NAF Kills ISWAP Commanders In Lake Chad

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said it launched a precision strike on Sunday, July 27, 2025, targeting ARINA WOJE, a known Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) stronghold in the Southern Tumbuns of Borno State.

The operation, under Operation HADIN KAI, resulted in the “neutralisation of several high-ranking terrorist commanders and foot soldiers”.

The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed the operation and described ARINA WOJE as a critical sanctuary for ISWAP leadership and logistics coordination.

Before the airstrike, Ejodame said NAF conducted a series of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions that tracked renewed terrorist activity in the area.

“These sorties revealed that insurgents had returned to the enclave following recent clashes among rival factions, leading to increased movement of personnel and suspected reactivation of hideouts and logistics hubs” he said.

Ejodame said NAF air assets, acting on this intelligence, launched a focused strike operation. Upon arrival, the aircrew identified and engaged predetermined targets using precision-guided munitions.

“The initial battle damage assessment confirmed the destruction of multiple structures believed to be housing ISWAP commanders and fighters.

“The strike also destroyed concealed logistics depots and disrupted possible command centres hidden under dense vegetation, significantly affecting the insurgents’ ability to plan and resupply” he noted.

By eliminating key leadership figures and dismantling operational structures, the Nigerian Air Force effectively curtailed ISWAP’s operational capabilities in the Lake Chad axis.

“This mission underscores the Air Force’s commitment to denying terrorists safe havens and degrading their operational infrastructure,” said Ejodame.

He noted that the operation also highlights the critical role of intelligence-led air operations in modern counterterrorism strategies and supports ongoing efforts to stabilise the Northeast and adjoining regions.