Troops destroy speedboats and neutralise 30 terrorists on Lake Chad islands.

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Troops of the Northeast Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have neutralised 30 Islamic State West Africa Province’s (ISWAP) terrorists on the Kaniram Island of Lake Chad in Borno State.

The ground troops also destroyed several speedboats belonging to the terrorists during offensive military operations conducted along the waterways of the lake between April 21 and 22, 2026.

OPHK Media Information Officer Lt-Col. Sani Uba said yesterday in Maiduguri that “the air component of the military operations delivered devastating precision air strikes that dismantled ISWAP terrorist logistics networks along the Lake Chad waterways and in the Kaniram Island axis of Northern Borno State.”

Regarding the destruction of boats, Uba revealed: “Acting on credible Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) inputs, OPHK air assets established a persistent overhead presence and confirmed the concentration of over 30 terrorist boats and associated terrorist elements coordinating movement and resupply activities.

“We carefully achieved our targeted validation and positive identification, ensuring high targeting fidelity before engaging with the terrorists.”

He explained that following deliberate confirmation in line with Rules of Engagement, OPHK executed well-coordinated precision strikes, which led to the destruction of several boats and disrupted their logistics hubs in the Lake Chad region.

The Information Officer noted that this has degraded their mobility and ability to sustain operations.

Besides neutralising the insurgent on the waterways, Uba stated, “The real-time ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) enabled rapid follow-on strikes on the fleeing and regrouping elements within nearby vegetation, leading to the neutralisation of more than 30 terrorists.”

“Surviving elements were observed escaping in disarray, reflecting a breakdown in their cohesion and command structure.”

In a related engagement with the terrorists at Sowolwolo in the Sambisa Forest axis, additional precision-guided strikes were conducted following target fidelity acquisition with partners.

According to him, the airstrike took out three terrorist gun trucks and neutralised more terrorists in the vicinity.

The Battle Damage Assessment (BDA), backed by information gathered after the strike, showed that the enemy suffered heavy losses, including signs of mass burials, particularly by ISWAP groups in the Mallam Fatori area.

These findings further underscored the scale of attrition inflicted. on the terrorists

Ground forces are currently exploiting the effects of these strikes to dominate adjoining areas and prevent any reconstitution by the fleeing elements.

These military operations highlight OPHK’s sustained offensive pressure and effective air–land integration in dismantling terrorist networks, degrading their capabilities, and denying them the freedom of action across the Joint Operations Area.

The Military High Command commended the troops for their impressive battle performance and urged the soldiers to sustain aggressive operations to dominate the battle space.

Sambisa Blitz: NAF Airstrikes Hit Boko Haram Strongholds, Dozens Reportedly Eliminated

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says its fighter jets have carried out a series of precision strikes on suspected Boko Haram hideouts in the Yuwe axis of Sambisa Forest, Borno State, reportedly killing several insurgents and destroying key facilities.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Maiduguri, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the operation formed part of ongoing offensives by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai aimed at weakening terrorist networks in the North-East.

Ejodame explained that the strikes followed actionable intelligence, which was further verified through Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The surveillance confirmed the presence of active insurgents occupying fortified positions, including bunkers and logistics hubs within the forest.

He noted that the aerial assault, which lasted about 30 minutes, involved the deployment of precision-guided munitions that successfully destroyed the identified targets. According to him, post-strike assessments indicated significant damage to terrorist infrastructure and the neutralisation of dozens of fighters.

“The sustained operational tempo continues to disrupt the terrorists’ capabilities, forcing them into disarray and limiting their freedom of movement,” Ejodame said, adding that the pressure has compelled insurgents in the area to adopt increasingly desperate tactics.

The statement also quoted the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, as reaffirming the Air Force’s determination to sustain intelligence-led operations until terrorist elements are completely dismantled.

“We remain resolute in safeguarding our personnel, protecting the nation, and ensuring the safety of citizens,” Aneke said. “Our operations will continue to be precise, deliberate, and in strict adherence to established rules of engagement, with utmost consideration for civilian safety.”

Military authorities say the latest strike is part of a broader campaign to degrade insurgent strongholds across Sambisa Forest and surrounding enclaves, long regarded as a key base of Boko Haram operations.

CDS Orders Fresh Crackdown on Bandits, Rallies Troops in North-West

Tukur Abdullahi, Birin Kebbi

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has issued a firm directive to frontline troops under Operation Fansan Yamma to escalate military offensives against bandits and other criminal groups operating across Nigeria’s North-West.

The charge was delivered during his operational visit to the Headquarters Theatre Command of the Joint Task Force North West in Gusau, Zamfara State, where he assessed ongoing military activities and the overall readiness of personnel in the theatre.

Details of the visit were disclosed in a statement by Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, who noted that the trip formed part of efforts to evaluate field operations, identify operational challenges, and motivate troops engaged in restoring peace to the troubled region.

Addressing officers and soldiers, the defence chief praised their bravery and commitment, acknowledging the sacrifices being made daily in the line of duty. He, however, urged them to sustain the momentum and intensify pressure on criminal networks.

“The responsibility of protecting Nigerians lies with us. You must stay focused and pursue these threats decisively until they are completely neutralised. The mission is clear—we must secure this country,” he charged.

Oluyede further assured troops of enhanced institutional backing, including improved welfare packages, continuous training, and the supply of modern combat equipment to boost operational efficiency.

Reaffirming the military’s resolve, he said the Armed Forces would maintain relentless operations until peace and stability are firmly restored across the North-West and other affected regions.

He also underscored the growing importance of air support in ongoing campaigns, revealing that steps are being taken to expand aerial capabilities and improve coordination across different operational theatres.

During the visit, the CDS paid a courtesy call on the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, where he commended the state government for its continued cooperation with security agencies.

He equally called on residents to sustain their support for military operations, particularly by providing credible and timely intelligence that could aid ongoing offensives.

In his response, Governor Lawal acknowledged the efforts of the Armed Forces, praising their persistence and sacrifices in tackling insecurity within the state and the wider region.

The visit featured a comprehensive operational briefing, inspection of troops and equipment, as well as direct engagement with personnel on the ground.