• NAF’s air interdiction eliminates distinguished ISWAP strategists, fighters in Lake Chad
• Army deepens defence ties with Rwanda, COAS seeks trendy coaching, change programmes
Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) sustained intelligence-led precision air strikes in opposition to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists throughout its joint operations space, neutralising a complete of 103 terrorists and destroying a number of logistics hubs and storage amenities between October 10 and 18.
According to an announcement by Acting Military Information Officer at Headquarters, Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the successes have been recorded via the coordinated deployment of Nigerian Army Aviation, Nigerian Army Remotely Piloted Aircraft (NARPAS) Regiment, and Air Component belongings.
Goni stated the operations strengthened the navy’s resolve to dismantle terrorist networks and deny them freedom of motion.
He said, “The sustained air campaign comprised seven strikes against terrorist targets around Gudumbali in Guzamala Local Government Area (LGA) on 10 October; Badu in Monguno LGA on 11 October; Mairari in Guzamala LGA and an area east of Badu on 13 October; Duste Uku in Gombi LGA, Adamawa State, on 16 October; and the alternate residence of Abu Saleem, the ISWAP Wali of South Lake Chad, in the Arina Woje area of Monguno LGA, Borno State, on 18 October 2026.”
He stated the operations mirrored sustained operational stress on terrorist concentrations, management constructions, and logistics networks throughout the theatre.
The assertion added, “A big success was recorded on 18 October 2026, when the Air Component performed a precision strike in opposition to Abu Saleem’s alternate residence following intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance actions.
“Subsequent human intelligence (HUMINT) confirmed the neutralisation of Jindullah, a distinguished ISWAP fighter reportedly serving as Abu Saleem’s chief safety guard.
“The intelligence also confirmed the neutralisation of Abul Kissa, a member of the group’s Shura Council, alongside other prominent fighters within the targeted premises.”
NAF Air Strikes Eliminate Prominent ISWAP Strategists, Fighters in Lake Chad
Air interdiction performed by the Air Component of Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, eradicated a number of distinguished Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, together with people recognized as key figures throughout the group’s safety construction and management council, preliminary post-strike assessments report by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said.
In an announcement, Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, stated one of many ISWAP strategists eradicated throughout the air operation was recognized as “JINDULLAH”, reportedly the chief safety guard and confidant of Abu Saleem. Another, recognized as “ABUL KISSA”, was stated to be a member of ISWAP’s Shura Council.
Ejodame stated the strike additionally destroyed logistical belongings, together with boat engines and bikes, believed to help the group’s actions and operational actions.
He said, “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), working below the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has recorded a major operational success in opposition to terrorists within the Lake Chad area following a precision air strike on an recognized terrorist hideout on 19 October 2026.
“The operation underscores the NAF’s sustained commitment to degrading terrorist networks, disrupting their logistics and enhancing security across Nigeria’s North-East.”
The NAF spokesperson stated the operation demonstrated the service’s sustained efforts to conduct intelligence-led precision strikes in opposition to terrorist enclaves hid in tough terrain.
He stated, “By neutralising key operatives and destroying critical logistical resources, the strike delivers a significant setback to ISWAP’s operational capability, further constraining its ability to coordinate activities and threaten vulnerable communities.”
Army Deepens Defence Ties with Rwanda, COAS Seeks Modern Military Training
(*103*) of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, reaffirmed Nigerian Army’s dedication to strengthening African-led defence partnerships to fight terrorism, violent extremism, and different transnational safety threats undermining peace and stability throughout the continent. Shaibu made this recognized throughout a courtesy go to to (*103*) of Defence Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), General Mubarakh Muganga, in Kigali, the Republic of Rwanda.
The go to shaped a part of his ongoing official working go to aimed toward deepening bilateral navy cooperation and advancing collective safety initiatives.
Shaibu additionally underscored the significance of contemporary navy coaching, skilled navy training, and cadet change programmes in creating combat-ready, adaptable, and interoperable armed forces.
According to an announcement by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the engagement highlighted the crucial for African nations to take better accountability for addressing shared safety challenges via sustained navy cooperation, intelligence-sharing, joint capability improvement, and coordinated responses to rising threats.
Shaibu emphasised the strategic significance of strengthening military-to-military relations, significantly in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, skilled navy training, and the change of operational experiences.
Earlier, the consultant of the Commandant, Brigadier General Bukenya, stated the nation’s navy academy had developed skilled navy leaders via rigorous coaching in navy techniques, management, self-discipline, and bodily health.
He added that its programmes geared up cadets with important abilities in peace help operations, operational planning, and logistics administration.
Bukenya welcomed the proposed coaching partnership, reaffirming the academy’s dedication to strengthening navy training and defence cooperation between Nigeria and Rwanda.
