Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
AT least five terrorists, including a top commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have been neutralised by troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in a series of coordinated operations across Borno and Adamawa states.
The most significant of the recent successes was the killing of Julaibib, a high-value ISWAP commander operating within the Gujba axis of the notorious Timbuktu Triangle.
He was neutralised during a fierce encounter around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State on 30 January 2026.
Intelligence reports confirmed that the operation also led to the neutralisation of several other fighters, throwing ISWAP elements in the area into disarray and dealing a major blow to the group’s command and control structure.
In a related operation, OPHK troops, working alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force, neutralised three terrorists during a well-executed ambush between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in Borno State.
Acting on credible intelligence, the troops laid in wait along a known terrorist route and engaged the insurgents with effective firepower.
While three were killed, others escaped with gunshot wounds. Two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the scene.
Similarly, on 29 January 2026, troops deployed at Tsokorok in Gwoza Local Government Area engaged Boko Haram/ISWAP elements during another ambush operation.
One terrorist was neutralised, while the rest fled under pressure. No casualties were recorded among the troops, and two motorcycles were recovered.
Beyond counter-terrorism operations, troops also recorded notable successes against criminal elements in Adamawa State.
On the same day, soldiers responded swiftly to a distress call from Barama community in Mubi North LGA, foiling an armed robbery attempt targeting a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi.
Two robbery suspects were arrested, one of whom sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh while attempting to confront the troops.
The suspect was taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Mubi, for treatment.
Recovered items included three cutlasses, two laptops, four mobile phones and a power bank.
The suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation.
Earlier, on 28 January 2026, troops, in collaboration with local vigilantes, conducted a fighting patrol along the Amtasa–Washim axis in Hong Local Government Area.
During the patrol, the team engaged terrorists, forcing them to withdraw in disarray.
A woman abducted by the insurgents was rescued, while arms and ammunition were recovered, including one AK-47 rifle (Reg. No. 2056792) with two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one SMG rifle, and 42 rounds of assorted ammunition.
According to the military, the overall security situation across the North-East theatre remains stable.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, dismantling terrorist networks, and working closely with local communities and other critical security stakeholders to restore lasting peace and economic stability in the region.
The press statement was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, on 31 January 2026.
