The Nigerian Air Force says it has dealt another significant blow to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) following a precision air strike in Borno State that eliminated nine fighters, including a key commander reportedly responsible for facilitating the movement and protection of high-value members of the group.
A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame indicates that the successful operation, conducted on Saturday, 8 August 2026, followed credible intelligence on the activities and movement of suspected terrorists within the Sambisa Forest area.
Acting on the intelligence, the NAF deployed a Remotely Piloted Aircraft to conduct persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance enabling the identification and tracking of a group of terrorists as they moved towards a suspected hideout.
Following positive identification and confirmation of the target, the NAF aircraft conducted a precision engagement on the location.
Subsequent battle damage assessment indicated significant effects on the targeted compound, with several terrorists eliminated.
Further intelligence received after the strike confirmed that nine ISWAP fighters were killed, while several others were wounded among those reportedly eliminated was Abu Khalid Al Muhajir, described as a prominent ISWAP commander responsible for providing special security escorts for the movement of senior members of the terrorist group.