Military air strike neutralises eight suspected ISWAP fighters in Borno

Nigerian military forces under Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised eight suspected Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, fighters in a precision air strike in the Timbuktu Triangle of Borno State.

The development was contained in a post shared on Wednesday by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, via his X handle.

According to the report, the operation was conducted at about 9:56 p.m. on August 18, 2026, following credible intelligence on the presence of ISWAP fighters at Thethangala, within the Timbuktu Triangle.

A Guardian aircraft reportedly established the target overhead and identified eight suspected terrorists gathered at the location and allegedly preparing to launch an attack on Nigerian troops deployed in the area.

The identified fighters were subsequently engaged in a precision air strike.

“Battle Damage Assessment shows all the terrorists neutralised, with no further movement observed after the strike,” the report stated.

The area is regarded as a significant operational zone for ISWAP activities, particularly as insurgents continue attempts to regroup and target military positions in the North-East.

The operation forms part of ongoing coordinated ground and air operations by troops under Operation Hadin Kai against terrorist formations and their logistics networks.

The military high command said the general security situation remained calm but unpredictable, while troops maintained satisfactory morale and operational efficiency.

The latest air strike comes amid intensified efforts by security forces to disrupt terrorist movements and prevent planned attacks on military formations and surrounding communities.

Troops are expected to sustain offensive operations across identified terrorist strongholds in the North-East as security agencies continue efforts to contain insurgent activities.