The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) reported that members of Operation HADIN KAI eradicated more than 100 terrorists, alongside a prominent ISWAP commander, in the first quarter of 2026.
Major General Michael Onoja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, shared these details during a press conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, emphasizing the military's ongoing commitment to combatting insurgent groups.
The successful military campaign focused on remnants of Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) throughout Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba, and Yobe states.
Onoja highlighted that the troops, supported by air forces, executed precision strikes targeting insurgent hideouts in isolated and border regions.
“Throughout this quarter, many terrorist leaders and numerous combatants were neutralized, with 174 individuals arrested and several kidnapped victims rescued during these operations,” he stated.
Furthermore, 19 insurgents and their families voluntarily surrendered, increasing the total number of surrendering individuals to over 122,800, according to him.
Reports indicate that ISWAP acknowledged the loss of one of their senior leaders, Abu Ya’yar al-Muhajir, which they termed a substantial setback for the organization.
Onoja reaffirmed that such developments reflect the effectiveness of current military operations aimed at dismantling the leadership framework of ISWAP.
Providing specifics on March operations, he mentioned that troops eliminated prominent commanders, including Saddam, Sandy, Gary, Kagu, and Baha’i Pembe, during a precision strike in Sambisa Forest.
Additionally, forces successfully repelled coordinated ISWAP assaults in numerous locations such as Gajiram, Baga, Marte, and Monguno. The defence spokesperson also noted the foiling of a drone attack in Malam Fatori, where 74 terrorists were killed and various weapons were seized.
“On March 11, over 20 terrorists were neutralized in a night operation in Yobe, which included a high-value target, Abu Yusuf,” he added.
The operations also disrupted terrorist logistics by intercepting fuel consignments and arresting those supporting the insurgents.
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