By: Tunji Okunlola
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says a precision air strike on a terrorist hideout in the Lake Chad region on 19 October 2026 killed several Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, including individuals it described as key figures in the group’s leadership and security structure.
The service said the operation was carried out under the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, in a statement issued by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at Air Force Headquarters.
Claimed casualties and targets
According to the NAF, preliminary post-strike assessments indicate that several prominent ISWAP fighters were “neutralised.” It named two:
- Jindullah, reportedly the chief security guard and confidant of Abu Saleem.
- Abul Kissa, a member of the ISWAP Shura Council.
The strike also destroyed boat engines and motorcycles, which the Air Force said the group used for movement and operations. The statement did not give the number of fighters killed, the exact location of the hideout, or the type of aircraft used.
The NAF’s assessment
The Air Force described the operation as an intelligence-led strike on enclaves hidden in difficult terrain, and said it dealt a significant setback to ISWAP’s ability to coordinate and threaten vulnerable communities.
Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke reaffirmed the service’s resolve to keep up air operations against terrorist networks, in support of efforts to restore peace and stability. The NAF said it will keep working with other services and security agencies to consolidate its gains and protect vulnerable communities.
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