In a significant uptick in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, Nigeria’s military has released the names of 30 high-profile Boko Haram, ISWAP, and bandit commanders eliminated in nationwide operations since 2023.

This comes amid mounting evidence that the command hierarchy of insurgent groups across the North has taken a serious hit.

During his 2024 Independence Day national broadcast, President Bola Tinubu announced that the military has wiped out more than 300 commanders in the Northeast, Northwest, and beyond within a year.

The Defence Headquarters had earlier confirmed that more than 500 known and wanted leaders and commanders of terrorist groups, violent extremist organisations, and criminal gangs were neutralised in battlefield operations between January and December 2024.

Military authorities say the elimination of these individuals followed months of intelligence-led operations involving coordinated air and ground offensives.

Among those neutralised were high-profile commanders, including Damina Hannungiwa Bindin, Kachalla Halilu Sabubu, Ali Kawaje Madada, Yallo Nagoshi Madada, and Mai Kusa Katsina.

Also listed were Haruna Isya Boderi, Buharin Yadi, Munzir Arika, and Ameer Modu. Others included Kachalla Nagala Jabbi, Kachalla Sani Black, Kachalla Balejo, and Kachalla Uban Gida.

Additional eliminations cited include Lamo Saude, Abu Bilal Manuki, Alhaji Baldu Madaci, Kachalla Idi (Namaidaro), and Gambo Kawaje Madada.

The list further names Kachalla Kabiru (Doka), Maza Barume Madaro, Kachalla Alhaji Dayi, Sani Wala Burki, Kachalla Dogo Kwaddi, Chairman Hanazuwa, Kachalla Bandiyo, Maiyara Madaci, Alhaji Karki, Kachalla Makore, and Kachalla Azarailu, totalling 30 individuals.

With the 30 publicly named terror leaders, Nigeria has again struck deeply into the command structure of Boko Haram, ISWAP, and bandit groups.

This blow to their leadership comes as Nigeria continues to face ongoing attacks. In Borno State, for example, the army recently killed 76 insurgents in operations between January 7 and 13, 2025, rescued eight hostages, arrested 72 suspects, and recovered arms and ammunition.

Analysts caution, however, that despite these gains, the threat of resurgence, especially in hotspots like Maiduguri, remains real.

See the full list here: