ISWAP Commander, 30 Terrorists Crushed in Daring Military Raid

ISWAP Commander, 30 Terrorists Crushed in Daring Military Raid

ISWAP has suffered a major blow as Nigerian troops killed one of its top commanders, Malam Jidda, along with over 30 of his fighters in a powerful military operation across parts of Yobe and Borno States.

The Nigerian Army, operating under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), carried out the joint air and ground assault in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe and the notorious Timbuktu Triangle in Borno. This bold mission, backed by the Air Component of OPHK, dealt a heavy blow to the terrorist group that has caused pain and fear across the Northeast.

Malam Jidda, the Ameer of Ngorgore and Malumti villages, was a well-known figure within ISWAP. According to the army, he was behind many brutal attacks and oversaw terror campaigns targeting civilians and security agents. His reign of terror ended when he faced a superior Nigerian force during a fierce firefight in Ngazalgana, Gujba.

Troops overpowered the terrorists using strong firepower and tactical coordination. During the combat, many insurgents were killed. A few tried to escape but fled with gunshot wounds as the military pushed deeper into their hideouts.

The statement from Reuben Kovangiya, acting deputy director of Army Public Relations, confirmed the successful operation. He said troops conducted follow-up missions after the initial clash and cornered more terrorists during a snap ambush in the Timbuktu Triangle.

This triangle has long served as a base for terrorist operations. With tight bush paths and rough terrain, insurgents had used the area to regroup, plan ambushes, and escape from military pressure. But this time, the Nigerian forces disrupted their plans.

In a sweep through the Mallamfatori area of Abadam, which had recently seen heavy military activity, soldiers found the bodies of more neutralised terrorists. Alongside the corpses were dangerous weapons and equipment that would have otherwise been used to launch more attacks.

Items recovered included AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade tubes, hand grenades, motorcycle transport, hand-held radios, boxes of ammunition, and other logistical tools.

The army spokesman explained that this mission shows how strong and effective the current counter-terrorism approach has become. With coordinated air strikes and aggressive troop action, the military has improved its ability to strike ISWAP cells fast and hard.

“The renewed offensive underlines the effectiveness of the ongoing counter-insurgency efforts by Operation Hadin Kai, supported by precise and timely air strikes,” Kovangiya said.

He assured that the Theatre Command remains committed to wiping out both ISWAP and Boko Haram, restoring peace to communities, and making sure the Northeast is safe again.

For families who live in the shadow of ISWAP terror, this news brings some relief.

“We just want to sleep without hearing gunshots,” said a father of three from Borno, who requested not to be named. “This gives us hope again.”

Years of violence have forced many families to abandon their homes and farmland. Schools have shut down, markets destroyed, and communities scattered. Children grow up knowing the sounds of explosions more than lullabies. But the fall of a key commander like Jidda may change that story.

In towns once overrun by insurgents, word of the operation is spreading quickly. Some residents are already thinking of returning home. For others, it’s a moment of cautious celebration — hoping this is a sign of lasting change.

The military has urged citizens in nearby areas to remain alert and report any wounded persons or suspicious activities. Some insurgents are believed to have escaped the raid and might still be hiding in surrounding communities.

This operation also shows a growing strength in how air and ground troops work together. Unlike older campaigns where delays and gaps allowed insurgents to regroup, Operation Hadin Kai now strikes with better timing, better weapons, and sharper focus.

Security analysts say this recent raid sends a strong message to ISWAP. Losing a commander like Malam Jidda and more than 30 foot soldiers will likely shake the group’s morale and break its chain of command in those regions.

But they warn the military must not relax. ISWAP has shown in the past that it can rebound quickly unless pressure is maintained. Constant surveillance, community cooperation, and support for troops are key to stopping their return.

Meanwhile, humanitarian workers in the region see this as a chance to re-engage communities affected by years of displacement. With better security, aid can reach camps, schools can reopen, and displaced people can rebuild their lives.

“We need to follow military victories with rebuilding,” said a field worker for a humanitarian group in Maiduguri. “That’s how we end this war — by helping people stand again.”

Though the operation is just one piece in a long battle, its success has raised national confidence. Social media platforms have filled with messages of praise for the troops, urging them to keep the momentum going.

What this moment reveals is not just military strength but also the heart of Nigerians who continue to hold on — farmers who want to work again, mothers who want safety for their children, and young people who want peace.

ISWAP may have ruled some areas with fear, but now, Nigerian forces are writing a new chapter — one where hope replaces terror, and strength brings peace.