Nigerian Air Force Confirms Precision Strike on ISWAP Inner Circle in Lake Chad, Killing Senior Security Chief and Shura Council Member

The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that a precision airstrike conducted under Operation Hadin Kai struck the inner circle of the Islamic State West Africa Province in the Lake Chad region, neutralizing two key figures within the group’s security structure and leadership council.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, said in a statement on Monday that the operation targeted an identified terrorist hideout on October 19, 2026, delivering what the Air Force described as a significant blow to the insurgent group’s operational capability.

Preliminary post-strike assessments indicated that several prominent ISWAP fighters were killed, including Jindullah, described as the chief security guard and confidant of Abu Saleem, and Abul Kissa, a member of the ISWAP Shura Council.

“The operation demonstrates the NAF’s intense effort to conduct intelligence-led precision strikes against terrorist enclaves concealed within difficult terrain,” Ejodame said. “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”.

The strike also destroyed logistical assets, including boat engines and motorcycles, believed to support the group’s movement and operational activities across the difficult Lake Chad terrain.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed the NAF’s resolve to sustain decisive air operations against terrorist networks in support of ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability across the country.

The operation is part of a broader air campaign. Separate military statements indicated that seven precision strikes conducted between October 10 and 18 across Borno and Adamawa states resulted in the neutralization of 103 ISWAP fighters and the destruction of multiple logistics hubs.

The October 18 strike specifically targeted the alternate residence of Abu Saleem, identified as the ISWAP Wali of South Lake Chad, in the Arina Woje area of Monguno, Borno State.

The identities and positions of those reportedly killed have not been independently verified beyond the military’s statements.