The Nigerian military has reportedly carried out air strikes against Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) positions in the Sambisa Forest, Borno State, killing a key commander identified as Qaid Abu Khalid Al Muhajir and eight other fighters.
Security and counter-terrorism analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a post on X, saying the strikes were conducted on Saturday, August 8, 2026, around the Yuwe and Sabil Huda enclaves in the Sambisa Forest.
According to Makama, intelligence from the operation indicated that nine ISWAP fighters were killed, while several others sustained injuries.
Abu Khalid was described as a specialist responsible for providing escorts and coordinating the movement of senior ISWAP commanders and other high-value members of the terrorist organisation.
He was reportedly familiar with routes connecting several ISWAP enclaves and was involved in coordinating tactical movements used by senior commanders and special convoys.
His knowledge of the terrain allegedly allowed senior members of the group to move between locations while reducing their chances of being intercepted by Nigerian security forces.
Makama said some of those affected by the strikes were linked to the ISWAP faction allegedly involved in an ambush on Nigerian troops along the Bita-Yamtage axis in Gwoza Local Government Area.
According to him, the latest intelligence suggested that the operation may have disrupted a broader network of insurgents operating across the Sambisa Forest and Gwoza axis.
“The neutralisation of Abu Khalid is considered significant because of his reported knowledge of the terrain, routes and movement patterns used by ISWAP commanders and special convoys.”
Makama said the commander’s reported role made him an important part of ISWAP’s internal movement network.
“His loss could therefore affect the group’s ability to move senior operatives between its various enclaves, particularly in areas where security forces have intensified surveillance and kinetic operations.”
The reported operation comes amid sustained military pressure on ISWAP and Boko Haram positions across Borno State and the wider Lake Chad region.
Nigerian troops have intensified intelligence-led ground and air operations targeting insurgent hideouts, commanders and logistical networks as part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the North-East.
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