Nigerian Military Eliminates 16 ISWAP Fighters in Lake Chad

On October 26, the Nigerian military conducted coordinated air and artillery strikes in the Tunbunma area of South Lake Chad, neutralising 16 suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters. The operation, part of Operation Hadin Kai, took place between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. following intelligence reports about the presence of key terrorist leaders.

Captain Mohammed Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer at Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), confirmed the operation's success in a statement issued in Maiduguri. The strikes targeted three locations, employing both air and ground weapon systems.

A Battle Damage Assessment revealed that among those killed were Abu Zubiru, an Arab national, and his associates Baana Nglewa and Jindullah Sadiq. Additionally, Abu Saleem, identified as the Wali of Tunbunma, sustained severe injuries during the operation.

Goni reiterated the military's commitment to intelligence-led operations against terrorist networks in the North-East and urged the public to provide credible information to support counter-terrorism efforts.