By Chioma Favour
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), under Operation DESERT SANITY V, have dealt a major blow to Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (BH/ISWAP) terrorists during coordinated operations along the Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains axis.
The successful operations, which took place on January 22, 2026, were disclosed in a statement by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.
According to the statement, the terrorists launched a well-coordinated ambush involving roadside improvised explosive devices (RSIEDs) and heavy gunfire. However, troops of Sector 1 swiftly responded with superior firepower, neutralising 10 terrorists, including two senior commanders identified as Basulhu and Ubaida.
The statement added that a follow-up pursuit and exploitation of the area led to the recovery of a cache of arms and logistics, including three AK-47 rifles, one pump-action rifle, five motorcycles, two hand grenades, two Baofeng radios, 12 AK-47 magazines, a rocket-propelled grenade charger, detonation cords, batteries, bandoliers, camel bags, iron bars, and other IED-making materials.
In a separate operation, troops of Sector 1 OPHK also engaged terrorists around the Malkube area, where additional AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and communication equipment were recovered, while two terrorists were neutralised without any casualty to troops.
Earlier the same day, another Sector 1 Battle Group intercepted BH/ISWAP elements attempting to infiltrate Nigerian territory from Cameroon through the Galakura axis, forcing the terrorists to retreat in disarray.
“Further exploitation of the area yielded additional insurgent equipment and supplies, including two motorcycles, thereby denying the terrorists freedom of action,” the statement said.
It added that troops’ morale and combat effectiveness remain high, with operations set to be sustained across the entire North East region.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their gallantry and professionalism, urging them to maintain the current operational tempo until lasting peace is achieved in the region.
