Battle Damage Assessment: How US- Nigerian Airstrikes Killed Scores of ISWAP, Dismantling Logistics Networks in Lake Chad

By: Zagazola Makama 

The Nigerian Military under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in collaboration with United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM) partners, has sustained multiple intelligence-driven airstrikes on ISWAP terrorist enclaves in the Lake Chad region, resulting in significant battlefield degradation, destruction of logistics hubs and neutralisation of scores of fighters.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operations, which began on May 15, 2026, formed part of a coordinated campaign to dicapitate the leadership of the terrorists and dismantle their identified strongholds in the North East. 

Battle damage assessment indicated that four major enclaves were effectively neutralised around Metele in Guzamala Local Government Areas, out of about 15 identified operational positions used by the insurgents across the axis.

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

At Garin Abu Bilal (Sahel), assessment reports confirmed the neutralisation of a high-profile ISWAP figure identified as Abu Bilal Al-Minuki, otherwise known as Abbor Mainok, who reportedly arrived in the area less than two weeks prior to the strike, alongside three other foreign fighters described as Arab nationals. 

One additional fighter, Abu Sariya, reportedly survived as he was not present during the strike window.

Further assessment indicated that approximately nine prominent operatives, including the foreign fighters, were eliminated in the strike, while about 20 others sustained varying degrees of injuries, severely degrading command presence in the enclave.

The strike also destroyed five operational vehicles loaded with newly acquired weapons and concealed logistical supplies, effectively disrupting ongoing resupply efforts.

Intelligence sources further noted that senior ISWAP commanders, including Ba Shuwa and Yaku Abu Adam, visited the site approximately two hours after the strike, indicating the strategic importance of the location within the group’s command structure.

At Garin Ba Bunu, also known as Ba Bunu, battle damage reports confirmed the neutralisation of the coordinator of insurgent taxation networks alongside 26 other fighters. Several others were injured, while key storage facilities containing food supplies were destroyed, significantly affecting sustenance capacity.

A learning centre described as an insurgent “madrasat” was also struck, with unconfirmed numbers of fighters neutralised, further impacting ideological and recruitment structures.

At Satir-Kanama, assessment revealed the destruction of a major logistics warehouse containing motorcycles, engines, batteries, welding equipment and mechanical tools. Approximately six insurgents were killed in the strike, while 29 motorcycles and associated logistics equipment were destroyed, crippling mobility and repair capabilities.

Similarly, at Kwatan Fulani, described as a commercial logistics hub, airstrikes destroyed two fighting vehicles, including one towing another, with three fighters neutralised on board. Over 30 shops, including food depots and fuel storage points, were also destroyed, severely disrupting economic and supply chains within the enclave.

Overall assessment across the strike zones indicates that between 15 and 20 additional insurgents were neutralised beyond the confirmed site-specific figures, further compounding losses suffered by the group during the operation.

However, sources confirmed that several major ISWAP strongholds, including Bakassi, Dogon Chukun, Main Mangari, Tumbun Jakara and Kangarwa, remained operational at the time of reporting. These locations are believed to host leadership elements, weapons stockpiles, fighters, and improvised explosive device (IED) fabrication materials, including suspected vehicle-borne IED preparations in Main Mangari.

Security authorities stated that the sustained air campaign is part of ongoing joint efforts by Nigerian forces and international partners to degrade insurgent capabilities, dismantle logistics networks, and restore stability across the Lake Chad basin.

They added that follow-up surveillance, reconnaissance and pressure operations would continue to ensure complete neutralisation of remaining insurgent enclaves in the region.

Sources said that follow-up surveillance and pressure operations would continue across identified enclaves in the region.