Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have recorded major successes in ongoing counter-insurgency operations, including the elimination of a top Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander and the disruption of criminal activities across parts of Borno and Adamawa states.
In a major breakthrough, military intelligence confirmed the killing of Julaibib, a senior ISWAP commander operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle. He was neutralised during an encounter with troops around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State on January 30, 2026.
Confirming the development, the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said the operation dealt a severe blow to the command and control structure of the terrorist group in the area, throwing its fighters into disarray, with several others reportedly neutralised.
In another operation, troops working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force neutralised three terrorists in a well-coordinated ambush between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in Borno State. The operation followed credible intelligence on insurgent movements, leading to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles.
Further consolidating the gains, troops also engaged Boko Haram and ISWAP elements at Tsokorok in Gwoza Local Government Area on January 29, forcing them to retreat. One terrorist was neutralised during the encounter, while two motorcycles were recovered by the troops.
Meanwhile, in Adamawa State, troops foiled an armed robbery attempt in Barama community, Mubi North Local Government Area, following a distress call. Two suspects who allegedly attempted to attack 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 before being handed over to the police for further investigation. Items recovered included cutlasses, laptops, mobile phones, and a power bank.
Earlier, on January 28, troops, in collaboration with local vigilantes, carried out a fighting patrol along the Amtasa–Washim axis in Hong Local Government Area. During the patrol, they engaged terrorists, rescued an abducted woman, and recovered firearms and ammunition.
The military authorities said the general security situation across the North-East remains stable, assuring residents of continued efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting peace in the region.
