In a series of recent operations, army Nigeria reported progress against militant groups in the northeast, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Officials disclosed that over the past two weeks, security forces conducted multiple missions across Borno and Yobe states that resulted in decisive blows against the terrorists. These updates were shared during a press briefing held in Abuja, where the Directorate of Army Operations outlined the scope and outcomes of the campaigns that took place between 11 and 25 August.
During the briefing, it was emphasized that a targeted airstrike on August 20 targeted several ISWAP and Boko Haram settlements within the Sambisa and Tumboons forest corridors in Borno state. The operation reportedly eliminated at least 25 terrorists and left 18 others wounded. Among the casualties was a high-ranking commander known by the alias Uzaifa, who occupied a prominent position within ISWAP’s leadership structure. Intelligence assessments suggest the replacement for this role may be operating from the Sambisa forest area as a potential new center of gravity for the group.
Further disclosures revealed ongoing efforts to disrupt command and control networks, with a total of 12 individuals preliminarily identified as members or collaborators detained during the two-week window. In parallel, four civilians were released from captured or at-risk locations as part of humanitarian considerations tied to the operations. The unfolding security operations also yielded important humanitarian returns: authorities reported the handover of approximately 1,652 accompanying family members, including 890 minors, as well as other vulnerable individuals connected to the affected militants.
These results illustrate a broader pattern of persistent counterterrorism activity in the northeast, where Nigerian forces have been conducting coordinated air and ground missions to degrade the capability of Boko Haram and ISWAP. Military spokespeople stressed that the campaigns aim to safeguard communities, restore civilian access to essential services, and disrupt the terrorists’ ability to operate logistics, recruitment, and propaganda networks. Observers note that the emphasis on precise airstrikes combined with targeted arrests reflects an evolving strategy focused on minimizing collateral damage while sustaining pressure on extremist cells.
Analysts also highlighted the importance of intelligence sharing with regional allies and the role of local communities in identifying safe havens and movement patterns used by insurgent groups. The operations reportedly benefited from improved surveillance and rapid response capabilities, enabling forces to respond to emerging threats in real time. While challenges remain, officials expressed confidence that the cumulative effect of these measures would contribute to a more stable security environment for civilians in Borno and Yobe states.