The Nigerian military achieved major breakthroughs over the weekend, eliminating scores of terrorists in coordinated air and ground operations across Borno and Niger states.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In Borno, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed the neutralisation of several senior commanders of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in a targeted airstrike on Arina Woje, a notorious insurgent stronghold in the Southern Tumbuns. The operation, conducted on Saturday under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), dealt a decisive blow to ISWAP’s operations in the Lake Chad region.

NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said the mission followed multiple credible Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) sorties which revealed that ISWAP fighters were regrouping in the area after recent internal clashes within the faction.

“In a decisive blow to terrorist operations in the Lake Chad region, the NAF, operating under OPHK, conducted precision air interdiction that neutralised several high-value ISWAP commanders and fighters. The mission, carried out on 27 July 2025, targeted Arina Woje, a notorious ISWAP enclave in the Southern Tumbuns of Borno State, known as a sanctuary for insurgent leaders,” Gabkwet said.

According to him, ISR footage had confirmed heavy terrorist activity, including the movement of fighters on foot, the reactivation of insurgent structures, and the concealment of command centres and logistics hubs under thick vegetation.

He noted that NAF aircrew executed a focused strike using precision-guided munitions, engaging pre-identified targets. A preliminary battle damage assessment revealed the destruction of multiple structures used to house ISWAP leaders, fighters, and logistical supplies—severely disrupting the group’s operational capabilities and supply chain.

“This operation reflects the NAF’s continued resolve to dislodge terrorist elements, deny them freedom of movement, and support ground forces in restoring peace and stability across Nigeria. It also reinforces the value of intelligence-driven air power missions in modern counter-terrorism operations,” Gabkwet added.

In a separate offensive in Niger State, troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and hybrid forces, eliminated at least 45 terrorists in Shiroro Local Government Area on Friday.

The joint operation followed actionable intelligence indicating that dozens of terrorists were mobilising to launch an assault on Iburu village.

“Troops of the Nigerian Army and hybrid forces, backed by intelligence support from the DSS, engaged terrorists on Friday evening in Iburu village, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, killing no fewer than 45 bandits terrorising the region,” the DSS said in a statement.

According to the DSS, security operatives were swiftly alerted after intelligence showed the terrorists—riding on motorcycles—were advancing toward Iburu and neighbouring communities. A fierce gunfight ensued, resulting in significant terrorist casualties.

“Villagers reported counting at least 40 terrorist corpses and dozens of destroyed motorcycles in the aftermath of the confrontation,” the DSS noted.

However, the success came at a cost. Two members of the hybrid forces lost their lives in the operation, while four others sustained serious gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment at a government hospital in the state capital.

“Two members of the hybrid forces paid the supreme price, while four others are undergoing treatment for severe injuries,” the DSS confirmed.