NAF Airstrike Kills Scores of ISWAP Fighters, Eliminates Key Commander in Sambisa
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded another major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism, killing nine Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, including a senior commander, during a precision airstrike in Borno State.
The operation, carried out on Saturday, August 8, 2026, targeted suspected terrorist positions within the Sambisa Forest following credible intelligence on the movement of ISWAP operatives.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, intelligence reports prompted the deployment of a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) to conduct persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) over the area.
The surveillance mission successfully identified and tracked a group of terrorists moving toward a suspected hideout. After positive identification and confirmation of the target, the aircraft launched a precision strike on the location.
Air Commodore Ejodame said a subsequent battle damage assessment confirmed significant destruction at the targeted compound, with several terrorists neutralised.
Further intelligence gathered after the operation indicated that nine ISWAP fighters were killed, while several others sustained injuries.
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Among those reportedly eliminated was Abu Khalid Al Muhajir, described as a prominent ISWAP commander responsible for providing special security escorts for the movement of the group’s senior leaders.
The NAF said his death represents a major operational setback for the terrorist organisation because of his extensive knowledge of routes, terrain and tactical movements linking major ISWAP enclaves across the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.
The Air Force further disclosed that some of the terrorists neutralised during the operation were believed to be linked to the recent ambush on Nigerian troops along the Bita–Yamtage axis in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to the NAF, the successful operation highlights the growing effectiveness of its intelligence-driven air campaign, particularly the integration of persistent surveillance and precision strike capabilities to detect, track and neutralise terrorist elements before they can regroup or launch attacks.
Beyond the immediate casualties inflicted, the operation is expected to disrupt ISWAP’s leadership protection network, restrict the movement of high-value commanders and weaken the coordination of terrorist activities across its operational bases.
The Nigerian Air Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led precision air operations in close collaboration with ground forces to further degrade terrorist capabilities, deny them freedom of movement and enhance security for communities across the North-East.
By PRNigeria
