- Troops Record Fresh Victories as Operation Hadin Kai Eliminates ISWAP Leader
- …Recover arms, ammunition
- The military noted that the death of the commander has thrown ISWAP fighters in the area into disarray
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) of the Nigerian military have recorded fresh operational successes across the North-East, including the killing of a top Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, Julaibib, and several other insurgents.
Eko Hot Blog reports that in a statement issued on Friday by the spokesperson of the operation, Lt Col Uba Sani, the military said the latest achievements were the result of sustained, intelligence-driven operations targeting high-value terrorist elements and criminal networks in the region.
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According to the statement, intelligence confirmed that Julaibib, a key ISWAP commander operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle, was neutralised during a military encounter around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State on January 30, 2026.
The military noted that the death of the commander has thrown ISWAP fighters in the area into disarray, with several insurgents reportedly neutralised during the operation, describing the development as a major blow to the group’s command and control structure.
In a related operation, troops of OPHK, working alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force, killed 3 terrorists in a coordinated ambush between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in Borno State.
The ambush followed credible intelligence on insurgent movements, leading to the recovery of 2 AK-47 rifles, while other terrorists fled with gunshot injuries.
Further successes were recorded on January 29, 2026, when troops positioned at Tsokorok in Gwoza Local Government Area engaged Boko Haram and ISWAP elements, forcing them to retreat. One terrorist was neutralised during the encounter, with no casualties recorded among the troops, while 2 motorcycles were recorded.
The operation also extended to Adamawa State, where troops responded swiftly to a distress call from Barama community in Mubi North Local Government Area, foiling an armed robbery attempt.
Two suspects targeting a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, were arrested. One of the suspects sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Mubi, for treatment. Recovered items included 3 cutlasses, 2 laptops, 4 mobile phones, and a power bank.
Earlier, on January 28, 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 troops engaged terrorists, forcing them to withdraw and rescuing a woman abducted by the insurgents. Weapons recovered included one AK-47 rifle with registration number 2056792, one SMG rifle, and 44 rounds of assorted ammunition.
The Theatre Command assured that security across the North-East remains stable, reaffirming the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property, dismantling terrorist networks, and working with local communities and critical stakeholders to restore lasting peace and economic stability in the region.
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