Military air strike neutralises eight suspected ISWAP fighters in Borno

Nigerian security forces, as part of Operation Hadin Kai, executed a targeted air strike on August 18, 2026, in the Timbuktu Triangle region of Borno State, Nigeria. The operation targeted eight suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters who were allegedly preparing to launch an attack on Nigerian troops. The air strike was conducted at around 9:56 p.m. local time, following intelligence reports of the militants' presence near Thethangala.

Using surveillance and reconnaissance, the military successfully identified the targets and proceeded to eliminate them in a precision air strike. The operation, which was verified by a post shared by security expert Zagazola Makama on X, resulted in all eight suspected terrorists being neutralized with no additional movement observed after the strike.

The area is of significant concern due to its status as a key operational zone for ISWAP activities, as the group continues to strategize and potentially target military positions in the North-East.

The military's ongoing efforts as part of Operation Hadin Kai include coordinated ground and air operations aimed at disrupting terrorist movements and their logistics networks. While the general security situation is described as calm yet unpredictable, troops maintain satisfactory morale and operational efficiency. The military high command emphasized their commitment to sustaining offensive operations across identified terrorist strongholds in the North-East, as security agencies continue their efforts to contain insurgent activities.