Air Strikes Destroy ISWAP Boats, Kill Scores in Lake Chad

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

Scores of ISWAP fighters have been killed and their waterway logistics network destroyed following precision air strikes by troops of Operation HADIN KAI around the Lake Chad axis in Borno State.

According to a statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the strikes were carried out during sustained overnight operations on April 21 and 22, 2026, targeting terrorist activities around Kaniram Island.

The statement said air assets, acting on Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) inputs, identified over 30 boats used by the террористs for movement and resupply along the waterways.

After confirming the targets in line with rules of engagement, the military launched coordinated precision strikes that destroyed several of theboats and disrupted the logistics hub, significantly reducing the group’s mobility and operational capacity.

Further strikes were conducted on fleeing elements within nearby vegetation, leading to the killing of more than 30 fighters, while surviving members were seen fleeing in disarray.

In a related operation, precision strikes were also carried out at Sowolwolo in the Sambisa Forest, where three gun trucks were destroyed and additional fighters neutralised.

Battle damage assessments indicated heavy losses, with intelligence reports pointing to mass burial activities by ISWAP elements around the Mallam Fatori axis.

The military said ground troops are currently exploiting the gains from the air strikes to secure surrounding areas and prevent regrouping by fleeing insurgents.

It added that the operations demonstrate sustained pressure on terrorist networks through coordinated air and ground efforts, while urging troops to maintain momentum in ongoing offensives.