NAF Airstrike Kills ISWAP Commanders, Members In Borno

Nigerian Air Force (NAF) through Operation HADIN KAI”” (OPHK), has neutralised several high-profile Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders and members in precision air interdiction (AI) in Borno State.

A statement by the NAF spokesman, Air Cdre Ehimen Ejodame, said the airstrike was conducted on 27th July, 2025, targeting Arina Woje, a notorious ISWAP enclave in the Southern Tumbuns of Borno State, known as a sanctuary for insurgent leaders.

He said the airstrike followed a series of credible intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) sorties that confirmed the return of terrorist elements to the area after recent inter-factional clashes.

According to him, the ISR data revealed significant terrorist activities, including the movement of foot soldiers, the reactivation of structures, and the concealment of possible command centres and logistics depots beneath dense foliage.

Therefore, acting on credible intelligence, NAF air assets were dispatched to undertake a focused strike mission, he said.

“Aircrew on arrival, acquired and prosecuted pre-selected targets using precision-guided munitions, achieving devastating effects,” he said.

Ehimen said preliminary battle damage assessment reveals the destruction of several structures housing key ISWAP leaders, fighters, and logistics storage facilities, effectively disrupting the group’s operational planning and resupply efforts in the region.

This operation reflects the NAF’s continued resolve to dislodge terrorist elements, deny them freedom of movement, and support ground forces in restoring peace and stability across Nigeria.

It also reinforces the value of intelligence-driven air power missions in modern counter-terrorism operations.