Troops, DSS kill scores of terrorists in Borno, Niger strikes
The Nigerian military recorded significant battlefield successes over the weekend as air and ground forces eliminated scores of terrorists in separate operations in Borno and Niger states.
In Borno, the Nigerian Air Force confirmed that a precision airstrike killed several high-ranking commanders of the Islamic State of West Africa Province in Arina Woje, a notorious insurgent enclave in the Southern Tumbuns.
The operation was conducted on Saturday under Operation Hadin Kai.
According to the Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the strike followed “a series of credible Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance sorties” that confirmed the regrouping of ISWAP fighters in the area following internal factional clashes.
“In a decisive blow to terrorist operations in the Lake Chad region, the NAF, operating under OPHK, conducted precision air interdiction that neutralised several high-value ISWAP commanders and fighters. The mission, carried out on 27 July 2025, targeted Arina Woje, a notorious ISWAP enclave in the Southern Tumbuns of Borno State, known as a sanctuary for insurgent leaders,” he said.
“ISR data revealed significant terrorist activity, including the movement of foot soldiers, reactivation of structures, and the concealment of possible command centres and logistics depots beneath dense foliage.”
He said NAF air assets were deployed for a focused strike, with aircrew acquiring and engaging pre-selected targets using precision-guided munitions.
“Preliminary battle damage assessment reveals the destruction of several structures housing key ISWAP leaders, fighters, and logistics storage facilities, effectively disrupting the group’s operational planning and resupply efforts in the region,” he said.
“This operation reflects the NAF’s continued resolve to dislodge terrorist elements, deny them freedom of movement, and support ground forces in restoring peace and stability across Nigeria. It also reinforces the value of intelligence-driven air power missions in modern counter-terrorism operations,” he added.
In a separate operation in Niger State, troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Department of State Services and hybrid forces, killed at least 45 terrorists in Shiroro Local Government Area on Friday.
The operation followed a tip-off that dozens of terrorists were planning an attack on Iburu village.
“Troops of the Nigerian Army and hybrid forces, backed by intelligence support from the DSS on Friday evening in Iburu village, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, killed no less than 45 bandits terrorising the area,” a DSS statement read.
“The DSS, on receiving intelligence that the terrorists riding several motorcycles were advancing to attack Iburu and neighbouring villages, quickly alerted soldiers on standby. A gunfight ensued with the troops killing at least 45 terrorists.
“The villagers said they counted at least 40 dead bodies believed to be those of the bandits. They also counted dozens of the bandits’ motorcycles destroyed during the gunfight,” it added.
However, the battle was not without casualties.
Two members of the hybrid forces paid the supreme price, while four others sustained serious gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment at a public hospital in the state capital.
“Two members of the hybrid forces fighting alongside soldiers lost their lives, while four others were said to be receiving treatment for serious gunshot injuries at a public hospital in the state capital,” the DSS added.
