By Gabriel Ameh
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have recorded significant operational successes across the North-East, neutralising high-value terrorist targets, disrupting insurgent movements, and foiling criminal activities through sustained intelligence-led operations.
In a major breakthrough, intelligence sources confirmed the killing of a senior ISWAP commander, identified as Julaibib, who operated within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle. He was neutralised during a military encounter around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State on January 30, 2026.
This was contained in a statement signed by Sani Uba Lieutenant Colonel Media Information Officer Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, 31 January 2026
According to the statement the security sources indicated that the development has disrupted ISWAP activities in the area, with several fighters reportedly eliminated during the engagement. The operation is considered a significant setback to the group’s command structure within the region.
In a related operation, OPHK troops, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, neutralised three terrorists during a coordinated ambush between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in Borno State. Acting on credible intelligence regarding insurgent movement, troops strategically positioned along the route and engaged the group, forcing others to flee with gunshot wounds. Two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the scene.
Similarly, on January 29, troops deployed in an ambush position at Tsokorok in Gwoza Local Government Area came into contact with Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters. The troops engaged the insurgents, forcing their withdrawal. One terrorist was neutralised, and two motorcycles were recovered, with no casualties recorded among the troops.
In Adamawa State, troops also recorded notable successes. On January 29, soldiers responded to a distress call from Barama community in Mubi North Local Government Area, thwarting an attempted armed robbery. Two suspects allegedly attempting to rob a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, were arrested. One of the suspects sustained a gunshot injury during the encounter and was taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Mubi, for treatment.
The suspects were later handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation. Items recovered included three cutlasses, two laptops, four mobile phones, and a power bank.
Earlier, on January 28, troops in conjunction with local vigilantes conducted a fighting patrol along the Amtasa–Washim axis in Hong Local Government Area. During the patrol, troops engaged terrorists, forcing them to retreat.
The patrol team also rescued a woman reportedly abducted by the insurgents and recovered an AK-47 rifle, a submachine gun, and assorted ammunition.
Military authorities noted that the general security situation across the theatre remains stable as Operation Hadin Kai continues efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, protect communities, and restore peace and stability across the North-East.
