NAF airstrikes decimate ISWAP stronghold in Lake Chad region

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has successfully conducted a precision airstrike that neutralised several high-ranking commanders and fighters of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Lake Chad region.

According to a statement issued on Monday by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, the air interdiction mission was executed on 27 July 2025 and specifically targeted ARINA WOJE, a known ISWAP stronghold in the Southern Tumbuns of Borno State.

The area, long regarded as a sanctuary for insurgent leaders, has served as a major hub for terrorist activity in the region. The mission followed a series of credible Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) sorties that confirmed the return of terrorist elements after recent internal clashes among rival factions.

ISR data revealed increased movement of foot soldiers, the reactivation of abandoned structures, and the concealment of command centres and logistics bases beneath dense vegetation.

Acting on the intelligence, NAF deployed its air assets to conduct a focused strike. Upon arrival, the aircrew acquired and engaged pre-selected targets using precision-guided munitions, delivering significant damage to the insurgents’ infrastructure.

Preliminary battle damage assessment showed that several buildings housing ISWAP leaders, fighters, and logistics supplies were destroyed, thereby disrupting the group’s operational planning and resupply efforts.

Ejodame noted that the mission underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led air operations and reflects the Air Force’s continued commitment to supporting ground troops in restoring peace and security in the region.