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 activities, and foiling criminal operations through sustained, intelligence-driven engagements.
In a major breakthrough, intelligence has confirmed the killing of JULAIBIB, a top Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle. The terrorist leader was neutralised during an encounter around Kimba, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, on 30 January 2026.
A statement issued and signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, and made available to newsmen in Maiduguri, revealed that the elimination of the ISWAP commander has thrown terrorist elements in the area into disarray. Several fighters were reportedly neutralised during the operation.
The development represents a major blow to the command-and-control structure of ISWAP within the region.
In a related operation, troops of OPHK, working in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), neutralised three terrorists during a well-coordinated ambush between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in Borno State.
The operation followed credible intelligence on insurgent movements in the area. Troops tactically laid an ambush along the identified route and engaged the terrorists with effective firepower, resulting in the neutralisation of three insurgents, while others fled with gunshot injuries. Two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the scene.
The operation forms part of sustained efforts to deny terrorists freedom of movement and degrade their operational capabilities across the theatre.
Further consolidating these gains, on 29 January 2026, troops deployed in an ambush position at Tsokorok, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, came in contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists. The ambush team engaged the terrorists, forcing them to withdraw.
One terrorist was neutralised during the encounter, with no casualties recorded on the side of the troops. Two motorcycles were recovered from the scene.
Meanwhile, troops also recorded multiple successes in Adamawa State. On 29 January 2026, troops responded swiftly to a distress call from Barama community, Mubi North Local Government Area, successfully foiling an armed robbery attempt.
Two armed robbery suspects attempting to attack a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, were arrested. One of the suspects sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh while attempting to confront the troops and was evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre, Mubi, for treatment.
The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation. Items recovered from them include three cutlasses, two laptops, four mobile phones, and one power bank.
Earlier, on 28 January 2026, troops, in conjunction with local vigilantes, conducted a fighting patrol along the Amtasa–Washim axis in Hong Local Government Area.
During the patrol, troops made contact with terrorists and engaged them with a high volume of fire, forcing the terrorists to withdraw in disarray. The patrol team also rescued a woman abducted by the terrorists.
Additionally, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle (Reg. No. 2056792) with two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one SMG rifle, and 42 rounds of assorted ammunition.
The general security situation across the theatre remains stable, as Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in its commitment to protect lives and property, dismantle terrorist networks, and work closely with local communities and critical security stakeholders to restore lasting peace and economic stability across the North-East region.