The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dealt a major blow to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), neutralising nine of its fighters, including a key commander, in a precision airstrike in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State.
The operation, conducted on Saturday, August 8, 2026, followed credible intelligence on the movement of suspected terrorists towards a hideout within the forest.
According to the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF deployed a Remotely Piloted Aircraft for persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), which enabled the terrorists to be identified and tracked before the precision strike was conducted.
A subsequent battle damage assessment indicated significant effects on the targeted compound, with intelligence received after the operation confirming that nine ISWAP fighters were killed, while several others sustained injuries.
Among those reportedly neutralised was Abu Khalid Al Muhajir, described as a prominent ISWAP commander responsible for providing special security escorts for senior members of the terrorist group.
The NAF said his elimination could significantly disrupt ISWAP’s leadership protection arrangements, particularly because of his reported knowledge of routes, terrain and tactical movements linking major terrorist enclaves within the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.
Intelligence also indicated that some of the terrorists affected by the strike were linked to elements suspected of involvement in the recent ambush of Nigerian troops along the Bita–Yamtage axis in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The latest operation highlights the growing role of intelligence-led air operations in identifying and disrupting terrorist movements before they can regroup or threaten troops and vulnerable communities.
The Nigerian Air Force said it would continue to conduct precision air operations in coordination with surface forces to degrade terrorist capabilities, restrict their freedom of movement and support efforts to restore security across the North-East.
