NIGERIAN ARMY REPORTS KILLING OF OVER 40 ISWAP FIGHTERS AND SENIOR COMMANDER IN BORNO AIR STRIKE

By NaijaParrot October 12, 2026 

 MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE —

The Nigerian military has reported fresh gains in its campaign against insurgents in the North-East, claiming that an air strike in Borno State killed more than 40 fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), including a prominent commander. The reported operation comes amid renewed military engagements with insurgents targeting security formations and communities in the region. However, the specific claim of more than 40 fighters killed in the air strike could not be independently confirmed from the available reports at the time of publication. NaijaParrot will update this report as further details emerge from official statements and credible independent sources.

The Nigerian Armed Forces have continued air and ground operations against ISWAP and Boko Haram fighters operating across Borno and neighbouring states. In a separate operation earlier this month, troops of Operation Hadin Kai repelled a coordinated ISWAP assault on the 101 Special Forces Battalion in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. The military said the attackers approached the base from four directions before troops, supported by the Air Component, counterattacked and forced surviving fighters to retreat. According to reports published by Premium Times and Punch, the military initially reported that more than 25 insurgents were killed, with 14 bodies recovered. The attack also resulted in the deaths of Nigerian soldiers, although the military did not initially disclose the exact number of casualties. The incident highlighted the continuing threat posed by insurgents to military installations in the North-East. 

In another development, security agencies reportedly killed senior ISWAP commander Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, during a joint intelligence-led operation in the Owo forest area of Ondo State. The operation involved the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services and the Amotekun Corps, according to reports by Channels Television and TheCable. Security sources said Ohida had previously served as deputy to ISWAP Central Nigeria leader Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was arrested in 2023. Authorities alleged that Ohida was involved in planning attacks in parts of southern Nigeria. Those allegations have been attributed to security sources. The Ondo operation is separate from the reported Borno air strike. Available reporting does not establish that the commander killed in Ondo was the same individual referred to in the latest headline about the Borno operation. 

 CONTINUING SECURITY CHALLENGES IN THE NORTH-EAST ISWAP, a faction that emerged from Boko Haram, has repeatedly attacked military bases, security personnel and civilian communities in north-eastern Nigeria. The group has sought to weaken government control in parts of the region, seize weapons and sustain its insurgency despite years of military operations. The continued attacks have placed pressure on security forces to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve coordination between ground troops and air units, and protect vulnerable communities. Military announcements of insurgent casualties are important updates, but figures released during active operations may be difficult to verify independently, particularly in remote areas where access is restricted. 

 The Nigerian military continues to conduct operations against insurgent groups across the country. While recent operations have reportedly resulted in the deaths of numerous fighters and senior commanders, the specific details of the reported Borno air strike—including the identities of those killed and the casualty figures—require further confirmation. 

 

NaijaParrot will continue to monitor official military statements and credible reports for verified updates. 

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