NAF kills Abu Khalid Al Muhajir, 8 ISWAP fighters in Borno

Precision Air Strike in Sambisa Forest

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully neutralized nine Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, including a prominent senior commander, Abu Khalid Al Muhajir. The operation was carried out through a precision air strike in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State, dealing a major blow to the insurgent group's operational capacity.

The strike, which took place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, was the result of coordinated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) efforts. Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Director of Public Relations and Information, confirmed that the mission was launched after identifying a group of terrorists moving toward a suspected hideout within the forest enclave.

Neutralization of High-Value Targets

To ensure the success of the mission, the NAF deployed a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) to maintain persistent surveillance. This allowed the force to track the movement of the insurgents before launching the final engagement. Subsequent damage assessments confirmed that the targeted compound was destroyed and multiple terrorists were killed.

Acting on the intelligence, the NAF deployed a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) to conduct persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), enabling the identification and tracking of a group of terrorists as they moved towards a suspected hideout.

— Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force

Among the casualties was Abu Khalid Al Muhajir, who served as a key commander responsible for providing special security escorts for high-ranking ISWAP members. His death is considered a significant setback for the group due to his extensive knowledge of the terrain, tactical routes, and movement protocols connecting various terrorist enclaves in the region.

Strategic Impact on Insurgency Operations

Intelligence gathered following the strike indicates that some of the neutralized fighters were linked to elements involved in a recent ambush of Nigerian troops along the Bita–Yamtage axis in Gwoza Local Government Area. This operation highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-driven air strikes in preventing terrorists from regrouping or launching further attacks against military forces and local communities.

The NAF emphasized that the disruption of ISWAP’s leadership protection arrangements and coordination efforts remains a priority. The integration of advanced ISR technology with precision strike capabilities continues to be a cornerstone of the military's strategy in the North East.

The Nigerian Air Force will continue to sustain intelligence-led and precision air operations in close coordination with surface forces, with the objective of degrading terrorist capabilities, disrupting their freedom of movement and creating a more secure environment for affected communities across the North East.

— Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force