Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has sustained intelligence-led precision air strikes in opposition to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists throughout its joint operations space, neutralising a complete of 103 terrorists and destroying a number of logistics hubs and storage amenities between 10 and 18 October 2026.
According to an announcement by the Acting Military Information Officer at Headquarters, Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the successes had been recorded by the coordinated deployment of Nigerian Army Aviation, the Nigerian Army Remotely Piloted Aircraft (NARPAS) Regiment and Air Component property. These operations reinforce the navy’s resolve to dismantle terrorist networks and deny them freedom of motion.
Captain Goni stated: “The sustained air campaign comprised seven strikes against terrorist targets around Gudumbali in Guzamala Local Government Area (LGA) on 10 October; Badu in Monguno LGA on 11 October; Mairari in Guzamala LGA and an area east of Badu on 13 October; Duste Uku in Gombi LGA, Adamawa State, on 16 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 18 October 2026.”
He stated the operations mirrored sustained operational stress on terrorist concentrations, management constructions and logistics networks throughout the theatre.
“A significant success was recorded on 18 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 assertion added.
Captain Goni stated the strike utterly destroyed the focused construction and key logistics property, together with 9 boat engines and a number of other bikes saved on the premises.
“It additionally disrupted terrorist concealment preparations throughout the forested space, additional undermining the group’s capability to make use of the situation as a secure haven for its actions.
“Earlier, on 13 October 2026, the Guardian air asset tracked a bunch of 16 terrorists from the Mairari axis to a gathering of greater than 100 terrorists accompanied by a number of bikes, roughly 23 kilometres east of Badu and 19 kilometres west of Monguno LGA.
“A subsequent precision strike on the gathering resulted within the assessed neutralisation of roughly 30 terrorists, whereas the extent of the harm to the bikes remained unconfirmed.
“The other strikes during the period targeted terrorist elements and facilities around Gudumbali, Badu, Mairari and Duste Uku. Collectively, the seven strikes reportedly resulted in the neutralisation of 103 terrorists and the destruction of several logistics hubs and storage facilities, significantly disrupting the group’s operational capabilities and its capacity to sustain its activities,” Captain Goni said.
He burdened that these sustained successes underscored the effectiveness of coordinated, intelligence-led air operations in degrading terrorist capabilities, disrupting command constructions and dismantling essential logistics networks.
He concluded that, by continued synergy amongst Nigerian Army Aviation, NARPAS, the Air Component and floor forces, OPHK remained resolute in sustaining operational momentum, denying terrorists secure havens and advancing efforts to revive lasting peace and safety throughout north-eastern Nigeria.
