Counter terrorism squad
In a major setback to insurgent operations in Nigeria’s North East, air assets under the Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) neutralised 15 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, including two high-profile commanders, during a precision air interdiction in Borno State.
The targeted operation took place at approximately 9:20 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, in Kerenoa, situated within the Marte Local Government Area.
According to an official statement issued on Thursday by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Media Information Officer for Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), the mission was launched following actionable intelligence detailing terrorist movements and logistics gathering in the area.
Surveillance assets initially tracked two suspected terrorists riding a motorcycle to a makeshift structure concealed beneath a tree canopy. Continuous monitoring revealed additional insurgents assembling around the site, confirming an active threat and prompting an immediate, precision air engagement.
Subsequent Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) confirmed the death of 15 insurgents and the complete destruction of the improvised facility.
Military authorities reported that a prominent secondary explosion occurred immediately after the initial strike, indicating that the location served as a key storage facility and logistics hub for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
Among those killed in the strike were two prominent ISWAP Qayids (commanders), identified as Abu Musanna and Hassan Abu Huraira. Several other fighters sustained severe injuries, including the Wali, the designated ISWAP governor of the region who is reported to be in critical condition.
Captain Goni emphasised that the strike is part of OPHK’s ongoing, intelligence-led offensive strategy focused on dismantling terrorist networks, destroying hidden bases, and severing supply routes throughout the theater of operations.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining coordinated air and ground operations across the North East to neutralize remaining threat elements and fulfill its mandate of restoring lasting peace and security to the region.
