ISWAP

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A joint military air operation involving the Nigerian Armed Forces under Operation HADIN KAI and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has killed 21 suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.

Military sources confirmed that the strike took place on May 30 in Arege, Kukawa Local Government Area. The target was a suspected terrorist base identified through intelligence reports that indicated insurgent activity in the area.

Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, reported that surveillance and reconnaissance missions first established the presence of ISWAP members before the air raid was authorised.

The operation focused on a camp believed to be used by the group to coordinate and plan attacks across the Lake Chad region. The strike left 21 fighters dead and caused major disruption to the group’s operations in the area.

Military officials explained that the mission forms part of ongoing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States. The partnership aims to dismantle terrorist networks, destroy hideouts, and reduce the operational strength of insurgents in the North-East.

They further described the attack as intelligence-led and carefully planned to maximise impact on the identified target.

According to the sources, the success of the operation reflects growing collaboration between Nigerian security forces and international partners in the fight against terrorism.

The officials also expressed confidence that continued coordinated strikes would weaken insurgent activity around the Lake Chad Basin, where terrorist groups have continued attempts to regroup and launch attacks on nearby communities.

The United States has confirmed that it carried out fresh military strikes in southern Iran on Monday, hitting Iranian missile installations as well as boats allegedly attempting to lay mines.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) through its spokesperson, Capt. Tim Hawkins.

CENTCOM said the operation was conducted in self-defence and aimed at safeguarding American troops from threats linked to Iranian forces.

“US forces conducted self-defence strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.

“US Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran said on Tuesday that it had shot down a US drone and also fired at a fighter jet alongside another drone that entered Iranian airspace.

The IRGC further stated that Iran retained what it described as a legitimate and definite right to respond to any alleged ceasefire violations by the United States.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have apprehended a woman suspected of collaborating with Boko Haram/ISWAP in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources quoted by counter-insurgency publication, Zagazola Makama, disclosed that the suspect, identified as Kellu Abba, was arrested on Wednesday morning at a military checkpoint.

“The sources said the suspect, a Kanuri woman residing in Lawanti area of Baga town, was intercepted while allegedly conveying supplies to her son, identified as Modu Mustapha, a suspected terrorist operating within the Dumba general area,” Makama said.

The fifty-year-old suspect was reportedly stopped around eight o’clock in the morning during a security operation in the area.

“According to the sources, items recovered from the suspect included four ready-to-use supplementary food packs, two hijabs and one wristwatch.

“The military said the suspect was currently in the custody of the 196 Amphibious Battalion for further investigation and necessary action.”

The report added that security operatives have continued their operations across the theatre despite the unpredictable nature of the security situation in the region. Troops were also said to be maintaining strong morale and operational effectiveness.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Sector 2, have neutralised no fewer than 24 terrorists following a fierce encounter during an attack on Kukareta area.

The military disclosed that the engagement followed a “determined terrorist attack on Kukareta location” in the early hours of Thursday.

According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the attack began shortly after midnight and continued until about 03:00 hours. He noted that troops responded immediately with what he described as a coordinated counter-operation that forced the attackers into retreat.

The statement read: the troops “executed a deliberate offensive-defensive action, effectively containing the assault and forcing the terrorists into a disorderly withdrawal.”

It added that the troops inflicted heavy losses on the attackers, confirming that “24 terrorists neutralised so far.”

Following the encounter, troops recovered a large stockpile of weapons and ammunition during ongoing clearance operations. The items include “18 AK-47 rifles, 3 General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), 2 PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, 3 RPG tubes, 2 mortar tubes, 4 hand grenades, 18 AK-47 magazines, and large quantities of belted 7.62mm ammunition for PKT systems.”

The statement also confirmed that two soldiers sustained injuries during the battle and have since received medical attention. It further disclosed that an armoured tank deployed for reinforcement suffered damage after its tyres were destroyed during the confrontation.

It stated that troops have continued to track the withdrawal routes of the fleeing terrorists, where blood trails and abandoned medical supplies were discovered.

The military described the operation as a demonstration of combat strength and preparedness, adding that it reflects the troops’ capacity to deny terrorist groups freedom of movement.

It further assured that operations will continue with sustained pressure aimed at clearing remaining terrorist elements within the theatre of operations.

The number of ISWAP fighters killed during a failed attempt to overrun a military position in Malam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, has increased to 75. Security analysts have described the outcome as one of the most significant recent setbacks for the group.

According to Zagazola Makama, a security expert, initial figures had placed the death toll at 61 after troops of Operation Hadin Kai, with support from the Nigerian Air Force, responded to the attack. Fresh battlefield reviews and follow-up clearance operations now show that at least 75 insurgents were eliminated. Several others are believed to have fled with serious injuries.

The incident took place in the early hours of Wednesday when ISWAP fighters advanced on foot toward the 68 Battalion base. They reportedly used armed drones in a bid to break through the defence. The movement, which came from the Duguri axis toward the Bravo Company position, was quickly identified and repelled.

Military sources linked the success of the defence to strong coordination between ground forces and air support. They noted that this reflects improved joint operations in the North-East counter-insurgency campaign.

Air components carried out four targeted strikes on routes used by the attackers to withdraw. These strikes disrupted their movement and reduced their fighting strength. Sustained aerial pressure forced the fighters into a disorganised retreat toward the Arege axis.

Additional air support from the Niger Republic targeted fleeing insurgents. Although a full assessment is still ongoing, security sources said the joint effort contributed to the higher casualty figure.

Troops also recovered a significant quantity of weapons and ammunition from the scene, a development expected to further limit the group’s activities around the Lake Chad area.

On the side of the military, four soldiers suffered minor injuries and have received treatment.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters have killed at least nine Nigerian soldiers and the Chief Imam of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources said the attack took place on Tuesday night shortly after residents ended their Ramadan fast.

One source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, said the insurgents stormed the town in large numbers with heavy weapons. According to the source, the attackers confronted troops stationed in the area and overpowered them during the assault.

Another security source said the insurgents also moved into the residential parts of Ngoshe. The source said the town’s Chief Imam was killed during the raid. The attackers also abducted more than 100 women and children. Several people sustained injuries.

‘As I am speaking to you now, the entire people of Ngoshe have fled and nobody is left in the community. Most of us have taken refuge in Pulka,’ the source said.

The source further alleged that someone within the community might have assisted the attackers.

‘They came prepared and entered Ngoshe town with the help of an insider, killing 9 soldiers, slaughtering the mosque’s Chief Imam, and abducting over 100 women and children,’ he added.

Residents said the insurgents set fire to many houses and structures in the town before leaving the area. The incident forced surviving residents to escape to nearby communities for safety.

Attempts to reach the spokesperson of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Colonel Sani Uba, for comment were not successful as of the time this report was filed.

Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the attack.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully repelled a series of coordinated attacks by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on multiple military positions in Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties and recovering a significant cache of arms and ammunition.

The failed assaults, which targeted Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in the towns of Mayanti, Gajigana, and Gajiram, took place between the late hours of February 28 and the early morning of March 1, 2026. Military authorities described the wave of attacks as a sign of desperation from terrorist groups whose enclaves and supply routes are under sustained pressure from ongoing offensives.

The most intense fighting occurred at FOB Mayanti late on February 28, where a large number of terrorists armed with heavy weapons attempted to overrun the position. Troops held their ground under heavy fire, and reinforcements successfully fought their way through ambushes and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to rout the attackers. A subsequent sweep of the area revealed the bodies of five terrorists. Troops also recovered three PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, two RPG-7 tubes, four AK-47 rifles, two FN rifles, and a large quantity of ammunition. Military sources confirmed blood trails indicated more terrorists were wounded and evacuated. One officer was killed in action during the fierce encounter.

Hours later, at approximately 1:15 a.m. on March 1, terrorists armed with PKT machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades, and armed drones launched a coordinated assault on FOB Gajiram. The attack was repelled by determined troops supported by Nigerian Air Force assets. Three terrorist bodies were recovered along their withdrawal route. Items abandoned by the fleeing fighters included four AK-47 rifles, five anti-tank bombs, three locally made mortar bombs, and one armed drone. Other recovered items ranged from barbed wire cutters and specialized ammunition to poisoned arrows. One wounded soldier was airlifted by a Nigerian Army Aviation helicopter for advanced medical care.

In related offensive operations under Sector 2, troops ambushed terrorist elements around Bulturam Corner and Dadingel in Gujba Local Government Area, neutralizing two fighters and recovering two AK-47 rifles. Separate patrols also led to the destruction of terrorist life-support structures in Kayawa Village and the arrest of two confessed ISWAP logistics suppliers. Items seized in those operations included motorcycles, drugs, and medical supplies intended for treating wounded terrorists.

Military authorities confirmed that all locations are firmly under control. The large scale of weapons recovered and the number of confirmed enemy losses are seen as further evidence of the degrading combat capability of ISWAP in the region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded a major operational success with the discovery and destruction of ISWAP terrorist detention facilities deep inside the Timbuktu Triangle in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The disclosure was contained in a statement signed by Sani Uba, Lieutenant Colonel, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force, North East Operation HADIN KAI, dated 3 February 2026.

The breakthrough followed coordinated military actions carried out over the last two weeks. The development signals a steady push by security forces into territories once regarded as inaccessible and reflects the growing strength of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the North East.

The operation took place under Operation DESERT SANITY V. Sustained military pressure, supported by actionable intelligence, compelled the terrorists to abandon key installations within their strongholds. Military sources said the outcome showed that OPHK troops had penetrated inner hideouts of ISWAP, which reduced both the group’s operational space and morale.

Between 21 January 2026 and the present date, troops uncovered and destroyed three major detention facilities hidden within the Timbuktu Triangle forest, an area that spans parts of Borno and Yobe states. Initial assessments revealed that the facilities could hold as many as 300 detainees, which pointed to their importance within ISWAP’s structure. Security findings also linked the offensive to the escape of more than 70 captives who had been held by the terrorists. Several of the escapees later resurfaced in communities such as Goniri, Buratai and Mandaragirau.

One of the freed captives, Malam Jidda Ba Jidda, from Kufi village near Buratai in Biu Local Government Area, said he was abducted on 22 December 2025. He disclosed that he escaped during a gun duel between the terrorists and advancing troops in the Timbuktu Triangle.

Military encounters in the area led to heavy losses for ISWAP. No fewer than 32 fighters were neutralised, including two Qaids and three Munzirs. Several others sustained serious injuries during confrontations with troops.

After troops cleared the area, the three detention facilities were demolished to prevent any future use by the terrorists. The military described the mission as successful and incident-free, citing the discipline and combat efficiency of OPHK personnel.

Security officials said the destruction of the camps went beyond a tactical gain. The action weakened ISWAP’s internal control system, disrupted its ability to detain civilians and demand ransom, and further limited its freedom of movement. They added that the escape of many detainees reduced a major source of funding for the group and could provide useful intelligence for ongoing operations.

While the overall security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, the military said troop morale and operational effectiveness remain satisfactory. The Armed Forces reaffirmed their commitment to sustained pressure on terrorist elements, denial of safe havens, and the restoration of lasting peace and security across the North East.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have achieved notable operational successes across the North-East, following sustained intelligence-led military actions against terrorist groups and criminal elements in the region.

This is contained in a statement signed by Sani Uba, Lieutenant Colonel, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, on January 31, 2026.

According to the statement, intelligence sources confirmed the killing of JULAIBIB, a senior ISWAP commander operating along the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle. The terrorist leader was killed during a clash with troops around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State on January 30, 2026.

Further intelligence reports indicated that the development threw ISWAP fighters in the area into confusion, as several of them were also eliminated during the encounter. The development dealt a significant blow to the group’s command and control structure in the area.

In another operation, OPHK troops, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, neutralised three terrorists during a carefully planned ambush between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in Borno State. The operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of insurgents within the area. Troops positioned themselves along the identified route and engaged the terrorists with effective firepower. Three insurgents were killed, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. Two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the scene. The military said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to restrict terrorist movement and weaken their operational capacity across the theatre.

Similarly, on January 29, 2026, troops deployed on an ambush at Tsokorok in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State encountered Boko Haram and ISWAP elements. The troops engaged the terrorists, which forced them to retreat. One terrorist was neutralised during the encounter, while no casualty was recorded among the troops. Two motorcycles were recovered at the scene.

Troops also recorded several successes in Adamawa State. On January 29, 2026, soldiers responded to a distress call from Barama community in Mubi North Local Government Area, where they foiled an armed robbery attempt. Two suspects who attempted to attack a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, were arrested. One of the suspects sustained a gunshot wound on the thigh while attempting to confront the troops and was taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Mubi, for medical treatment. The suspects were later handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation. Items recovered from them included three cutlasses, two laptops, four mobile phones, and one power bank.

Earlier, on January 28, 2026, troops, in collaboration with local vigilantes, carried out a fighting patrol along the Amtasa–Washim axis in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State. During the patrol, the troops encountered terrorists and engaged them with heavy fire, which forced the attackers to flee in confusion. The troops also rescued a woman who had been abducted by the terrorists. Weapons recovered during the operation included one AK-47 rifle with registration number 2056792, two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one SMG rifle, and 42 rounds of assorted ammunition.

According to the military, the overall security situation across the theatre remains stable. Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, dismantling terrorist networks, and working closely with local communities and relevant security stakeholders to restore lasting peace and economic stability across the North-East.

By Anas Abbas

Troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces have dealt a significant blow to fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during offensive operations in Borno State, military sources confirmed on Thursday.

According to a statement issued by the theatre command of Operation Hadin Kai, soldiers engaged ISWAP elements in coordinated actions across insurgent-held terrain in the early hours of the day. The engagements resulted in several militants being killed, with additional insurgent positions disrupted.

Military officials said the operations are part of an ongoing campaign to suppress extremist activity in the northeast and degrade the capabilities of ISWAP and allied groups.

In recent weeks, troops have maintained pressure on insurgent lines, repelling attacks and seizing weapons and logistics materials during clearance patrols.

The Defence Headquarters reiterated its commitment to sustaining momentum in counter-terrorism efforts until lasting stability returns to affected communities in Borno and neighbouring states.