Troops Kill Terrorists Leader Munzir, Arrest 34 Others In Borno

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said troops have eliminated terrorists leader, Munzir (otherwise known as Baa Yanziye), alongside many others during airstrikes and arrested 34 terrorists in two weeks operations in the North-East region.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, said a terrorists leader identified as Yakubu Adamu surrendered to troops with his arms and ammunition at Azir Wajiroko general area.

He said troops between January 1 – 15, 2026, conducted operations against terrorists in Gwoza, Konduga, Bama and Damboa LGAs of Borno State. Other areas covered were Askira Uba, Chibok, Mafa and Guzamala in the same state.

He said similar operations were conducted in Hong and Madagali LGAs of Adamawa State as well as Damaturu and Gujba LGAs of Yobe State.

He added that troops during the encounters neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested 34 and rescued 17 kidnap victims.

Similarly, a suicide bomber identified as Ibrahim Muhammed identified one Shariff Umar (a.k.a Yusuf) as a ringleader of a terrorists cell who masterminded the suicide bombing attack on Gamboru Market Mosque on December 24, 2025.

Some of his accomplices also identified were his wife, stepdaughter (Amina) and Yagana Modu.

General Onoja said significant quantities of arms and ammunition were recovered, while a terrorists leader identified as Yakubu Adamu surrendered to troops.

Furthermore, troops successfully foiled coordinated terrorist attacks in Adamawa and Borno States in the early hours of January 16, 2026.

According to him, the terrorists in Adamawa State attempted to overrun a patrol base at Sabon Gari, Madagali LGA, but were swiftly repelled by alert troops with reinforcements from Gulak and the Battalion Quick Reaction Force, without any casualties to own troops or equipment.

He said the area was later cleared of IEDs and booby traps.

In a related incident in Borno State, terrorists launched a large-scale, multi-directional attack on Forward Operating Base Azir, however, troops supported by the Air Component and other aerial platforms, engaged the attackers in a prolonged firefight and forced them to withdraw.

He admitted that some facilities were damaged by RPG fire but the troops retained control.

The Director said follow-up airstrikes tracked and neutralised fleeing terrorists, resulting in heavy casualties while several weapons and ammunition were recovered.

Relatedly, Air Interdiction and Close Air Support Missions Between January 1 – 3, 2026, killed well known terrorists leader Munzir (otherwise known as Baa Yanziye) and also neutralised many others during the strikes.