Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai have intensified their counterterrorism campaign under Operation Desert Sanity V, neutralising two senior Boko Haram commanders alongside eight other fighters in coordinated operations across the Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains.
In a press statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Theatre Command, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the operation was said to have occurred in the early hours of Thursday when the terrorists attempted to plant Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along key routes in the area.
“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) operating under Operation DESERT SANITY V delivered a decisive blow to BH/ISWAP terrorists along the Sambisa and Mandara Mountains axis on 22 January 2026. At around 0930 hours, insurgents attempted a well-planned ambush with Roadside Improvised Explosive Devices (RSIED) and heavy gunfire.
“Troops under Sector 1 responded with superior firepower, neutralizing 10 terrorists, including 2 senior commanders identified as Basulhu and Ubaida.
“Follow-up pursuit and exploitation led to the recovery of 3 AK-47 rifles, one pump-action rifle, 5 motorcycles, 2 hand grenades, 2 Baofeng radios, 12 x AK-47 magazines, a Rocket Propelled Grenade charger, detonation cords, batteries, bandoliers, camel bags as well as iron bars and IED accessories”, the statement read in part.
Lt. Col. Uba explained that the successful engagement disrupted the terrorists’ planned ambush and significantly weakened their operational capacity in the axis. He added that troops recovered three AK-47 rifles, one pump-action rifle, five motorcycles, 12 AK-47 magazines, a rocket-propelled grenade charger and other combat and logistics items during the encounter.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 1 also engaged insurgents around the Malkube area in a separate offensive thrust, leading to the recovery of additional AK-47 rifles, ammunition and communication equipment, while two terrorists were neutralised without any casualties recorded among personnel.
“Another Battle Group from Sector 1 engaged BHT/ISWAP elements attempting to infiltrate from Cameroon near Galakura into Nigeria, forcing them to withdraw in disarray,” the statement added.
The military said continued exploitation of the areas led to the recovery of more insurgent supplies, including two motorcycles, further restricting the terrorists’ freedom of movement and ability to regroup within the operational theatre.
What you should know
Operation Desert Sanity V is part of Nigeria’s renewed military push to dismantle Boko Haram and ISWAP strongholds in the North-East.
The neutralisation of senior commanders is considered a major setback for insurgent coordination, as such figures often oversee attacks, logistics, and recruitment.
Sustained operations in the Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains are aimed at denying terrorists safe havens, disrupting supply lines, and restoring long-term security to affected communities.
