The Nigerian military says troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed 16 suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in coordinated air and artillery strikes on three suspected terrorist locations in the Tunbunma area of southern Lake Chad.
The operation was carried out between 1am and 2am on Monday, October 26, 2026, following intelligence reports indicating the presence of key terrorist leaders and fighters in the area.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Acting Military Information Officer at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Captain Mohammed Goni, said the operation involved coordinated engagements using air and ground weapon systems.
According to the military’s battle damage assessment, 16 fighters were killed across the three targeted locations.
Among those reportedly killed were Abu Zubiru, described by the military as an Arab national, and two associates identified as Baana Nglewa and Jindullah Sadiq.
The military also reported that Abu Saleem, identified as the Wali, or leader, of Tunbunma, sustained severe injuries alongside seven other individuals during the strikes.
The latest operation forms part of Operation Hadin Kai’s ongoing campaign against insurgent groups operating in the North-East and the Lake Chad Basin, where security forces continue to target suspected militant hideouts and leadership networks.
The military said it remained committed to intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and restoring peace and normalcy to affected communities.
It also urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.