NAF Precision Air Strike Eliminates Nine ISWAP Fighters, Including Key Commander in Borno
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded a major operational success against the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), following a precision air strike in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State that reportedly neutralised nine terrorists, including a senior ISWAP commander.
The operation, conducted on Saturday, August 8, 2026, was based on credible intelligence regarding the movement and activities of suspected terrorists within the area.
Acting on the intelligence, the NAF deployed a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) to conduct persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), enabling the military to identify and track a group of terrorists moving towards a suspected hideout.
After confirming the target, the aircraft conducted a precision engagement on the location.
A subsequent battle damage assessment indicated significant impact on the targeted compound, with several terrorists neutralised. Further intelligence received after the operation confirmed that nine ISWAP fighters were killed, while several others sustained injuries.
Among those reportedly eliminated was Abu Khalid Al Muhajir, identified as a prominent ISWAP commander allegedly responsible for providing special security escorts for the movement of senior members of the terrorist group.
His reported elimination is considered a significant setback for the terrorist organisation, particularly because of his alleged knowledge of routes, terrain and tactical movements linking major ISWAP enclaves within the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.
Intelligence gathered after the operation also indicated that some of the terrorists affected by the strike were allegedly 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 highlights the growing role of intelligence-led aerial operations, persistent surveillance and precision strike capabilities in the Nigerian military’s counter-terrorism campaign.
Beyond the reported casualties, the operation is expected to disrupt ISWAP’s leadership protection arrangements, freedom of movement and ability to coordinate activities across its terrorist enclaves.
The Nigerian Air Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining precision air operations in close coordination with surface forces to degrade terrorist capabilities, restrict their freedom of movement and support efforts to create a safer environment for communities across the North-East.
NAF Precision Air Strike Eliminates Nine ISWAP Fighters, Including Key Commander in Borno