Navy Kills 34 ISWAP, Boko Haram Fighters In Lake Chad Offensive

The Nigerian Navy says its Marines have neutralised 34 suspected terrorists in two coordinated operations against Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram fighters in the Lake Chad region.

The operations, conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Army’s 403 Amphibious Brigade under Operation Hadin Kai, targeted terrorist positions and hideouts around the Lake Chad waterways.

The Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed the development on Saturday, describing the operations as a significant setback for the insurgents.

According to Folorunsho, the first engagement took place on October 28, 2026, when Navy Marines launched an offensive against suspected terrorist elements.

The initial assessment put the number of insurgents killed at eight, but a subsequent Battle Damage Assessment raised the figure to 28.

He said another operation was conducted on October 30 against an identified Boko Haram enclave at Dumba in the Lake Chad area.

Folorunsho explained that the operation followed Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions during which troops monitored the movements of the insurgents and identified their location before launching an attack.

Preliminary assessments indicated that about six terrorists were killed, while several others sustained injuries.

The two operations brought the reported number of insurgents killed to 34.

The Navy spokesman said the newly established Nigerian Navy Marines had strengthened the military’s offensive capabilities since their deployment to the Lake Chad operational theatre.

He noted that their involvement had enhanced joint military operations, particularly in navigating difficult waterways, attacking terrorist hideouts and disrupting insurgents’ movements.

Folorunsho added that the sustained offensives were aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, weakening their fighting capabilities and denying them safe havens in the region.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to supporting Operation Hadin Kai through intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with other security agencies.

The latest operations form part of ongoing military efforts to contain Boko Haram and ISWAP activities, secure communities and restore stability across Nigeria’s North-East.