The Air Component of the Joint Task Force, North East, under Operation Hadin Kai, has reportedly killed more than 40 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, including a prominent commander, in an air strike on a suspected terrorist enclave in Borno State.

The operation was conducted on October 10, 2026, at Badu Village, south of Gudumbali in Guzamala Local Government Area, following intelligence reports that ISWAP fighters had gathered in the area to plan coordinated attacks on military personnel operating in Sector 3.

Also read: Troops crush ISWAP assault, kill over 25 in Borno

Captain Mohammed Goni, the Military Information Officer at the headquarters of the Joint Task Force, disclosed the operation in a statement on Monday, October 12.

According to Goni, the military launched the intelligence-driven operation after receiving credible information about the suspected gathering of insurgents.

The Air Component reportedly carried out aerial surveillance to identify fighter movements around suspected hideouts and logistics facilities before striking a building occupied by the group.

Preliminary human intelligence and battle damage assessments indicated that more than 40 terrorists had been neutralised, including a senior ISWAP commander known as a Qaid, the statement said.

The operation also reportedly destroyed two vehicles and approximately 20 motorcycles believed to have been used by the fighters for transportation, logistics and offensive operations.

Goni said the destruction of the vehicles and motorcycles had weakened the group’s operational capacity and disrupted its alleged plans to attack military positions and nearby communities.

Further intelligence reportedly linked the fighters to ISWAP’s Murabitun element, described by the military as a specialised mobile unit involved in patrols, attack coordination and other insurgent activities in the area.

The military information officer said the destruction of the enclave and associated assets represented a setback for the group’s ability to sustain operations in the Lake Chad region.

He added that further assessments were ongoing to establish the full extent of the damage caused by the strike.

Goni described the operation as an example of the role of intelligence gathering, surveillance technology and coordinated air operations in disrupting insurgent networks and restricting the movement of armed groups.

He said troops under Operation Hadin Kai would continue coordinated air and ground operations aimed at reducing terrorist capabilities, protecting vulnerable communities and improving security across Nigeria’s North-East.

The military also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts to restore peace and stability in communities affected by insurgency.

Also read: Troops crush ISWAP assault, kill over 25 in Borno

The reported casualty figure remains based on preliminary military assessments, with further evaluations expected to determine the full impact of the operation.