Military Confirms Killing Of Top ISWAP Commander
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai have killed a top Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander and thwarted several terrorist and criminal activities across Borno and Adamawa States, the military confirmed on Saturday.
In a statement signed by the Media Information Officer of the JTF Headquarters, Lt Colonel Sani Uba, the military said intelligence confirmed the elimination of Julaibib, a key ISWAP commander operating in the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle.
The operation took place around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State on 30 January 2026.
The statement said, “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 military also disclosed that troops, working with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), neutralised three terrorists during an ambush between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in Borno State.
The ambush was carried out along a known terrorist route using tactical firepower, leading to the death of three insurgents, while others escaped with gunshot injuries.
Two AK-47 rifles were recovered during the operation.
In another operation on 29 January, troops laid an ambush in Tsokorok, Gwoza Local Government Area, forcing Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists to withdraw.
One terrorist was neutralised during the encounter, while no casualties were recorded among the troops.
Two motorcycles were recovered from the scene.
The JTF further reported operational successes in Adamawa State.
On 29 January, troops responded to a distress call from Barama community in Mubi North Local Government Area, foiling an armed robbery attack on a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi.
Two suspects were arrested during the operation, with one sustaining a gunshot wound to the thigh and taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Mubi for treatment.
Items recovered included three cutlasses, two laptops, four mobile phones and one power bank.
The suspects were later handed over to the Nigerian Police for further investigation.
Earlier, on 28 January, JTF troops in collaboration with local vigilantes conducted a patrol along the Amtasa–Washim axis in Hong Local Government Area.
The patrol engaged terrorists with heavy fire, forcing them to retreat.
A woman abducted by the insurgents was rescued during the operation.
Troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle with registration number 2056792, two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one SMG rifle and 42 rounds of assorted ammunition.
The military said the general security situation across the theatre remains stable.
Operation Hadin Kai reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, dismantling terrorist networks and working with local communities and security stakeholders to restore lasting peace and economic stability in Nigeria’s North-East.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
