Soldiers kill 40 terrorists planning attack in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised over 40 fighters, including a prominent commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province, in a precision air strike on their enclave at Badu Village, south of Gudumbali in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.

The Army said the terrorists were neutralised on October 10, 2026, while preparing to launch coordinated attacks on troops operating within Sector 3 areas of responsibility.

The acting Military Information Officer, Northeast Joint Taskforce Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, in a statement on  Monday, said the operation was conducted by the Air Component of the Joint Task Force for the Northeast Operation Hadin Kai.

He said the operation led to the destruction of two vehicles and approximately 20 motorcycles used by the terrorists for mobility, logistics and offensive operations.

The statement read, “The Air Component of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI has dealt a devastating blow to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, neutralising over 40 fighters, including a prominent commander, in a precision air strike on a terrorist enclave at Badu Village, south of Gudumbali in Guzamala LGA, Borno State, on 10 October 2026.

“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the Air Component conducted targeted aerial surveillance, identified terrorist movements around suspected hideouts and logistics facilities, and subsequently executed a precision strike on a building occupied by the terrorists.”

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According to Goni, preliminary Human Intelligence and Battle Damage Assessment indicate that over 40 terrorists, including a prominent ISWAP Qaid (commander), were neutralised in the strike.

“The operation also destroyed two vehicles and approximately 20 motorcycles used by the terrorists for mobility, logistics and offensive operations, thereby significantly degrading their fighting capability and disrupting planned attacks on military positions and surrounding communities,” he added.

Further intelligence, he said, revealed that the terrorists belonged to ISWAP’s Murabitun element, a specialised mobile fighting unit responsible for conducting patrols, coordinating attacks and sustaining terrorist activities within the general area.

The army spokesperson said destroying the enclave and associated operational assets represents a significant setback to the group’s ability to launch attacks and sustain its activities in the Lake Chad region.

He, however, assured that the Joint Task Force North East remains resolute in sustaining relentless, coordinated air and ground operations to eliminate terrorist threats, protect vulnerable communities and consolidate ongoing efforts towards restoring lasting peace and stability in the region.