Troops kill 100 terrorists, ISWAP commander in sustained offensive – DHQ

The Defense Headquarters said Operation HADIN KAI troops neutralized no fewer than 100 terrorists, including a commander-in-chief of Islamic State’s West Africa Province, during coordinated operations in the northeast in the first quarter of 2026.

The Director of Defense Media Operations, Michael Onoja, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, stressing that the operations have dealt a major blow to insurgent networks operating in the region.

He said the sustained offensive targeted remnants of Boko Haram, ISWAP and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad in Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba and Yobe states.

According to him, the troops, supported by air components, conducted precision strikes against insurgent enclaves in remote and border communities, eliminating several high-profile commanders and dozens of fighters.

“During the quarter, troops neutralized several terrorist leaders and dozens of fighters, arrested 174 suspects and rescued kidnapped victims,” Onoja said.

It added that 19 rebels and their family members surrendered in that period, bringing the total number of surrendered terrorists to more than 122,800.

The defense spokesperson also revealed that ISWAP confirmed the death of one of its senior commanders, Abu Ya’yar al-Muhajir, describing the incident as a major setback for the group.

Onoja said the killing underlines the military’s growing success in dismantling the leadership structure of terrorist organizations in the northeast.

Providing a summary of March operations, he said troops eliminated key commanders identified as Saddam, Sandy, Gary, Kagu and Baha’i Pembe during a precision attack on Sambisa Forest.

He added that the troops also repelled coordinated ISWAP attacks in Gajiram, Baga, Marte and Monguno, foiling a planned drone attack in Malam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area.

“In Malam Fatori, troops neutralized 74 terrorists and recovered weapons during the encounter,” he said.

Onoja also revealed that on March 11, troops killed over 20 rebels, including a high-value target, Abu Yusuf, during a night operation in Yobe state, adding that 14 fighters surrendered in the same period.

He said the military continued to degrade terrorism logistics by intercepting fuel supplies and arresting collaborators helping the insurgents.

The DHQ reiterated its commitment to support the offensive against the insurgents and restore lasting peace in the northeast.

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