The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has inflicted a major setback on the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), killing nine of its fighters, including a senior commander, in a precision air strike in Borno State.
In a statement, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the operation, conducted on Saturday, August 8, 2026, targeted suspected terrorists operating within the Sambisa Forest following credible intelligence on their movements and activities.
According to the NAF, a Remotely Piloted Aircraft was deployed for persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), enabling the military to identify and track the terrorists as they moved towards a suspected hideout.
Following confirmation of the target, the aircraft carried out a precision strike on the location.
A subsequent battle damage assessment indicated significant impact on the targeted compound, with several terrorists neutralised and others wounded.
Further intelligence confirmed that nine ISWAP fighters were killed in the operation, including Abu Khalid Al Muhajir, a prominent commander reportedly responsible for providing special security escorts for senior members of the terrorist group.
The NAF said Al Muhajir’s elimination represents a significant operational setback for ISWAP because of his reported knowledge of routes, terrain and tactical movements linking major terrorist enclaves within the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.
Intelligence gathered after the strike also indicated that some of those affected were 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, the NAF said, demonstrates the increasing effectiveness of intelligence-driven air operations in the fight against terrorism, particularly through the integration of persistent surveillance with precision strike capabilities.
The capability enables the Air Force to detect, track and engage terrorist elements before they can regroup or pose further threats to troops and vulnerable communities.
Beyond the casualties inflicted, the operation is expected to disrupt ISWAP’s arrangements for protecting senior commanders, the movement of high-value personnel and the coordination of activities across its enclaves.
The NAF reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led and precision air operations in close coordination with surface forces to degrade terrorist capabilities, restrict their freedom of movement and enhance security across the North-East.
