22/04/2026
VIDEO: ISWAP Buries 30 Fighters After Devastating NAF Airstrikes in Borno
Fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have reportedly buried around 30 of their members following devastating airstrikes by the Nigerian military in parts of northern Borno State.
Credible military sources told Zagazola Makama that the terrorists conducted burial rites in the Mallam Fatori axis after a series of precision air interdiction missions under Operation HADIN KAI.
The sources revealed that the strikes were carried out following intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) reports that confirmed the movement of ISWAP fighters along the waterways around Kaniram Island.
An ISR platform had earlier spotted over 30 boats lined up along the riverbank, with significant human activity indicating that terrorists were coordinating logistics and movement in the area.
After positive identification of the targets, Nigerian air assets conducted multiple precision strikes.
“The initial strike disrupted and destroyed several of the boats used by the terrorists for transportation and logistics,” a source said.
Subsequent strikes targeted fleeing and regrouping fighters who had taken cover in nearby vegetation, resulting in further neutralisation of ISWAP members.
According to Battle Damage Assessment (BDA), more than 30 terrorists were killed in the engagements, while several others were observed escaping into nearby hideouts.
Further intelligence, including post-strike imagery and intercepted visuals, later confirmed that ISWAP members carried out mass burial rites for their slain fighters in the Mallam Fatori axis.
“The burial activities observed serve as clear confirmation of the scale of losses inflicted on the terrorist group,” the source added.
In a related development, additional strikes were conducted in nearby locations, including Sowolwolo, where another group of terrorists was engaged and eliminated.
Military authorities stated that the sustained air operations have significantly degraded the operational capabilities of ISWAP elements in the Lake Chad region, particularly their mobility and ability to coordinate attacks.
The Nigerian military reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining relentless pressure on terrorist groups and consolidating the gains achieved in ongoing operations aimed at restoring peace and stability in the North East.
