Nigeria, Niger Forces Obliterate ISWAP Stronghold as Army Kills Boko Haram Commander in Major Offensive
In a sweeping offensive against insurgent groups, Nigerian and Nigerian forces have recorded major battlefield victories, including the elimination of a senior Boko Haram commander and the dismantling of an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) base near the Nigeria-Niger border.
The multi-pronged operation, led by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, neutralized Ibn Khalid, a high-ranking Boko Haram field commander, alongside dozens of fighters in Borno State.
Among the dead was the group’s cameraman, believed to be in charge of recording propaganda materials.
According to Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations at Theatre Command Headquarters, Khalid was killed during a failed infiltration attempt at Bitta, Gwoza Local Government Area.
“The insurgents were met with superior firepower,” he said, confirming the recovery of AK-47 magazines, camcorders, and RPG bombs at the scene.
In a separate engagement in Monguno, Borno, troops also thwarted another attempted infiltration, recovering high-calibre ammunition and tactical gear. Meanwhile, subsidiary raids across Sambisa Forest, Madagali, and Kaga areas led to the elimination of 17 more insurgents and seizure of logistics equipment and motorcycles.
The Nigerian Army also confirmed killing over 200 armed bandits in Niger State during a protracted gun battle in Rijau Local Government Area. The attackers, riding in on motorcycles to invade Warari community, were repelled in a four-hour firefight.
“A large number were killed, and those fleeing were neutralized as well,” said a military source. The group is suspected of carrying out a string of violent attacks in recent weeks.
Adding to the momentum, a high-stakes joint offensive by Nigerian and Nigerian forces targeted an ISWAP stronghold between Damasak in Borno State and Diffa in Niger Republic. The operation began with precision airstrikes by Nigeria’s Air Component Command, which dismantled key insurgent defences, including anti-aircraft emplacements.
The Nigerian Air Force followed with successive bombardments before ground forces advanced in a two-flank assault, securing the area. A senior security source said the action “marks a critical moment in regional anti-terror cooperation” and strengthens the growing alliance between both countries in tackling cross-border militancy.
Videos shared by residents showed civilians applauding Nigerian troops in the aftermath of the operations. However, attempts to reach the Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security for comments were unsuccessful at press time.
Security analysts say the latest victories could signal a turning point if the momentum is sustained through intelligence-driven raids, strengthened regional collaboration, and long-term stabilisation efforts across affected communities.
