Military Surgical Airstrikes Kill 40 ISWAP Fighters in Borno
Military airstrikes under Operation Hadin Kai have reportedly neutralised 40 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters during a coordinated operation around Wulgo–Momaduru in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.
The operation, conducted in the early hours of November 10, 2026, followed intelligence surveillance that detected a large gathering of suspected terrorists approximately 1.5 kilometres north-west of Wulgo–Momaduru.
Security sources disclosed that the concentration of fighters prompted the military to launch precision airstrikes to disrupt the gathering and eliminate the perceived threat.
According to the sources, the first strike targeted an identified terrorist position, with post-strike assessment indicating that about 30 fighters were killed and a motorcycle destroyed.
The sources added that multiple secondary explosions were observed following the strike, suggesting the possible destruction of explosive materials or other combustible items at the location.
As the operation progressed, surviving fighters were reportedly sighted fleeing the initial impact area, with some taking cover beneath nearby trees.
However, sustained aerial surveillance enabled the military to track their movements and identify another concentration of fleeing fighters.
Following the necessary authorisation, a second precision strike was launched against the identified position, reportedly neutralising an additional 10 terrorists.
The two strikes brought the reported casualty figure to 40 ISWAP fighters, according to the post-strike battle damage assessment.
The operation represents a reported setback for ISWAP elements operating along the Wulgo–Momaduru axis, an area of strategic importance to military operations in the Lake Chad region.
The latest offensive also highlights the role of intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance and precision targeting in identifying terrorist concentrations and disrupting their activities before they can regroup or launch attacks against military formations and civilian communities.
Operation Hadin Kai has sustained military pressure on terrorist networks across the North-East as troops continue efforts to dismantle their operational structures, restrict their movements and deny them safe havens.
The military has yet to issue an official public statement on the reported operation and casualty figures.
By TimesNG