Troops of the Joint Task Force North East under Operation Hadin Kai have recorded significant operational breakthroughs across the region, dealing decisive blows to terrorist networks, dismantling insurgent activities, and preventing criminal plots through consistent, intelligence-led operations.
In a press briefing, the Media Information Officer of the Theatre Command, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, disclosed that confirmed intelligence led to the killing of Julaibib, a senior ISWAP commander active within the Gujba corridor of the notorious Timbuktu Triangle.
He explained that the high-ranking insurgent was taken out during a clash around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State on January 30, 2026.
According to Uba, subsequent intelligence reports indicated that the removal of the commander caused serious disruption among ISWAP fighters in the area, with several members of the group also reportedly neutralised during the encounter.
“This significant development represents a major blow to the command-and-control structure of ISWAP in the region,” the statement read in part.
In another operation, Uba revealed that troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in joint action with the Civilian Joint Task Force, eliminated three terrorists in a carefully planned ambush between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in Borno State.
He noted that the success followed reliable intelligence on the movement of insurgents within the area.
“Troops tactically laid an ambush along the identified route and engaged the terrorists with effective firepower, resulting in the neutralisation of three insurgents, while others fled with gunshot injuries. Two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the scene,” he said.
He added that the action was part of ongoing efforts aimed at restricting terrorist mobility and weakening their operational strength across the theatre of operations.
In a similar incident on January 29, 2026, troops positioned in an ambush at Tsokorok in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State made contact with BH/ISWAP elements.
The soldiers engaged the insurgents, compelling them to retreat. One terrorist was neutralised during the exchange, while the troops recorded no casualties. Two motorcycles were recovered from the location.
Earlier, on January 28, 2026, troops working alongside local vigilantes carried out a fighting patrol along the Amtasa–Washim axis in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
During the patrol, contact was made with terrorists, and a heavy exchange of fire forced the insurgents to withdraw in a disorganised manner.
The patrol team also rescued a woman who had been abducted by the terrorists and recovered one AK-47 rifle (Reg. No. 2056792) with two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one SMG rifle, and 42 rounds of assorted ammunition.
What you should know
Operation Hadin Kai remains Nigeria’s primary military campaign against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East.
The reported killing of a senior ISWAP commander is a strategic gain, as such figures play key roles in coordinating attacks and maintaining control over fighters. Intelligence-driven operations, often involving collaboration with civilian groups, have become central to weakening insurgent networks.
These recent actions highlight ongoing efforts by security forces to limit terrorist movement, recover weapons, rescue abducted civilians, and gradually restore stability across affected communities in Borno and Adamawa states.
