Military Says Air Strikes Killed 103 Terrorists in Borno, Adamawa

The military has reported that seven precision air strikes conducted by the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation Hadin Kai, killed 103 terrorists and destroyed several logistics hubs and storage facilities across parts of Borno and Adamawa states between October 10 and 18, 2026.

The operations reportedly targeted fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), including members of the group’s leadership and logistics networks.

The spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying the strikes involved coordinated deployments by Nigerian Army Aviation, the Nigerian Army Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (NARPAS) Regiment and Air Component assets.

According to Goni, the intelligence-led operations were designed to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their supply chains and restrict their ability to operate freely.

He said the strikes targeted locations around Gudumbali in Guzamala Local Government Area (LGA) on October 10; Badu in Monguno LGA on October 11; Mairari in Guzamala and an area east of Badu on October 13; and Duste Uku in Gombi LGA of Adamawa State on October 16.

Another strike was carried out on October 18 against what the military described as the alternative residence of Abu Saleem, identified as the ISWAP Wali of South Lake Chad, in the Arina Woje area of Monguno LGA, Borno State.

Military reports deaths of senior ISWAP members

Goni said the October 18 operation followed intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance targeting Abu Saleem’s alternative residence.

He added that subsequent human intelligence indicated that Jindullah, described as a prominent ISWAP fighter and Abu Saleem’s chief security guard, was among those killed.

The military also reported the death of Abul Kissa, whom it identified as a member of the group’s Shura Council, alongside other fighters at the location.

According to the spokesperson, the strike destroyed the targeted structure and logistics assets, including nine boat engines and several motorcycles allegedly kept at the premises.

He said the operation also disrupted the group’s use of the forested location as a concealment point and potential safe haven.

Air strike targets gathering of over 100 terrorists

The military also highlighted an operation conducted on October 13, when a Guardian air asset reportedly tracked 16 terrorists from the Mairari axis to a gathering of more than 100 suspected fighters accompanied by several motorcycles.

Goni said the gathering was located about 23 kilometres east of Badu and 19 kilometres west of Monguno.

He said a subsequent precision strike resulted in the assessed deaths of approximately 30 terrorists, although the extent of damage to the motorcycles could not be confirmed.

The other operations targeted suspected terrorist positions and facilities around Gudumbali, Badu, Mairari and Duste Uku.

Military vows to sustain operations

Goni said the seven air strikes collectively accounted for the military’s reported total of 103 terrorists killed, alongside the destruction of several logistics hubs and storage facilities.

He attributed the outcomes to intelligence-led planning and coordination among Nigerian Army Aviation, NARPAS, the Air Component and ground forces.

The spokesperson said Operation Hadin Kai would continue its operations to weaken terrorist capabilities, disrupt command structures and deny insurgents safe havens as part of efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North-East.

The reported casualty figures and operational outcomes were provided by the military.