Over 30 ISWAP fighters killed as airstrikes destroys terrorists’ logistics base

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said precision airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) killed more than 30 fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), following strikes that destroyed the group’s logistics base along the Lake Chad waterways near the Kaniram Island axis in northern Borno State.

The military high command said, in a statement by the spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, that air assets maintained a persistent overhead presence and confirmed the concentration of more than 30 terrorist boats, along with fighters coordinating movement and resupply activities.

It said target validation and positive identification were carefully conducted, ensuring high targeting accuracy prior to engagement.

The DHQ said, “Following deliberate confirmation in line with Rules of Engagement, Operation Hadin Kai executed, in the night of 21/22 April 2026, well-coordinated precision strikes that destroyed several boats and disrupted the terrorists’ logistics hub.

“This immediately degraded their mobility and ability to sustain operations. Real-time Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) enabled rapid follow-on strikes on fleeing and regrouping elements within nearby vegetation, leading to the neutralisation of over 30 terrorists.

“Surviving elements were observed escaping in disarray, reflecting a breakdown in their cohesion and command structure.”

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The military high command said military aircrafts also bombed Sowolwolo in the Sambisa Forest axis, killing more terrorists and destroying three gun trucks within the vicinity.

It said ground forces are currently exploiting the effects of these strikes to dominate adjoining areas and prevent any reconstitution by fleeing elements. 

“These operations highlight Operation Hadin Kai’s sustained offensive pressure and effective air–land integration in dismantling terrorist networks, degrading their capabilities, and denying them freedom of action across the Joint Operations Area,” the DHQ said.

The Military High Command commended troops for the “impressive” battle performance and urged them to sustain aggressive operations to dominate the battlespace.

“Operation Hadin Kai will continue to maintain relentless pressure on all terrorist elements until they are decisively defeated,” the DHQ assured.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Space Administration (CDSA), Maj.-Gen Philip Ilodibia, conducted an operational assessment visit to the Headquarters Operation Hadin Kai, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen joint military operations in country’s counter-insurgency campaign.

The visit aimed to gain first-hand insight into the technical operations of the recently established Modular Earth Observation Outpost (MEOO) Team deployed to Operation Hadin Kai, and to deepen collaboration between the Defence Space Administration (DSA) and the Theatre Command.

General Ilodibia noted that the visit provided a valuable opportunity to assess existing capabilities and identify areas where the DSA can enhance intelligence support, information flow, and overall efficiency of the Military Command and Control Centre within the theatre of operations.

He reaffirmed the DSA’s commitment to providing additional technical support, addressing identified gaps, and escalating operational challenges to the military high command for prompt intervention.

The CDSA commended the Theatre for the successes recorded in sustaining stabilization operations, particularly in facilitating the resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across the theatre. He also extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the DSA to the families of personnel who lost their lives in the course of operations, praying for the peaceful repose of their souls.

The Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, expressed appreciation to the CDSA for the visit, noting that it would significantly enhance operational effectiveness within the theatre. He expressed optimism that the assessment would lead to actionable recommendations that will further strengthen ongoing operations.

He praised the technical contributions of the DSA, highlighting that the successful integration of the MEOO has contributed to recent operational gains. He reiterated commitment of the Theater Command to sustaining operational tempo to achieve lasting peace and stability in the North East.

He also assured that the command would continue to prioritize target accuracy to mitigate civilian harm and ensure efficient resource utilization.