ISWAP commanders killed as NAF airstrikes hit Sambisa forest
Strikes by Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets have eliminated senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders and several of their fighters in the Yuwe, Sambisa Forest. The strikes
Strikes by Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets have eliminated senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders and several of their fighters in the Yuwe, Sambisa Forest.
The strikes were carried out on February 28, following “confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)” that identified structures serving as the commanders’ hideouts and logistics warehouses, according to a statement by the NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
He said the early morning operation had significantly disrupted the terrorists’ command-and-control architecture and degraded their logistics network, further constraining their operational capabilities in the Northeast.
Ejodame said: “Acting with precision and overwhelming force, NAF strike elements acquired and engaged the validated targets, delivering accurate air strikes that effectively dismantled critical terrorist infrastructure.
“Post-strike assessments, corroborated by credible intelligence sources, confirm the neutralisation of several high-value terrorist operatives, including senior commanders and fighters actively coordinating hostile activities within the theatre.
“The strikes significantly disrupted the terrorists’ command-and-control architecture and degraded their logistics network, further constraining their operational capabilities in the region.
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“The Nigerian Air Force has since maintained a sustained ISR presence over the area to identify and engage additional verified targets, keeping relentless pressure on fleeing and regrouping elements.”
The NAF’s spokesperson said the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, commended the professionalism and combat efficiency of the aircrew and supporting personnel.
“The CAS reaffirmed the NAF’s resolve to deny terrorists any sanctuary within the country,” Ejodame said.
A group, the Civil Society for Peace, Security and Development (CSPSD), has described the killing of terrorist commanders and dozens of fighters as a step forward in the ongoing counterinsurgency efforts across the country.
Presenting the findings of an independent assessment in Abuja yesterday, the National Coordinator of the CSO, Dr Kabiru Mohammed, said field monitors deployed to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto states between last October and February, this year verified what he termed “measurable improvements” in operational effectiveness, civilian protection and civil-military relations under the leadership of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
According to the report, those killed include Boko Haram commanders Basulhu and Ubaida, killed on January 22, this year, in the Mandara Mountains; ISWAP leaders Qaid and Munzir, eliminated in coordinated airstrikes in the Timbuktu Triangle of Borno State; an unidentified ISWAP commander neutralised in the Tumbuns region of Lake Chad in February 2026; and notorious bandit leader Kachalla Dogo Sule, whose camp was destroyed at Turba Hill in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State in December 2025.
Mohammed explained that the findings were based on corroborated intelligence from community leaders, vigilante groups and cross-referenced field reports.
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“Basulhu had been responsible for coordinating attacks on civilian convoys along the Madagali–Gulak axis, while Ubaida was linked to multiple abductions along the Adamawa–Borno border. Qaid reportedly oversaw insurgent operations in northern Borno, including attacks on fishing communities around Lake Chad, with Munzir managing logistics and weapons supply routes,” he said.
He added:”More than 50 rank-and-file fighters were neutralised during separate operations in Abbagajiri, Musarram, Azir and Ambia Tasha in January 2026.”
The civil society body also commended the NAF for what it described as “improved accountability and civilian protection measures”, citing the handling of the December 25, 2024, airstrike error in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, which claimed 12 civilian lives, as evidence of a shift toward transparency.
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According to Mohammed, the NAF publicly accepted responsibility and engaged directly with the affected community, a move he said had helped to “build institutional credibility despite the tragic loss.”
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The report documented what it called “positive operational impacts on communities, including improved access to farmlands in parts of Borno previously considered unsafe, reduced insurgent incursions around the Timbuktu Triangle and disruption of terrorist logistics networks as well as psychological pressure on insurgents, leading to some defections”.
He acknowledged ongoing fleet modernisation efforts by the Air Force, including the acquisition of M-346 fighter ground-attack aircraft, AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, AW-109 Trekker helicopters and increased investment in unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities and training.
While applauding the gains recorded so far, he urged the NAF to sustain momentum, deepen community engagement in conflict zones and strengthen post-strike verification mechanisms.
He called on the Federal Government to accelerate aircraft delivery, enhance maintenance and logistics, support conflict-affected communities and establish a compensation framework for civilian victims of military operations.
Mohammed added that although progress had been made, the fight against terrorism remains ongoing, adding that the civil society would continue to support the armed forces while holding them accountable in the collective pursuit of lasting peace.
