Two top commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Ya Muhammad and Abou Dawuda, have been killed by the Nigerian military in Damboa local government area of Borno state.
The operation was carried out by ground forces in coordination with airstrikes from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The terrorists were neutralised during an attempted attack on Damboa town, which was repelled by the military.
Ya Muhammad, who was identified as the Ameer Fiya of Garno, was reportedly one of five ISWAP commanders leading the assault.
He initially fled the scene with two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), which he hid in the Bula Bukarti forest after two of his fighters were killed.
However, another airstrike targeting the regrouping terrorists struck him down, and his body was later found by fellow insurgents.
His death is said to have caused a stir within ISWAP ranks, as he was linked to several key commanders, including Abu Ayuba, Abu Khalid, and Ameer Sarki.
Military sources said Ya Muhammad was the mastermind behind numerous attacks in Borno and Yobe states, including strikes in Wajiroko, Sabon Gari, and Damboa.
Intelligence reports have also raised concern about regrouping efforts by ISWAP fighters, including Modu Sullum and Abdul Kaka, near the Gaidam axis.
Other senior figures such as Abu Hafsat in Mangusum, bomb-maker Suleimana Suwurti in Gorgore, and several Ameers Fiye and Ameer Jaish Huzaifa in other locations are believed to be regrouping.
Security forces are said to be on high alert, maintaining round-the-clock surveillance in the northeast, particularly around the Lake Chad Basin and Sambisa forest.