Nigerian military forces have successfully neutralised more than 40 fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), including a significant commander, during a precision airstrike in Borno State. The operation took place on October 10, 2026, at Badu Village, located south of Gudumbali in Guzamala Local Government Area.

The airstrike was executed by the Air Component of the Joint Task Force for Operation Hadin Kai, which is focused on counter-terrorism efforts in the northeastern region of Nigeria. According to Captain Mohammed Goni, the acting Military Information Officer for the Northeast Joint Taskforce, the operation was initiated following actionable intelligence that indicated the terrorists were preparing for coordinated attacks against military personnel in the area.

In the course of the operation, the military targeted a building occupied by the terrorists, leading to the destruction of two vehicles and approximately 20 motorcycles that were utilized for logistics and mobility. This significant strike is reported to have dealt a heavy blow to ISWAP's operational capabilities, disrupting their planned assaults on military positions and surrounding communities.

Goni highlighted that preliminary assessments indicated the successful neutralisation of over 40 terrorists, including a prominent ISWAP commander, known as a Qaid. This commander was part of ISWAP’s Murabitun element, a specialised unit responsible for conducting patrols and coordinating attacks within the region. The military spokesperson noted that the destruction of this enclave and its operational assets represents a critical setback for the group, hampering their ability to launch future attacks and sustain their activities in the Lake Chad region.

The Nigerian military remains committed to its mission, with Goni assuring that the Joint Task Force North East will continue its relentless air and ground operations to eliminate terrorist threats. The ongoing efforts are aimed at protecting vulnerable communities and restoring peace and stability in the region, which has been plagued by violence from extremist groups for years.