NAF bombs top ISWAP commanders in deadly Borno airstrike

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the killing of several top commanders of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in a precision air raid on their hideout in Borno State.

The deadly strikes were carried out on Saturday, July 27, at Arina Woje, a well-known ISWAP stronghold in the Southern Tumbuns near Lake Chad.

Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information, said in a statement on Monday that the mission followed “credible intelligence and surveillance” which exposed heavy movement of terrorists in the area.

NAF fighter jets reportedly unleashed precision-guided bombs on the camp, flattening multiple buildings, including those believed to house senior ISWAP leaders and their logistics operations.

“Air assets were dispatched for a focused strike mission. On arrival, the aircrew acquired and prosecuted pre-selected targets using precision-guided munitions, achieving devastating effects,” he said.

The statement added that the operation had “significantly degraded ISWAP’s command structures, planning, and supply lines.”

Gabkwet noted that the strikes were part of Operation Hadin Kai, aimed at rooting out terrorists and backing up ground forces.

He said the success of the mission shows how “intelligence-led air power continues to shape counter-terrorism efforts across Nigeria.”