By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has sustained intelligence-led precision air strikes against Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, neutralising 103 terrorists and destroying several logistics hubs and storage facilities between 10 and 18 October, 2026.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on 19th October, 2026, by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, in Maiduguri.
According to the statement, the successes were recorded through the coordinated employment of Nigerian Army Aviation, the Nigerian Army Remotely Piloted Aircraft (NARPAS) Regiment and Air Component assets, reinforcing the military’s resolve to dismantle terrorist networks and deny them freedom of action.
The sustained air campaign comprised seven strikes against terrorist targets around Gudumbali in Guzamala Local Government Area (LGA) on 10th October, Badu in Monguno LGA on 11th October, Mairari in Guzamala LGA and an area east of Badu on 13th October, Duste Uku in Gombi LGA of Adamawa State on 16th October, and the alternate residence of Abu Saleem, the ISWAP Wali of South Lake Chad, in the Arina Woje area of Monguno LGA, Borno State, on 18th October, 2026.
The statement noted that the operations reflect sustained operational pressure on terrorist concentrations, leadership structures and logistics networks across the theatre.
A significant success was recorded on 18th October, 2026, when the Air Component conducted a precision strike against Abu Saleem’s alternate residence following intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activities.
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 strike completely destroyed the targeted structure and key logistics assets, including nine boat engines and several motorcycles stored within the premises. It also disrupted terrorist concealment arrangements within the forested area, further undermining the group’s ability to use the location as a safe haven.
Earlier, on 13th October, 2026, the Guardian air asset tracked a group of 16 terrorists from the Mairari axis to a gathering of more than 100 terrorists accompanied by several motorcycles, approximately 23 kilometres east of Badu and 19 kilometres west of Monguno LGA.
A subsequent precision strike on the gathering resulted in the assessed neutralisation of approximately 30 terrorists, while the extent of damage to the motorcycles remained unconfirmed.
The other strikes during the period targeted terrorist elements and facilities around Gudumbali, Badu, Mairari and Duste Uku. Collectively, the seven strikes resulted in the reported neutralisation of 103 terrorists and the destruction of several logistics hubs and storage facilities, significantly disrupting the group’s operational capabilities.
The military said 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,” the statement added.
