NAF Airstrike Eliminates Key ISWAP Commander and Eight Fighters in Borno

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has neutralized nine Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, including a high-ranking commander, during a precision airstrike in the Sambisa Forest region of Borno State.

The operation, which was carried out on Saturday, August 8, 2026, targeted a suspected terrorist hideout following intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions conducted by Remotely Piloted Aircraft.

According to a statement released on Sunday by NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, post-strike assessments confirmed the elimination of nine insurgents, alongside several others who sustained injuries.

Among those killed was Abu Khalid Al Muhajir, a key ISWAP commander tasked with overseeing special security escorts for the group’s senior leadership. Military authorities noted that Al Muhajir’s extensive knowledge of tactical routes across Sambisa Forest makes his death a significant blow to the group’s operational leadership and movement arrangements.

Intelligence further revealed that some of the insurgents targeted in the raid were linked to a recent ambush on troops along the Bita-Yamtage axis in Gwoza Local Government Area.

The Air Force reaffirmed its commitment to continuing intelligence-led joint operations alongside surface forces to further degrade insurgent capabilities and enhance security across the North-East region.