TROOPS KILL 16 ISWAP FIGHTERS IN AIR, ARTILLERY STRIKES IN LAKE CHAD

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, have killed 16 suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters during coordinated air and artillery strikes on three suspected terrorist locations in the Tunbunma area of southern Lake Chad.

The operation, which followed intelligence reports on the presence of key terrorist leaders and fighters, was part of efforts to intensify military offensives against terrorist networks in the Lake Chad Basin.

The Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.

According to Goni, the operation was conducted between 1am and 2am on October 26, 2026, using air and ground weapon systems to strike the identified locations.

“Battle Damage Assessment indicates that 16 ISWAP fighters were neutralised across the targeted locations,” the statement read in part.

Among those reportedly killed were Abu Zubiru, described as an Arab national, and two associates identified as Baana Nglewa and Jindullah Sadiq.

The statement added that Abu Saleem, identified as the Wali of Tunbunma, sustained severe injuries alongside seven other fighters.

Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace and normalcy in the North-East, stating that it would sustain intelligence-led operations against terrorist groups.

The military also urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

Meanwhile, troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised eight suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnapped victims during coordinated operations in Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara States.

The operations also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, three locally fabricated guns, three motorcycles, cutlasses and assorted charms.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Tamuno Sinivie, said in a separate statement on Monday that troops of Sector One, acting on a distress call from farmers at Machika Dam in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State on Saturday, October 24, engaged suspected terrorists in a gun battle.

Two suspects were neutralised during the encounter, while others fled, the statement added.