BREAKING:Joint Nigeria-US Operations Deal Heavy Blow to ISWAP, Eliminate Top Commander and Dozens of Fighters
Joint Nigeria-US Operations Deal Heavy Blow to ISWAP, Eliminate Top Commander and Dozens of Fighters
Nigerian troops under Operation HADIN KAI, working alongside United States security partners, have recorded a significant breakthrough in counter-terrorism operations with the killing of a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, Abubakar Mainok, also known as Abor Mainok.
Security sources said the insurgent leader was neutralised during a targeted air operation on a hideout within the Lake Chad Islands, an area long regarded as a strategic base for terrorist activities. Mainok was reportedly responsible for coordinating ISWAP operations across Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon.
Also reportedly killed during the operation were Abu Huraira, identified as the commander of Tumbun Motao; Ba Yuram, who oversaw logistics and procurement activities across the Lake Chad Basin; and Malam Haruna, described as the terrorist leader’s personal bodyguard.
Intelligence sources further indicated that internal divisions within ISWAP’s hierarchy have intensified in recent months, forcing some commanders to abandon parts of the Lake Chad region. One senior figure, Abubakar Buduma, was reportedly injured in an earlier strike and later died from wounds sustained after an operation conducted on May 23, 2026.
In a related development, another coordinated Nigeria-US airstrike targeted a terrorist stronghold in Arege, located in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, where 21 suspected insurgents were reportedly neutralised.
The operation, carried out on May 30 following intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, focused on a camp allegedly used by insurgents to coordinate attacks and plan operations within the Lake Chad region.
Military sources described the mission as intelligence-driven and designed to disrupt terrorist networks, destroy operational bases and restrict insurgents’ movement across the North-East.
Security officials believe the recent operations underscore increasing cooperation between Nigerian forces and international partners, while further weakening insurgent capabilities in parts of the Lake Chad Basin where extremist groups continue attempts to regroup and launch attacks.
Benita Ibrahim
