By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) under Operation HADIN KAI have recorded major operational successes across the region, neutralising key terrorist figures, disrupting insurgent activities and foiling criminal operations through sustained intelligence-driven actions.
In a significant breakthrough contained in a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba,
Media Information Officer Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, the military intelligence confirmed the killing of Julaibib, a top Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle. He was eliminated during an encounter around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State on January 30, 2026.
Further reports revealed that his death has thrown ISWAP elements in the area into disarray, with several fighters also neutralised during the operation. The development is seen as a major blow to the group’s command and control structure in the North-East.
In another operation carried out in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, troops neutralised three terrorists during a well-coordinated ambush between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in Borno State.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba said that, acting on credible intelligence, troops laid an ambush along an identified insurgent route, engaging the terrorists with superior firepower. Two AK-47 rifles were recovered, while surviving insurgents fled with gunshot injuries.
Similarly, on January 29, troops deployed at Tsokorok in Gwoza Local Government Area encountered Boko Haram/ISWAP elements. The terrorists were forced to retreat after a fierce engagement, leaving one fighter dead. Two motorcycles were recovered, and no casualties were recorded among the troops.
The operation also extended into Adamawa State, where troops responded swiftly to a distress call from the Barama community in the Mubi North Local Government Area, foiling an armed robbery attempt.
Two suspects were arrested while attempting to attack a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi. Items recovered included cutlasses, laptops, mobile phones and a power bank. The suspects were handed over to the police for further investigation.
Earlier, on January 28, troops working alongside local vigilantes conducted a fighting patrol along the Amtasa–Washim axis in Hong Local Government Area. During the patrol, they engaged terrorists in a gun battle, forcing them to withdraw. A woman abducted by the insurgents was rescued, while arms and ammunition, including an AK-47 rifle and an SMG rifle, were recovered.
Military authorities said the security situation across the theatre remains stable, stressing that Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to protecting lives and property, dismantling terrorist networks and working with local communities and stakeholders to restore lasting peace and economic stability in the North-East.
