The Defence Headquarters has said troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralised no fewer than 100 terrorists, including a top commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province, during coordinated operations across the North-East in the first quarter of 2026.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists in Abuja, noting that the operations dealt a significant blow to insurgent networks operating in the region.
He said the sustained offensive targeted remnants of Boko Haram, ISWAP and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad across Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba and Yobe states.
According to him, troops, backed by air components, conducted precision strikes on insurgents’ enclaves in remote and border communities, eliminating several high-profile commanders and scores of fighters.
“During the quarter, troops neutralised several terrorist leaders and scores of fighters, arrested 174 suspects and rescued kidnapped victims,” Onoja said.
He added that 19 insurgents and their family members surrendered within the period, bringing the total number of surrendered terrorists to over 122,800.
The defence spokesperson further revealed that ISWAP confirmed the death of one of its senior commanders, Abu Ya’yar al-Muhajir, describing the development as a major setback for the group.
Onoja said the killing underscored the military’s growing success in dismantling the leadership structure of terrorist organisations in the North-East.
Giving a breakdown of operations in March, he said troops eliminated top commanders identified as Saddam, Sandy, Gary, Kagu and Baha’i Pembe during a precision strike on the Sambisa Forest.
He added that troops also repelled coordinated ISWAP attacks in Gajiram, Baga, Marte and Monguno, while foiling a planned drone attack in Malam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area.
“In Malam Fatori, troops neutralised 74 terrorists and recovered weapons during the encounter,” he said.
Onoja also disclosed that on March 11, troops killed over 20 insurgents, including a high-value target, Abu Yusuf, during a night operation in Yobe State, adding that 14 fighters surrendered within the same period.
He said the military had continued to degrade terrorist logistics by intercepting fuel supplies and arresting collaborators aiding insurgents.
The DHQ reiterated its commitment to sustaining the offensive against insurgents and restoring lasting peace to the North-East.
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