The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dealt a major blow to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), neutralising nine fighters, including a key commander, in a precision air strike in Borno State.
The operation was conducted on Saturday, August 8, 2026, following credible intelligence on the activities and movement of suspected terrorists within the Sambisa Forest area.
According to a statement by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Force deployed a Remotely Piloted Aircraft to conduct persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance operations.
The surveillance enabled the military to identify and track a group of terrorists moving towards a suspected hideout.
Following positive identification and confirmation of the target, the NAF aircraft conducted a precision strike on the location.
A subsequent battle damage assessment indicated significant effects on the targeted compound, with several terrorists killed and others wounded.
Further intelligence confirmed that nine ISWAP fighters were killed in the operation.
Among those reportedly killed was Abu Khalid Al Muhajir, described by the NAF as a prominent ISWAP commander responsible for providing special security escorts for the movement of senior members of the terrorist group.
The NAF said his elimination represents a significant operational setback for ISWAP, particularly because of his reported knowledge of routes, terrain and tactical movements connecting major terrorist enclaves within the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.
Intelligence also indicated that some of the terrorists affected by the strike were linked to elements suspected to have been involved in the recent ambush of Nigerian troops along the Bita-Yamtage axis in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The NAF said the latest operation underscores the growing effectiveness of its intelligence-driven air operations, particularly the integration of persistent surveillance and precision strike capabilities.
The Air Force added that the operation is expected to disrupt ISWAP’s leadership protection arrangements, movement of high-value personnel and coordination of activities across its enclaves.
The Nigerian Air Force said it would continue to conduct intelligence-led and precision air operations in coordination with ground forces to degrade terrorist capabilities, restrict their freedom of movement and create a safer environment for communities across the North-East.