10 and October 18, 2026, following intelligence-led air strikes on identified terrorist locations across the North-East.
The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Maiduguri.
According to him, the successful operations were conducted through the combined efforts of the Nigerian Army Aviation, the Nigerian Army Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (NARPAS) Regiment and the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI.
He said the air strikes targeted terrorist camps around Gudumbali in Guzamala Local Government Area, Badu in Monguno LGA, Mairari in Guzamala LGA, an area east of Badu, Duste Uku in Gombi LGA of Adamawa State, and the alternate residence of Abu Saleem, the ISWAP Wali of South Lake Chad, in Arina Woje, Monguno LGA.
Goni said one of the major successes was recorded on October 18 when troops carried out a precision air strike on Abu Saleem’s alternate residence after intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions confirmed the location.
He said, “Subsequent human intelligence (HUMINT) confirmed the neutralisation of Jindullah, a prominent ISWAP fighter reportedly serving as Abu Saleem’s chief security guard. The intelligence also confirmed the neutralisation of Abul Kissa, a member of the group’s Shura Council, alongside other prominent fighters within the targeted premises.”
The military spokesman added that the strike destroyed the building and several logistics items, including nine boat engines and motorcycles, while also disrupting the terrorists’ hideout within the forest.
He further disclosed that on October 13, a Guardian air asset tracked 16 terrorists from the Mairari axis to a gathering of more than 100 fighters about 23 kilometres east of Badu before carrying out another precision strike.
According to him, about 30 terrorists were neutralised in that operation, although the extent of damage to the motorcycles at the location could not be confirmed.
Goni said the seven coordinated air strikes carried out during the period resulted in the neutralisation of 103 terrorists and the destruction of several logistics hubs and storage facilities, weakening the operational strength of the insurgents.
He added, “The sustained successes underscore the effectiveness of coordinated, intelligence-led air operations in degrading terrorist capabilities, disrupting command structures and dismantling critical logistics networks. Through continued synergy among Nigerian Army Aviation, NARPARS, the Air Component and ground forces, OPHK remains resolute in maintaining operational momentum, denying terrorists safe havens and advancing efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North East.”
Operation HADIN KAI has continued to intensify both air and ground offensives against ISWAP and Boko Haram fighters in the North-East as part of ongoing efforts to restore security, protect communities and improve stability across the region.