The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded a major operational success against the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), neutralising nine fighters, including a key commander, in a precision air strike within the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State.
The air operation was conducted on Saturday, August 8, 2026, following credible intelligence on the activities and movement of suspected ISWAP terrorists in the area.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the operation followed the deployment of a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) for persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR).
The surveillance enabled the NAF to identify and track a group of terrorists moving towards a suspected hideout. After positive identification and confirmation of the target, the aircraft conducted a precision engagement on the location.
A subsequent battle damage assessment indicated significant effects on the targeted compound, with several terrorists neutralised and others wounded.
Further intelligence received after the strike confirmed that nine ISWAP fighters were killed in the operation.
Among those neutralised was Abu Khalid Al Muhajir, described as a prominent ISWAP commander responsible for providing special security escorts for the movement of senior members of the terrorist organisation.
The NAF said his elimination represented a significant operational setback for ISWAP, particularly because of his reported knowledge of routes, terrain and tactical movements linking major terrorist enclaves within the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.
Intelligence gathered after the operation further indicated that some of the terrorists affected by the strike were linked to elements suspected of involvement in the recent ambush of Nigerian troops along the Bita–Yamtage axis in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The latest operation, the NAF said, underscores the growing effectiveness of its intelligence-driven air campaign, particularly the integration of persistent ISR with precision strike capabilities to detect, track and neutralise terrorist elements before they can regroup or threaten troops and vulnerable communities.
Beyond the casualties inflicted, 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 sustain intelligence-led and precision air operations in close coordination with surface forces to degrade terrorist capabilities, restrict their freedom of movement and create a more secure environment for affected communities across the North-East.
