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

In a major breakthrough, military intelligence confirmed the killing of a top Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, identified as Julaibib, during a fierce encounter around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State on January 30, 2026.

The slain commander was said to have been operating within the Gujba axis of the notorious Timbuktu Triangle, an area long considered a stronghold for terrorist activities.

Security sources disclosed that the elimination of the high-profile terrorist leader has thrown ISWAP elements in the area into confusion, with several fighters reportedly killed in the encounter.

The successful operation is believed to have dealt a severe blow to the command and control structure of the terrorist group in the North-East.

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

The operation followed credible intelligence reports indicating insurgent movement along the axis.

Acting on the information, troops strategically laid an ambush along the identified route and engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, resulting in the neutralisation of three insurgents, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the scene of the encounter.

Military authorities said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to deny terrorists freedom of movement and to further degrade their operational capabilities within the theatre of operations.

The latest successes underscore the resolve of Operation HADIN KAI to sustain the offensive against insurgents and restore lasting peace and security to the North-East region.