Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI have killed a top Islamic State West Africa Province commander and foiled criminal operations, the force said on Saturday.
The force in a statement signed by Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, revealed that the top ISWAP commander was killed in Borno State.
“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 on 30 January 2026.
“The elimination of the terrorist leader has thrown ISWAP elements in the area into disarray, with several fighters reportedly neutralised during the operation. This impressive development represents a major blow to the command and control structure of ISWAP in the region,” the statement said.
The troops further revealed that, working with the Civilian Joint Task Force, they neutralised three terrorists during an ambush between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in Borno State.
The statement said, “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. Two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the scene.”
On 29 January, troops deployed in an ambush at Tsokorok, Gwoza LGA, engaged BH/ISWAP 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,” the statement said.
The Joint Task Force also reported successes in Adamawa State. Troops responded to a distress call from Barama community, Mubi North LGA, on 29 January, 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 and was evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre, Mubi, for treatment.
“Items recovered include three cutlasses, two laptops, four mobile phones, and one power bank. The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation,” the statement said.
Earlier, on 28 January, troops and local vigilantes conducted a patrol along the Amtasa–Washim axis in Hong LGA.
“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,” the statement said.
The statement added that the general security situation across the theatre remains stable, with OPHK committed “to protect lives and property, dismantle terrorist networks, and work with local communities and security critical stakeholders to restore lasting peace and economic stability across the North-East region.” (Punch)
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