Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has recorded another major success in the ongoing fight against terrorism after a precision airstrike in Borno State killed nine fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), including a senior commander identified as Abu Khalid Al Muhajir.
The operation was carried out on Saturday, August 8, 2026, following intelligence reports on the movement and activities of suspected terrorists within the Sambisa Forest.
In a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the mission was launched after the Air Force received credible intelligence on the terrorists’ activities.
According to him, the NAF deployed a Remotely Piloted Aircraft to conduct sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations, which enabled personnel to identify and monitor a group of suspected terrorists as they moved towards a suspected hideout.
After confirming the identities of the targets, the aircraft carried out what the Air Force described as a precision strike on the location.
A post-strike assessment showed that the operation inflicted heavy damage on the terrorists’ enclave, with several fighters neutralised.
The statement added that intelligence gathered after the mission confirmed that nine ISWAP fighters were killed, while several others sustained injuries.
Among those reportedly killed was Abu Khalid Al Muhajir, whom the Air Force identified as a prominent ISWAP commander responsible for coordinating special security escorts for the movement and protection of senior leaders of the terrorist group.
The Air Force said the successful operation highlights its sustained efforts, alongside other security agencies, to degrade terrorist capabilities and disrupt their operations in the North-East.
