Key figures within the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been killed in the Lake Chad region following a targeted airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on an identified terrorist enclave.
In a statement released on Tuesday, NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame described the operation as a “significant operational success against terrorists in the Lake Chad region following a precision air strike on an identified terrorist hideout on 19 October 2026”.
Ejodame noted that initial findings following the attack confirmed the elimination of several high-ranking insurgent operatives.
“Preliminary post-strike assessments indicate that several prominent Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters were neutralised, including individuals identified as key figures within the group’s security structure and leadership Council, like JINDULLAH, reportedly the Chief Security Guard and confidant of Abu Saleem, as well as ABUL KISSA, a member of the ISWAP Shura Council,” he stated.
“The strike also destroyed logistical assets, including boat engines and motorcycles, believed to support the group’s movement and operational activities,” the statement added.
According to Ejodame, the targeted raid highlights the ongoing dedication of the NAF to dismanteling insurgent networks, weakening their supply routes, and improving safety across the North-East region.
“The operation demonstrates the NAF’s intense effort to conduct intelligence-led precision strikes against terrorist enclaves concealed within difficult terrain,” he emphasized.
“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.”
Reacting to the successful mission, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, reiterated the air force’s commitment to “sustain decisive air operations against terrorist networks in support of ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability across the country”.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains committed to working closely with sister Services and other security agencies to consolidate operational gains, protect vulnerable communities and advance efforts towards lasting peace and security in the North-East,” the statement concluded.
