Fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been seen burying dozens of their members following a series of Nigerian Air Force airstrikes that reportedly struck terrorist positions in parts of northern Borno State, in what security sources describe as one of the most intense recent interdiction operations in the region.
What happened
The footage, which surfaced on X (formerly Twitter), was shared by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama and appears to show ISWAP operatives conducting mass burial rites after sustaining heavy losses from coordinated air operations carried out under Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East theatre.
The development comes shortly after reports that the Nigerian Air Force carried out precision strikes targeting terrorist hideouts along waterways and forested areas, following intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) monitoring of suspected ISWAP movement in the Kaniram Island axis and surrounding locations.
How the operation unfolded
Security sources said ISR platforms first detected unusual movement of approximately 31 boats along a riverbank, with activity patterns consistent with armed terrorist logistics operations. After confirmation of the targets, the Air Force reportedly launched precision strikes in line with established engagement protocols.
The first wave of strikes disrupted the terrorists’ movement network and damaged several boats believed to be used for transportation and supply operations across waterways in the area. According to the account, follow-up surveillance showed attempts by surviving fighters to regroup in nearby vegetation, prompting additional targeted strikes.
A second round of precision attacks reportedly neutralised about eight fighters, while a third strike hit another group of roughly 15 militants who had taken cover under dense tree cover. Battle Damage Assessment later confirmed significant casualties, with remaining fighters seen dispersing from surrounding hideouts.
Burial video and battlefield aftermath
In the video now circulating online, ISWAP members are seen burying what is believed to be about 30 of their fighters in the Mallam Fatori axis, an area frequently linked to insurgent movement and cross-border activity in Borno State.
Security sources cited by Makama said the burials followed sustained aerial pressure that left the group with heavy operational losses, forcing them to conduct emergency rites for fallen members in the aftermath of the strikes.
The Nigerian military has continued its air and ground operations across the North-East, targeting insurgent enclaves and supply routes in a bid to weaken their mobility and logistics capacity.
VIDEO: ISWAP Buries 30 Fighters After Devastating NAF Airstrikes in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have reportedly buried about 30 of their members following devastating airstrikes by the Nigerian military in parts of… pic.twitter.com/TdKnc6x0pN
— Zagazola (@ZagazOlaMakama) April 22, 2026