By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded a string of significant operational successes across the North-East, neutralising high-value terrorist targets, disrupting insurgent networks and foiling criminal activities through sustained, intelligence-driven operations.
In a major breakthrough, intelligence has confirmed the killing of Julaibib, a top ISWAP commander operating within the Gujba axis of the notorious Timbuktu Triangle. The terrorist leader was neutralised during an encounter around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State on 30 January 2026. Confirming the development in a signed statement, the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed that further intelligence revealed that the elimination of Julaibib had thrown ISWAP elements in the area into disarray, with several fighters reportedly neutralised during the operation. According to him, the development represents a major blow to the command and control structure of ISWAP within the region.
In a related operation aimed at further degrading insurgent capabilities, troops of OPHK, working in close 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 the movement of insurgents within the area. Acting on the intelligence, troops tactically laid an ambush along the identified route and engaged the terrorists with effective firepower. Three insurgents were neutralised during the engagement, while others escaped with gunshot injuries. Two AK-47 rifles were recovered at the scene. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to deny terrorists freedom of movement and systematically degrade their operational capacity across the theatre.
Further consolidating these gains, troops deployed in an ambush position at Tsokorok in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State came in contact with Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on 29 January 2026. The ambush team engaged the terrorists decisively, forcing them to withdraw. One terrorist was neutralised during the encounter, with no casualties recorded on the side of the troops. Two motorcycles used by the terrorists were recovered from the scene.
Troops also recorded multiple successes in Adamawa State within the same period. On 29 January 2026, OPHK troops responded swiftly to a distress call from Barama community in Mubi North Local Government Area, foiling an armed robbery attempt. Two armed robbery suspects who were 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 promptly 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 included 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, the 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 successfully rescued a woman who had been abducted by the terrorists. In addition, one AK-47 rifle with registration number 2056792 and two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one SMG rifle and 42 rounds of assorted ammunition were recovered.
Overall, the general security situation across the theatre remains stable. Operation HADIN KAI has reiterated its resolve to remain relentless in protecting lives and property, dismantling terrorist and criminal networks, and working closely with local communities and other critical security stakeholders to restore lasting peace and economic stability across the North-East region.
