Insurgency in Northeast Nigeria

The security situation in Nigeria’s North-East has seen intense activity between insurgent groups and the military. In mid-October, the Nigerian military conducted successful operations against Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram. An airstrike in Borno State’s Guzamala Local Government Area reportedly killed over 40 fighters, including a commander, while separate engagements in Adamawa State resulted in the neutralization of several terrorists and the recovery of weapons.

However, insurgent activity persisted with deadly retaliatory strikes. In Borno State, an attack on Damasak killed at least 18 people and destroyed critical infrastructure, including a police station and a UN humanitarian hub. In Adamawa State, insurgents targeted a military checkpoint in the Gombi Local Government Area, killing five security operatives and damaging an armoured personnel carrier. In response to the escalating violence, Governor Babagana Zulum provided additional security vehicles to support military and local vigilante forces in Borno.

Building on these efforts, the Nigerian Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, conducted a series of air strikes between October 10 and October 18, 2026, which resulted in the deaths of 103 suspected ISWAP terrorists. These operations targeted locations across Borno and Adamawa states, including Gudumbali, Badu, Mairari, and Duste Uku. A precision strike on October 18 in the Arina Woje area of Monguno LGA targeted the alternate residence of Abu Saleem, the ISWAP Wali of South Lake Chad. Military intelligence confirmed the neutralization of high-ranking individuals, including Abul Kissa, a member of the group’s Shura Council, and Jindullah, a prominent fighter. The strikes also destroyed logistics hubs, storage facilities, and equipment, including motorcycles and nine boat engines.