NAF reports major success in fresh ISWAP Lake Chad operation

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reported a major operational success against the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) following a precision air strike on a terrorist hideout in the Lake Chad region.

The operation, conducted on October 19, 2026, under the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, reportedly neutralised several prominent ISWAP fighters and destroyed logistical assets believed to support the group’s activities.

In a statement on Monday, the NAF identified Jindullah, reportedly the chief security guard and confidant of Abu Saleem, and Abul Kissa, a member of ISWAP’s Shura Council, among those neutralised.

The Air Force said preliminary post-strike assessments indicated that the operation had also destroyed boat engines and motorcycles used to facilitate the group’s movement and operational activities.

According to the NAF, the strike was part of sustained efforts to weaken terrorist networks, disrupt their logistics and reduce their capacity to threaten communities across Nigeria’s North-East.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed the service’s commitment to maintaining air operations against terrorist groups in support of broader efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.

The NAF added that it would continue working with other military services and security agencies to protect vulnerable communities and consolidate operational gains.

The reported operation represents another step in ongoing military efforts to counter insurgency in the North-East, where armed groups continue to pose security challenges.