Troops Neutralise ISWAP Commander, Others, Arrest Armed Robbers In Borno, Adamawa

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded major operational successes across the North-East region, neutralising high-value terrorist targets, disrupting insurgent activities, and foiling criminal operations through sustained, intelligence-driven actions.

A statement issued to journalists on Saturday in Maiduguri, Borno State, by the media information officer of OPHK, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said in a significant breakthrough, 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 local government area of the State, on Friday, January 30, 2026.

He said further intelligence revealed that the elimination of the terrorist leader has thrown ISWAP elements in the area into disarray, with several fighters reportedly neutralised during the operation.

Lt. Col. Uba said this impressive development represents a major blow to the command and control structure of ISWAP in the region.

He said in a related operation, troops of OPHK, working in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), neutralised three terrorists during a well-coordinated ambush between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in Borno State.

The OPHK media information officer added that the operation followed credible intelligence on insurgent movements in the area, saying that 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.

According to him, two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the scene, adding that the operation formed part of sustained efforts to deny terrorists freedom of movement and degrade their operational capabilities across the Theatre.

He said further consolidating these gains, on January 29, 2026, troops deployed in an ambush position at Tsokorok, Gwoza LGA of Borno State, came in contact with Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, adding that the ambush team engaged the terrorists, forcing them to withdraw.

“One terrorist was neutralised, with no casualties recorded on the side of the troops. Two motorcycles were recovered from the scene. Meanwhile, troops also recorded multiple successes in Adamawa State. Also, on 29 January 2026, troops responded swiftly to a distress call from Barama community, Mubi North LGA, foiling an armed robbery attempt. 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 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 include 3 cutlasses, 2 laptops, 4 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. 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 (Reg. No. 2056792) with 2 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one SMG rifle, and 42 rounds of assorted ammunition,” Lt Col Uba further said.

He noted that the general security situation across the theatre remained stable while OPHK remained resolute in its commitment to protect lives and property, dismantle terrorist networks, and work with local communities and critical security stakeholders to restore lasting peace and economic stability across the North-East region.