Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have neutralised eight suspected Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, fighters in a precision airstrike in the Timbuktu Triangle of Borno State.
The operation followed credible intelligence indicating the presence of terrorists at Thethangala, an area within the Timbuktu Triangle.
According to security sources cited by Zagazola Makama, the strike was conducted at about 9:56 p.m. on August 18, 2026, after a Nigerian Air Force Guardian aircraft identified the suspected terrorists.
The sources said eight terrorists were sighted gathered at the location and allegedly preparing to launch an attack on Nigerian troops deployed in the area.
The identified targets were subsequently engaged in a precision airstrike.
A battle damage assessment reportedly confirmed that all eight suspected terrorists were neutralised, with no further movement detected at the location after the strike.
The Timbuktu Triangle remains a significant operational area for ISWAP activities, with security forces continuing efforts to disrupt terrorist formations and prevent attacks on military positions.
The military high command said the overall security situation in the area remained calm but unpredictable, while troops maintained a satisfactory level of morale and operational effectiveness.
Operation HADIN KAI has continued to intensify coordinated ground and air operations across the North-East, targeting terrorist fighters, logistics networks and other operational positions as troops work to prevent insurgents from regrouping and launching further attacks.
