Military Air Strike Kills Over 40 ISWAP Fighters, Destroys Vehicles in Badu Village in Borno

By Zagazola Makama

A preliminary intelligence assessment has indicated that a military air strikes on an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) position at Badu village, south of Gudumbali in Borno State, killed more than 40 fighters and destroyed two vehicles and about 20 motorcycles.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the strike, conducted on Oct. 10, targeted a concentration of ISWAP’s elite Murabitun fighters believed to have been deployed in the area for mobile patrols and surveillance.

According to the preliminary intelligence report, a prominent Qaid (commander) was among those reportedly killed, while the majority of the casualties were recorded inside and around a building hit during the air operation.

The Murabitun fighters are described as an elite mobile patrol element of ISWAP, typically deployed for periods of two to four weeks to conduct opportunistic attacks and provide early warning along the Gudumbali–Kukawa–Gajiram corridor.

Their reported mission in the area is to deter the advance of Nigerian troops towards the Lake Chad region.

Sources further said that ISWAP elements arriving from the Lake Chad area visited Badu at first light on Oct. 11 to evacuate surviving casualties and recover those affected by the strike.

The sources also alleged that the arriving fighters engaged Fulani herders around the abandoned village.

Further details on the incident, including the circumstances surrounding the reported engagement with the herders, were still being awaited as of the latest intelligence update.

Military Air Strike Kills Over 40 ISWAP Fighters, Destroys Vehicles in Badu Village in Borno

Brig.-Gen. Ayoola Takes Over as Chief of Staff of Operation Enduring Peace

By Zagazola Makama

Brig.-Gen. T.A. Ayoola has taken over as the Chief of Staff of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) from Brig.-Gen. M.S. Sule in Jos, Plateau State.

The handing and taking over ceremony took place at about 1:00 p.m. on Oct. 10 at the Headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace, Jos.

Security sources said the ceremony was conducted smoothly, marking the formal transfer of responsibilities from the outgoing Chief of Staff to his successor.
Brig.-Gen. Sule handed over the position to Brig.-Gen. Ayoola during the brief ceremony.l

Operation Enduring Peace is responsible for security operations aimed at maintaining peace and stability across its area of responsibility in Plateau State and surrounding communities.

Brig.-Gen. Ayoola Takes Over as Chief of Staff of Operation Enduring Peace

COAS Deepens Military-Traditional Institution Partnership for National Security

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with traditional institutions and host communities to enhance intelligence gathering and national security.

Shaibu gave the assurance on Friday, Oct. 9, when he paid homage to the Andoma of Doma Kingdom, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr Ahmadu Aliyu Ogga Onawo, at his palace in Doma, Nasarawa State.

The COAS was in Doma for the graduation ceremony of an elite Special Forces Battalion trained at the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in the kingdom.

He acknowledged the strategic role of traditional institutions and host communities in intelligence gathering, early warning, community trust and the promotion of sustainable peace.

Shaibu appreciated the Andoma and the people of Doma for their continued support and hospitality, stressing that a whole-of-society approach remained vital to addressing contemporary security challenges.

He noted that cooperation between the military, traditional rulers and local communities was essential to strengthening security operations and building public confidence.

In his response, the Andoma commended the COAS for his leadership and the establishment of the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Doma, describing the facility as a significant contribution to the kingdom.

The traditional ruler pledged the continued support of the institution and the people of Doma to the Nigerian Army, while offering prayers for lasting peace, stability and security across the country.

The visit underscores the importance of civil-military cooperation and the role of traditional institutions in supporting security efforts and fostering peaceful coexistence in host communities.

COAS Deepens Military-Traditional Institution Partnership for National Security