Troops take out 40 terrorists planning attacks in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed over 40 fighters, including a key commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province. This happened during an air strike on their base at Badu Village, south of Gudumbali in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.

The Army reported that the terrorists were killed on October 10, 2026. They were getting ready to launch coordinated attacks on troops in Sector 3.

Capt. Mohammed Goni, the acting Military Information Officer for the Northeast Joint Taskforce Operation Hadin Kai, shared this news in a statement on Monday. He said the Air Component of the Joint Task Force carried out the operation in the Northeast.

The operation also destroyed two vehicles and about 20 motorcycles the terrorists used for moving around and carrying out attacks.

The statement said, "The Air Component of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI has dealt a heavy blow to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists. We neutralised over 40 fighters, including a top commander, in a precision air strike on a terrorist base at Badu Village, south of Gudumbali in Guzamala LGA, Borno State, on 10 October 2026."

"Acting on solid intelligence, the Air Component conducted targeted aerial surveillance. They spotted terrorist movements around suspected hideouts and logistics facilities, then carried out a precision strike on a building where the terrorists were."

Goni also said that early Human Intelligence and Battle Damage Assessment showed that over 40 terrorists, including a key ISWAP Qaid (commander), were killed in the strike.

"The operation also destroyed two vehicles and around 20 motorcycles used by the terrorists for moving around, logistics and attacks. This has greatly weakened their fighting ability and disrupted their planned attacks on military positions and nearby communities," he added.

Further intelligence revealed that the terrorists were part of ISWAP’s Murabitun unit. This group is a mobile fighting unit responsible for patrolling, coordinating attacks, and keeping terrorist activities ongoing in the area.

The army spokesperson mentioned that destroying the base and its operational assets is a big loss for the group. It affects their ability to launch attacks and continue their activities in the Lake Chad region.

He promised that the Joint Task Force North East is committed to continuing strong air and ground operations. Their goal is to eliminate terrorist threats, protect vulnerable communities, and work towards lasting peace and stability in the region.