How Nigeria, US Airstrikes Destroyed ISWAP Logistics Hubs, Killed Commander, Fighters In Lake Chad

The Nigerian military under Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with United States Africa Command partners, has sustained intelligence-driven airstrikes on ISWAP enclaves in the Lake Chad region, killing scores of fighters and destroying logistics hubs.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operations, which began on May 15, 2026, were part of a coordinated campaign to weaken ISWAP leadership and dismantle its strongholds in the North-East.

Battle damage assessment showed that four major enclaves around Metele in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State were effectively neutralised.

The affected locations include Garin Abu Bilal, also known as Sahel; Garin Ba Bunu, west of Mangari; Satir-Kanama; and Kwatan Fulani.

The four locations were among about 15 operational positions identified as being used by insurgents in the axis.

At Garin Abu Bilal, assessment reports confirmed the killing of senior ISWAP figure Abu Bilal Al-Minuki, also known as Abbor Mainok, Naija News understands.

Sources said he had arrived in the area less than two weeks before the strike, alongside three foreign fighters described as Arab nationals.

About nine prominent operatives, including the foreign fighters, were reportedly killed, while about 20 others sustained injuries.

The strike also destroyed five operational vehicles loaded with newly acquired weapons and concealed logistics supplies.

At Garin Ba Bunu, the airstrikes reportedly killed the coordinator of ISWAP’s taxation network and 26 other fighters.

Several others were injured, while storage facilities containing food supplies were destroyed.

A learning centre described as an insurgent madrasat was also hit, with an unconfirmed number of fighters reportedly killed.

At Satir-Kanama, the strikes destroyed a major logistics warehouse containing motorcycles, engines, batteries, welding equipment and mechanical tools.

About six insurgents were reportedly killed, while 29 motorcycles and other logistics equipment were destroyed.

Security sources said the destruction weakened ISWAP’s mobility and repair capacity in the Lake Chad axis.

At Kwatan Fulani, described as a commercial logistics hub, airstrikes destroyed two fighting vehicles, including one towing another.

Three fighters were reportedly killed on board.

More than 30 shops, including food depots and fuel storage points, were also destroyed, disrupting economic and supply chains within the enclave.

Security sources said the strikes significantly degraded ISWAP manpower, logistics networks and movement across the affected enclaves.

They added that the destruction of vehicles, food stores, fuel depots and repair facilities would limit the group’s ability to regroup and sustain operations in the Lake Chad region.