By Bavoriat Clara
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded significant operational successes across the North-East region, neutralising high-value terrorist targets, disrupting insurgent networks, and foiling criminal activities through sustained, intelligence-driven operations.
In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, 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 kingpin was eliminated during an encounter around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State on 30 January 2026.
According to the statement, further intelligence revealed that the successful elimination of the ISWAP commander has thrown terrorist elements in the area into disarray, with several fighters reportedly neutralised during the operation. The development is described as 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, neutralised three terrorists during a well-coordinated ambush between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in Borno State. The operation followed credible intelligence on insurgent movements along the route. Troops tactically laid an ambush 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 ongoing efforts to deny terrorists freedom of movement and degrade their operational capabilities across the theatre.
Further consolidating these gains, troops deployed in an ambush position at Tsokorok in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State engaged Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on 29 January 2026. During the encounter, the terrorists were forced to withdraw after one of them was neutralised. No casualties were recorded on the side of the troops, while 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 in Mubi North Local Government Area, successfully foiling an armed robbery attempt. Two 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 of Adamawa State. 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 and recovered one AK-47 rifle with registration number 2056792, two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one SMG rifle, and 42 rounds of assorted ammunition.
The statement noted that the general security situation across the theatre remains stable, adding that Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property, dismantling terrorist networks, and working closely with local communities and critical security stakeholders to restore lasting peace and economic stability across the North-East region.
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