Troops eliminate over 100 terrorists, notorious ISWAP commander in Q1

Abuja: The Defence Headquarters says troops of Operation HADIN KAI eliminated over 100 terrorists, including a notorious commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), in the first quarter of 2026.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at news conference on military operations.

Onoja said the sustained offensive targeted remnants of Boko Haram, ISWAP and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) across Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba and Yobe.

He said troops, supported by air components, carried out precision strikes on insurgents’ enclaves in remote and border areas.

“During the quarter, troops neutralised several terrorist leaders and scores of fighters, arrested 174 suspects and rescued kidnapped victims.

“In addition, 19 insurgents and their families surrendered, bringing the cumulative number of surrendered persons to over 122,800,” he said.

Onoja said ISWAP had confirmed the death of one of its senior commanders, Abu Ya’yar al-Muhajir, describing it as a major loss to the group.

According to him, the development underscores the effectiveness of ongoing operations in degrading the group’s leadership structure.

Providing details of March operations, he said troops neutralised top commanders , including Saddam, Sandy, Gary, Kagu and Baha’i Pembe in a precision strike on Sambisa Forest.

He added that troops repelled coordinated ISWAP attacks in several locations, including Gajiram, Baga, Marte and Monguno.

The defence spokesman said troops also foiled a drone attack at Malam Fatori in Abadam Local Government Area, where 74 terrorists were killed and weapons recovered.

“On March 11, over 20 terrorists, including a high-value target, Abu Yusuf, were neutralised during a night attack in Yobe.

“Fourteen insurgents also surrendered within the period,” he said.

He added that troops disrupted terrorist logistics by intercepting fuel supplies and arresting collaborators aiding insurgents.