Military Operations Target ISWAP Leadership in Lake Chad Basin

The Nigerian military’s Joint Task Force (North East), known as Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has reported a significant engagement against suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters. According to a statement issued by the military, 16 individuals were killed during a series of coordinated air and artillery strikes in the Tunbunma area of the South Lake Chad Basin.

Details of the Operation

The military operation took place in the early hours of October 26, 2026, specifically between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. Captain Mohammed Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer, stated that the mission was launched following intelligence reports regarding the presence of key terrorist leaders and fighters in the region. The task force utilized a combination of air and ground weapon systems to strike three identified locations.

A Battle Damage Assessment conducted after the strikes confirmed the neutralization of 16 fighters. The military identified several high-profile individuals among the casualties, including an Arab national identified as Abu Zubiru, along with his associates Baana Nglewa and Jindullah Sadiq. Furthermore, the military reported that Abu Saleem, described as the ‘Wali’ of Tunbunma, sustained severe injuries during the engagement, as did seven other unidentified individuals.

Broader Security Efforts

Operation HADIN KAI has emphasized that these strikes are part of a sustained effort to dismantle terrorist networks operating within the Lake Chad Basin. The military command reiterated its commitment to restoring peace in the North East through intelligence-led operations and urged the public to continue providing credible information to assist security agencies in their counter-terrorism efforts.

Simultaneously, military operations have been reported in other parts of the country. Troops under the Joint Task Force North-West, known as Operation FANSAN YAMMA, conducted operations across Katsina, Kaduna, and Zamfara States. These efforts resulted in the neutralization of eight suspected terrorists and the successful rescue of three kidnapped victims.

Recovery of Equipment

During the North-West operations, troops recovered various items from the suspected terrorists, including:

• One AK-47 rifle
• Three locally fabricated firearms
• Three motorcycles
• Assorted charms and cutlasses

Captain Tamuno Sinivie, the Media Information Officer for the North-West operation, noted that these actions were triggered by a distress call from farmers near the Machika Dam in the Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State on October 24. A subsequent gun battle resulted in the deaths of two suspects, while others reportedly fled the scene.

Conclusion

The recent reports from both the North East and North-West theaters of operation highlight the ongoing intensity of the military’s counter-terrorism strategy. While the military continues to report successes in neutralizing key figures and recovering weaponry, these operations remain a central component of the broader security landscape in Nigeria. The military maintains that its intelligence-led approach is essential for suppressing insurgent activities and protecting civilian populations.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Channels Television

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