Massive Victory for Troops as Over 50 ISWAP Terrorists, Including Top Commanders, Killed in Borno and Yobe

In a major breakthrough against terrorism in the Northeast, Nigerian troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have recorded a decisive victory, killing more than 50 fighters of the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP), including five notorious field commanders, during coordinated counterattacks across Borno and Yobe States.

According to credible military sources, the fierce encounters occurred in the early hours of Thursday when ISWAP launched simultaneous assaults on military formations in Dikwa, Mafa, Gajibo (all in Borno State) and Katarko in Yobe State.

The troops, backed by air and ground reinforcements, repelled the attacks and inflicted heavy casualties on the insurgents.

Among those neutralized were several high-ranking commanders identified as Ari Kolo (Munzir Abbagajiri), Ya Muhammad (from Dosula), Abu Aisha (from Abba Gajiri), Hamzalah (Qaid at Gambo Gege and Faruk Village), and Abu Rijal (from Dosula) all considered key figures in ISWAP’s operational hierarchy.

Military insiders described the operation as one of the biggest blows dealt to ISWAP this year, noting that the group had coordinated the attacks in an attempt to regain control of strategic corridors used for logistics and recruitment.

The troops reportedly launched a counteroffensive supported by airstrikes from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), destroying several ISWAP vehicles, motorcycles, and makeshift camps used by the terrorists.

A senior military officer in Maiduguri, who confirmed the development under anonymity, said the success was the result of improved intelligence coordination, enhanced troop morale, and superior firepower.

“This is a clear message that ISWAP’s strength in the region is fast declining. The death of these commanders will disrupt their command structure and weaken their operational capacity,” the officer said.

Local sources in Dikwa and Katarko confirmed hearing sustained gunfire and multiple explosions as troops engaged the terrorists through the night.

The Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Waidi Shaibu, is expected to issue an official statement on the development.

This latest success comes amid intensified counterterrorism operations across the Northeast, with security forces vowing to sustain the momentum until all remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP are completely neutralized.