Precision strike in Borno reportedly eliminates key ISWAP commander involved in protecting senior terrorists.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reported the killing of nine Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, including a key commander, in an airstrike conducted in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State.
The operation was carried out on Saturday, August 8, 2026, following credible intelligence on the movement of suspected terrorists in the area, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
The NAF said a Remotely Piloted Aircraft was deployed for persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, which enabled troops to track the terrorists as they moved towards a suspected hideout.
Following confirmation of the target, the aircraft conducted a precision strike on the location. A subsequent battle damage assessment indicated that several terrorists were neutralised.
The NAF said further intelligence confirmed that nine ISWAP fighters were killed and several others wounded.
Among those reportedly killed was Abu Khalid Al Muhajir, described by the NAF as a prominent ISWAP commander responsible for providing security escorts for senior members of the group.
According to the service, his knowledge of routes, terrain and terrorist enclaves across Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas made his reported death a significant operational setback for ISWAP.
The NAF added that some of the terrorists affected by the strike were suspected to have participated in the recent ambush of Nigerian troops along the Bita-Yamtage axis in Gwoza Local Government Area.
The service said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led air operations and the integration of persistent surveillance with precision strike capabilities.
It added that the NAF would continue intelligence-driven operations in coordination with ground forces to weaken terrorist groups, restrict their movement and improve security across the North-East.