By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian military, under Operation HADIN KAI, has intensified its offensive against terrorist networks in the Lake Chad Basin, neutralising 16 suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters during coordinated air and artillery strikes on three suspected terrorist locations in Tunbunma, South Lake Chad.
The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in an official statement, noting that the operation was conducted between 1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. on October 26, 2026, following intelligence reports indicating the presence of key terrorist leaders and fighters in the area.
According to the statement, troops deployed air and ground weapon systems to engage the identified locations, with a subsequent Battle Damage Assessment indicating that 16 suspected ISWAP fighters were neutralised across the three targeted sites.
Among those reportedly killed were Abu Zubiru, described as an Arab national, and two associates identified as Baana Nglewa and Jindullah Sadiq, alongside other fighters.
The military further disclosed that Abu Saleem, identified as the Wali of Tunbunma, sustained severe injuries alongside seven others during the strikes.
The latest operation forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to disrupt terrorist networks, degrade their operational capabilities and deny them safe havens within the Lake Chad Basin.
The task force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led offensive operations against terrorist elements in the North-East, stressing its determination to restore peace and normalcy to the region.
It also urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
