Troops neutralise two high-profile ISWAP leaders, others in Borno

By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri The troops of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have killed 15 Boko Haram terrorists, including two (2) prominent ISWAP Qayids, Abu Musanna and Hassan Abu Huraira in Kerenoa, Marte Local Government Area of Borno State. This is as the Theatre Commander of OPHK, Major General Ibikunle Ajose on Thursday commissioned the newly constructed three blocks of 12-family Corporals and Below Quarters (CBQ) at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.

The commissioning forms part of activities to commemorate the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu’s one year in office, which also reflects his commitment to improving troops’ living conditions, strengthening morale and enhancing operational effectiveness. In a press statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni on Thursday said: “Troops of OPHK continued to record operational successes through sustained intelligence-led offensive operations aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and dismantling their networks across the theatre.

“In a further operation, OPHK air assets, at about 9:20 pm on 28 October 2026, conducted an armed reconnaissance and air interdiction mission in the Kerenoa Marte Local Government Area of Borno State, resulting in the neutralisation of 15 terrorists and the destruction of an IED hideout. “The mission followed intelligence reports on terrorist activities in the area.

During the operation, the air assets tracked two terrorists on a motorcycle to a makeshift structure beneath a tree. Further surveillance revealed additional movements around the location, indicating the presence of other terrorists. Consequently, the location was engaged with precision strikes. “Following the strikes, Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) indicated that 15 terrorists were neutralised, while structures at the location were destroyed.

Additionally, a secondary fire observed after the engagement suggested that the targeted structure may have been used for the storage of terrorist IED logistics hub. “It has been confirmed that 2 prominent ISWAP Qayids, Abu Musanna and Hassan Abu Huraira were amongst those neutralised while several other fighters were severely wounded, including the Wali (ISWAP Governor) of the area who is reported to be critically injured.

“The operation forms part of OPHK’s sustained intelligence-led air offensive aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities, disrupting their hideouts and dismantling logistics networks across the theatre. The Joint Task Force continues to conduct coordinated operations against terrorist elements in the North East to achieve its Operational mandate of restoring total and long-lasting peace in the region,” Goni stated.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to personnel welfare with the commissioning of three blocks of 12-family Corporals and Below Quarters (CBQ) at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri. The commissioning reflects the commitment of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, to improving troops’ living conditions, strengthening morale and enhancing operational effectiveness.

The commissioning forms part of activities to commemorate the COAS one year in office. The COAS was represented at the ceremony by the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Ibikunle Ajose, on Thursday, 29 October 2026, at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri. Delivering the COAS’ remarks, Major General Ajose stated that decent accommodation and a conducive living environment were essential to sustaining troops’ morale, discipline and effectiveness.

He emphasised that operational excellence on the battlefield must be supported by adequate welfare provisions and a strong administrative foundation at home. He described investments in accommodation as investments in human capital and a practical demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s appreciation of personnel’s sacrifices and contributions to national security.

The COAS expressed profound appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his continued support to the Nigerian Army, particularly in force development and personnel welfare. He also acknowledged the contributions of relevant departments and directorates, contractors, project supervisors and other stakeholders whose efforts supported the execution of the projects, noting that sustained institutional support remains vital to the Army’s transformation and operational effectiveness.

The COAS charged beneficiary personnel and their commanders to maintain a strong culture of discipline, accountability and proper maintenance to preserve the facilities for long-term use. The commissioning reinforces the Nigerian Army’s Soldiers First Concept, which places the welfare, wellbeing and professional developmen