Troops Eliminate 16 ISWAP Fighters in Lake Chad Offensive
The Nigerian military has neutralised 16 suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in coordinated air and artillery strikes on three suspected terrorist locations in the Tunbunma area of South Lake Chad.
The operation, conducted between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026, followed intelligence reports indicating the presence of key terrorist leaders and fighters in the area.
The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, noting that the offensive targeted terrorist enclaves using air and ground weapon systems.
According to the statement, a battle damage assessment indicated that 16 ISWAP fighters were killed across the three targeted locations.
Read Also:
Those reportedly killed included Abu Zubiru, identified as an Arab national, and two associates, Baana Nglewa and Jindullah Sadiq, alongside other fighters.
The military added that Abu Saleem, identified as the Wali of Tunbunma, sustained severe injuries alongside seven other individuals during the strikes.
Operation Hadin Kai said the offensive formed part of its sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating within the Lake Chad Basin and deny them safe havens.
The task force reiterated its commitment to restoring peace and normalcy in the North-East through intelligence-led operations against terrorist groups.
It also urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
By PRNigeria
