Troops kill 16 ISWAP terrorists in Lake Chad airstrike

The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai has neutralised 16 suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists during coordinated air and artillery strikes on three suspected terrorist locations in the Tunbunma area of South Lake Chad.

The Force spokesperson, Captain Mohammed Goni, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, October 26, 2026, said the operation followed intelligence on the presence of key terrorist leaders in the region.

Goni said the operation was conducted between 01:00 a.m. and 02:00 a.m. on Monday, using air and ground weapon systems to engage the identified locations.

Goni stated: “Battle Damage Assessment indicates that 16 ISWAP fighters were neutralised across the targeted locations.

“Among those reportedly killed were Abu Zubiru, an Arab national, and two associates, Baana Nglewa and Jindullah Sadiq, alongside other fighters. Additionally, Abu Saleem, identified as the Wali of Tunbunma, sustained severe injuries alongside seven others.

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“Operation HADIN KAI reaffirms that there is no hiding place for terrorists and remains committed to restoring peace and normalcy while conducting intelligence-led operations against terrorist elements in the North East.”

Goni urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations.