More than 16 years after the Boko Haram insurgency began ravaging communities across Northeast Nigeria, the Nigerian military says sustained counter-terrorism operations are significantly weakening Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP.
The Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdul-Salam Abubakar, disclosed this in Maiduguri, Borno State, while highlighting recent military gains against terrorist formations in the region.
According to the Theatre Commander, intensified operations have resulted in the neutralisation of key commanders and hundreds of fighters, disrupting the command structures and operational networks of the terrorist groups.
Military assessments indicate that more than 350 insurgents have been neutralised through precision strikes, while over 1,000 terrorists, including several senior commanders, were eliminated during the first quarter of 2026.
One of the latest major successes was the neutralisation of a senior Boko Haram commander, which the military said further weakened the group's leadership structure.
The Theatre Commander also disclosed that troops had neutralised members of the ISWAP media team, dealing a significant blow to the group's propaganda and communication machinery.
Among those reportedly killed was Abu Salim al-Banawi, alongside other members of the ISWAP media team.
The military said the operation also disrupted a key command and media hub, while troops recovered laptops, hard drives, mobile phones and other electronic devices believed to have been used in the production and dissemination of extremist propaganda.
The development is expected to affect ISWAP's ability to circulate propaganda, communicate with its fighters, attract recruits and project its activities to supporters.
Major General Abubakar said the sustained pressure on terrorist leadership, fighting formations and logistical networks was yielding results and could ultimately bring the insurgency to an end.
He, however, urged residents across the Northeast to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.
The latest gains come as military operations continue across Borno and other parts of the Northeast, with security forces maintaining pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP strongholds.
The Nigerian military says sustained operations, intelligence gathering and cooperation from local communities remain critical to restoring lasting peace and stability to the region.
