Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have killed a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and disrupted several planned terror attacks across parts of Borno and Adamawa states.
The military disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.
According to the statement, the slain commander, identified as Julaibib, was operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle in Borno State before he was neutralised during a military encounter around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area on January 30, 2026.
“Intelligence has confirmed the killing of Julaibib, a top ISWAP commander operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle, during an encounter around Kimba, Damboa LGA of Borno State,” the statement said.
The military said the operation dealt a significant blow to ISWAP’s command structure in the area, noting that several other fighters were also neutralised.
“The elimination of the terrorist leader has thrown ISWAP elements in the area into disarray, with several fighters reportedly neutralised during the operation,” Uba stated.
In a separate operation conducted in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, troops ambushed terrorists along the Ngazalgana–Lamusheri route in Borno State, killing three insurgents.
“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,” the statement said, adding that two AK-47 rifles were recovered.
The task force also recorded success on January 29 at Tsokorok in Gwoza Local Government Area, where Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters were forced to retreat after a gun battle.
“One terrorist was neutralised, with no casualties recorded on the side of the troops. Two motorcycles were recovered from the scene,” the statement noted.
In Adamawa State, troops foiled an armed robbery attempt in Barama community, Mubi North Local Government Area, following a distress call on January 29.
“Two armed robbery suspects attempting to attack a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, were arrested. One suspect sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh and was evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre, Mubi, for treatment,” Uba said.
Recovered items included three cutlasses, two laptops, four mobile phones and a power bank. The suspects were later handed over to the police for further investigation.
The military also reported that on January 28, troops working with local vigilantes rescued an abducted woman during a patrol along the Amtasa–Washim axis in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
“The patrol team engaged terrorists with a high volume of fire, forcing them to withdraw in disarray,” the statement said, adding that weapons and ammunition were recovered during the operation.
The Joint Task Force assured residents that security across the North-East remains stable, reaffirming its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace in the region.
“Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to protecting lives and property and working with local communities and critical stakeholders to ensure peace and economic stability across the North-East,” the statement added.
