Troops from Operation Hadin Kai have successfully neutralized 16 suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during coordinated air and artillery strikes in the Tunbunma area of southern Lake Chad. The military operation took place between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. on October 26, 2026, following intelligence reports that indicated the presence of key terrorist leaders and fighters in the region.

Captain Mohammed Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North-East), confirmed the operation in a statement released on Monday. He noted that the strikes targeted three locations identified as terrorist hideouts, resulting in significant casualties among the ISWAP fighters.

The military's battle damage assessment revealed that among those killed were Abu Zubiru, described as an Arab national, along with his associates Baana Nglewa and Jindullah Sadiq. Additionally, Abu Saleem, identified as the Wali of Tunbunma, sustained severe injuries during the operation, along with seven other fighters.

This offensive is part of the ongoing efforts by the Nigerian military to dismantle terrorist networks operating within the Lake Chad Basin. The military emphasized its commitment to restoring peace and normalcy in the region, reiterating that there is "no hiding place for terrorists". They also called on the public to provide timely and credible information to assist in ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

In a related context, it was reported by Punch that in May 2026, troops from the Joint Task Force successfully repelled a night attack by ISWAP terrorists on the 120 Task Force Battalion in Gonori, Borno State. This highlights the continuous threat posed by ISWAP and the military's proactive measures to counter such threats in the northeastern region of Nigeria.