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Tag: ISWAP

  • Troops destroy ISWAP detention camps, over 30 suspects killed

    Troops destroy ISWAP detention camps, over 30 suspects killed

    • 70 victims escape from captivity

    At least 32 suspected terrorists have been killed after troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), under Operation Desert Sanity V, uncovered and destroyed detention facilities belonging to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the  Timbuktu Triangle forest spanning Borno and Yobe states, the Nigerian Army said yesterday.

    Over 70 hostages said to be among about 300 held in the camps escaped during the clearance operations that lasted two weeks.

    Spokesman for OPHK, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, in a statement said most of the escapees resurfaced in communities including Goniri, Buratai and Mandaragirau.

    “One of the escapees, Malam Jidda Ba Jidda, a native of Kufi village near Buratai in Biu Local Government Area, who was abducted on December 22, 2025, said he escaped during a gun battle between the terrorists and advancing troops in the Timbuktu Triangle,” Uba said.

    The military spokesperson disclosed that ISWAP suffered significant losses during the encounters, with at least 32 fighters neutralised, including two Qaids and three Munzirs, while several others sustained injuries.

    Read Also: Troops kill ISWAP leader in Sambisa Forest

    He said troops subsequently cleared and demolished the detention facilities to prevent their reuse.

    Uba noted that the destruction of the camps weakened ISWAP’s detention and ransom-collection operations and could provide intelligence value through testimonies from escaped captives.

    He added that the operation reflected progress in ongoing counter-insurgency efforts, with troops advancing into previously inaccessible insurgent strongholds and forcing the terrorists to abandon key facilities.

  • Rights group slams amnesty call for Boko Haram, ISWAP

    Rights group slams amnesty call for Boko Haram, ISWAP

    •’Warns against ‘rewarding terrorism’

    The International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights (ISSJHR) has condemned calls by some religious and community leaders in the North advocating amnesty for terrorist and bandit groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), describing such appeals as a “moral, legal and generational failure.”

    In a statement, its Chancellor, Dr. Omenazu Jackson, said the organisation expressed grave concern over attempts to equate terrorist violence with the Niger Delta struggle for environmental and economic justice, insisting that the comparison is “morally indefensible, legally untenable and historically dishonest.”

    ISSJHR noted that more than a decade of insurgency in the North has resulted in tens of thousands of civilian deaths, the displacement of millions, and the destruction of entire communities.

    Read Also: World Bank: Nigeria now global reference for credible reform leadership

    According to the group, churches, mosques, schools and markets have been targeted, leaving humanitarian and social scars across the region.

    The organisation cited reports by international and local human rights bodies, including United Nations-affiliated agencies, documenting mass killings of civilians, widespread kidnappings of schoolchildren, systematic sexual violence, and forced displacement that has created one of Africa’s worst humanitarian crises.

    “These atrocities have drawn global outrage and repeatedly placed Nigeria before the United Nations Security Council, the Human Rights Council and international humanitarian agencies,” the statement said.

  • ISWAP second-in-command killed as military intensifies offensive in Sambisa forest 

    ISWAP second-in-command killed as military intensifies offensive in Sambisa forest 

    Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, a military offensive in the North East, have killed the Second-in-Command of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abu Khalid, in the Sambisa forest area of Borno State. 

    This came barely 24 hours after they killed a top ISWAP commander, known as Julaibib, during a fierce battle around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area of the state.

    A military source told The Nation on Sunday that Abu Khalid, identified as the Second-in-Command of Boko Haram in the Sambisa forest, was killed alongside 10 others, during a night operation on Saturday.

    According to the source, Abu Khalid was a key figure within the terrorist hierarchy, coordinating operations and logistics in the Sambisa axis.

    He said the troops engaged the terrorists in the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area during a night offensive at about 11:00 p.m., resulting in the killing of the terrorist leader and his foot soldiers.

    The source said troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, magazines, several bicycles, assorted logistics and food items, and a large cache of medical supplies after the successful engagement.

    “No casualty was recorded among troops during the operation.

    “Troops’ morale remains high as clearance operations continue across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle and other known hideouts of Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North East region,” the source said. 

    While reaffirming the troops’ commitment to sustaining the tempo of operations until all terrorist elements are neutralised and lasting peace and economic stability are restored to the region, the source said the military high command had “commended the troops for their sacrifices and dedication in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities in the North East region, and urged them to sustain the operational tempo.” 

  • Troops kill top ISWAP commander Julaibib, four others in fierce battle

    Troops kill top ISWAP commander Julaibib, four others in fierce battle

    Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have killed a top Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) top commander, known as JULAIBIB, during a fierce battle around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

    The ISWAP commander, said to be operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle, was killed on Friday, January 30, following an intelligence-driven operation.

    In a statement on Saturday, the Media Officer of Operation Hadi Kai, Lieutenant General Sani Uba, said other high-value terrorist targets were also neutralised while troops disrupted insurgent activities and foiled criminal operations.

    “Further intelligence revealed that the elimination of the terrorist leader has thrown ISWAP elements in the area into disarray, with several fighters reportedly neutralised during the operation. This impressive development represents a major blow to the command and control structure of ISWAP in the region,” Uba said.

    He said the troops, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, neutralised three terrorists during a well-coordinated ambush between the Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in the state, following credible intelligence on insurgent movements in the area.

    Read Also: DHQ: Troops destroy 53 illegal refineries, arrest 81 oil thieves in January

    According to Uba: “Troops tactically laid an ambush along the identified route and engaged the terrorists with effective firepower, resulting in the neutralisation of three insurgents, while others fled with gunshot injuries. 

    “Two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the scene. The operation forms part of sustained efforts to deny terrorists freedom of movement and degrade their operational capabilities across the Theatre.”

    The Media Officer said that prior to the killing of the three terrorists, on January 29, troops deployed in an ambush position at Tsokorok in Gwoza Local Government Area came in contact with Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists. 

    According to him, the ambush team engaged the terrorists, forcing them to withdraw, and neutralizing one terrorist, with no casualties recorded on the side of the troops. 

    “Two motorcycles were recovered from the scene,” he said. 

    Uba said the general security situation across the theatre remains stable, while “Operation Hadi Kai remains resolute in its commitment to protect lives and property, dismantle terrorist networks, and work with local communities and security critical stakeholders to restore lasting peace and economic stability across the North-East region.”

  • Troops neutralise nine ISWAP terrorists in ongoing onslaught in Borno

    Troops neutralise nine ISWAP terrorists in ongoing onslaught in Borno

    Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have continued to record successes in the ongoing onslaught against terrorists in the North East.

    In the latest feat, the troops neutralised nine terrorists and recovered five AK-47 rifles, several rounds of ammunition, and other logistics items.

    According to the spokesperson of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, the feat was in compliance with the recent directive of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-General Waidi Shaibu.

    The COAS had directed troops, during his last operational visit to the North East, to sustain pressure on the remnants of terrorist groups through aggressive clearance and offensive operations across all fronts.

    Read Also: Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ 4–1 victory over Gabon, says World Cup dream on course

    Giving details of the operation, Lt Col. Uba said: “troops of Sector 1 in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) made contact with Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on 12 November, 2025 at Yanaga Ari in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State.

    “During the encounter, nine terrorists were neutralised, while five AK 47 rifles, several rounds of ammunition, and other logistics items were recovered.”

    He said the military high command had commended the troops for their “impressive gallantry and proactiveness”, urging them to remain focused, vigilant, and committed to restoring lasting peace in the North East Region.

  • 12 ISWAP fighters killed in ‘long-range commando’ operation in Borno 

    12 ISWAP fighters killed in ‘long-range commando’ operation in Borno 

    At least 12 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters have been killed during “long-range offensive commando operations” by troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State.

    The operation, backed by intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) of the air component command, was conducted from 29 to 30 August, a military source told The Nation at the weekend. 

    Troops cleared Tamsu Ngamdu, Dalakaleri, and Gaza of terrorist activities, and later engaged and neutralized 12 insurgents in a heavy gun duel at a suspected terrorist location in Loskori Kura, according to the source.

    Read Also: Abuja–Kaduna train derailment: Alkali, Opeifa rule out sabotage

    The source said, “Troops recovered 8 AK-47 rifles and 8 AK-47 rifle magazines fully loaded with 7.62mm rounds of ammunition. An assorted cache of drugs and medical supplies used by the terrorists were also recovered by the resilient and dogged troops.”

    It said the military authorities had commended the troops for the renewed vigour and urged them to sustain the tempo.

  • JUST IN: 25 ISWAP/JAS members surrendered to troops in Borno 

    JUST IN: 25 ISWAP/JAS members surrendered to troops in Borno 

    No fewer than 25 members of Islamic State West Africa Province ISWAP and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, a faction of Boko Haram, have surrendered to troops of the Nigerian Army, in Bama, Borno State.

    A military source told The Nation that troops also arrested 17 criminal suspects, and recovered assorted weapons and equipment in recent coordinated operations across the country.

    The source said, “On 11 August 2025, troops of 202 Battalion in Bama Local Government, Borno State, received 25 ISWAP/JAS family members, comprising 12 adult females and 13 children, who surrendered from Zalmari, Gazuwa, and Alafa villages. 

    “The surrendered persons are undergoing further profiling by 21 Special Armoured Brigade.

    According to the source, on the same day, troops of 233 Battalion in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force conducted an ambush along Sassawa–Kaburu in Damaturu Local Government of Yobe State, where they killed one terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle. 

    Read Also: NAF strike hits ISWAP commanders, fighters in Borno

    The source revealed that troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team 5 in Zamfara State, repelled a planned terrorist attack on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Galadi in Shinkafi Local Government Area, neutralizing one terrorist and seizing a mobile phone.

    According to the military source, on 12 August, while acting on intelligence from a rescued kidnap victim, troops stormed Gremasa Mountain in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State, arresting eight suspected kidnappers. 

    The source said the Nigerian Army troops also recorded a significant feat by troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE Sector 3 Forward Operating Base Wukari, Taraba State, which apprehended two suspected kidnap collaborators.

    This. was in addition to the arrest of five pipeline vandals by troops of Sector 4 Operation SAFE HAVEN in Plateau State.

    “On 13 August, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade launched an offensive against an IPOB/ESN camp at Ndeji Community, a border area between Anambra, Abia, and Imo States. 

    “One criminal was neutralized, and troops recovered a pistol with ammunition, cartridges, radios, IED components, mobile phones, and other items. Two planted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were safely destroyed by the Improvised Explosive Ordinance (EOD) team,” the source said. 

  • NAF strike kills ISWAP commanders, fighters in Borno

    NAF strike kills ISWAP commanders, fighters in Borno

    Strikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets have killed several Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) leaders and fighters in Southern Tumbuns in Borno State.

    The strike was carried out on July 27 after a series of credible Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) sorties that confirmed the return of terrorists to the area after recent inter-factional clashes, NAF’s spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, announced this in a statement on Monday.

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

    Read Also: NAF charges personnel to uphold ethical values in civilian engagement

    He said, “Acting on credible intelligence, NAF air assets were dispatched to undertake focused strike missions. Aircrew on arrival acquired and prosecuted pre-selected targets using precision-guided munitions, achieving devastating effects.

    “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.”

  • ISWAP terrorists commander, Ibn Ali, surrenders, others killed in Borno – DHQ

    ISWAP terrorists commander, Ibn Ali, surrenders, others killed in Borno – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says a high profile terrorist Commander identified as Ibn Ali, has surrendered to troops with his weapons and cache of ammunition in Bama Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

    Kangye said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai conducted operations between July 4 and July 10 in the general areas of Platari, Sambisa Forest and Timbuktu triangle eliminating scores of terrorists.

    He said that a large number of terrorists, including adult males and females including children, also surrendered to troops as operational tempo heightened across the theatre.

    According to him, troops also conducted operations in Gwoza, Kaga, Mafa, Ngala, Abadam, Bama, Biu, Konduga, Damboa and Dikwa LGAs as well as Madagali LGA of Adamawa.

    “During the encounters, some terrorists were killed in action, five of their collaborators were arrested, while four kidnapped victims were rescued.

    “Some quantities of arms and ammunition were also recovered.

    “They also retrieved and safely detonated some IEDs, while the sum of N822,500 was also recovered.

    “Similarly, a high profile terrorist Commander identified as Ibn Ali surrendered to troops with his weapons and cache of ammunition in Bama LGA of Borno,” he said.

    Kangye said the Armed Forces of Nigeria in collaboration with Hybrid Forces and other security agencies intensified operations along both kinetic and non-kinetic lines across all theatres during the period under review with resounding outcomes.

    In the North West, Kangye said the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma in conjunction with surface forces, had on July 10, conducted a major offensive operations during which scores of terrorist leaders and commanders were taking out in Zamfara.

    He added that troops also eliminated some terrorists, apprehended five and rescued two kidnapped victims during patrol operations.

    In the North Central, Kangye said the troops of Operation Safe Haven killed some violent extremists, apprehended 18 and rescued seven kidnapped victims in Plateau.

    According to him, some weapons, ammunition and a vehicle as well as motorcycles were recovered from them.

    “Relatedly, on July 6, troops, while on routine patrol, arrested a militia in an ambush position with the intent to attack commuters along Kafi-Abu-Rakwok road in Gashish District in Barkin Ladi LGA of the state.

    “Items recovered from him include one locally fabricated AK47 rifle, one AK47 magazine and 30 rounds of 7.62mm special amongst others.

    “Also, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke eliminated some extremists in Makurdi, Guma and Katsina-Ala, LGAs of Benue as well as Karim Lamido, Takum and Jalingo LGAs of Taraba.

    “During the operations, troops eliminated some terrorists, arrested eight of them and rescued two kidnapped victims,” he added.

    Kangye said the troops of Operation Delta Safe foiled oil theft worth over N263.8 million, including 198,482 litres of stolen crude oil, 63,846 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 947 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

    He said the troops also discovered and destroyed 24 crude oil cooking ovens, 26 dugout pits, nine boats, 19 storage tanks, 21 drums and 15 illegal refining sites.

    According to him, eight oil thieves and other criminals were apprehended while assorted arms and ammunition, as well as vehicles were seized from the criminals.

    In the South East, the defence spokesman said the troops of Operation UDO KA apprehended a sponsor and logistic supplier to Mother Valley IPOB/ESN Camp in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra.

    He added that four suspected IPOB/ESN members/informants were arrested in Ihiala and Ehime Mbano LGAs of Anambra and Imo state respectively. (NAN)

  • S’West governors join forces to ward off ISWAP, bandits

    S’West governors join forces to ward off ISWAP, bandits

    • Joint surveillance, technology boost for Amotekun
    • Creation of food hub in each state to bring down prices

    Southwest governors have risen in unison to secure the region and prevent the infiltration of fleeing bandits and terrorists into their towns and villages.

    Because of the heat under which the military has put bandits and terrorists in the Northwest, some of them who escaped the attacks are heading South.

    In recent months, there have been reports of bandits being discovered in Southwest forests, especially in Ondo and Ekiti, which share a boundary with Kogi State.

    The Northern part of Oyo State has also reported the movement of suspected terrorists.

    Yesterday, the six governors in the geo-political zone were hosted to a meeting at Alausa, Ikeja.

    They resolved to commence joint surveillance and give full backing to Amotekun with shared intelligence and the use of technology.

    All the governors – Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) – attended the meeting.

    “The forum has agreed to establish a Joint Surveillance and Monitoring Team to enhance security across the Southwest.

    “This will involve advanced technology, including aerial surveillance systems, as well as intelligence-sharing between state security agencies, local security networks, and federal law enforcement,” Sanwo-Olu said while reading the communiqué.

    The deployment of technology is a follow-up to the intense anti-terrorism activities which each of the states embarked upon in the wake of the threat of bandits’ infiltration into the zone.

    It was learnt that the issue of security of lives and property and food security dominated the meeting.

    Members of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) were at the meeting to brief the governors on their activities in all the sectors, including agriculture, industrialisation and empowerment.

    Each of the governors, it was also learnt, spoke on efforts in the provision of food to prevent price hikes and reduce inflation.

    On food security, the governors resolved to develop food hubs in all six states.

    “The forum is deeply concerned about the activities of unscrupulous middlemen inflating food prices.

    “We are committed to inter-state collaboration to mitigate inflation and ensure affordability for our people,” the communiqué added.

    To address soaring food prices, the governors agreed to establish a state food inflation joint monitoring team and set up aggregation centres/food hubs across the region.

    Other decisions included picking Ibadan as the headquarters of the newly-created Southwest Development Commission (SWDC).

    Read Also: ISWAP scare: We’re still on redalert, says Ondo Amotekun

    The office is to be located in the Cocoa House, which is the headquarters of Odu’a Investments – the conglomerate jointly owned by the six states.

    They also lauded the DAWN Commission for its improved performance in the last year and urged further collaboration on industrialisation and infrastructural development.

    The governors congratulated Governor Aiyedatiwa on his victory.

    They commended the Federal Government for establishing the SWDC.

    Additionally, they praised Odu’a Investment Company Ltd for managing regional assets efficiently, citing the redevelopment of Premier Hotel, Ibadan, and the planned redevelopment of Lagos Airport Hotel.

    They expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, highlighting economic stability, petroleum supply, and exchange rate improvements.

    The forum also commended the Federal Government’s Student Loan Scheme under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and urged Southwest students in tertiary institutions to take full advantage of it.

    Reaffirming their commitment to peace and economic development in the Southwest, they called on residents to support regional progress initiatives.

    Before yesterday’s meeting, the governors met in June last year, also in Lagos, where they unanimously appointed Sanwo-Olu as the chairman.