Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have recorded significant operational successes across the North-East.
The troops disrupted insurgent networks and foiled criminal activities through sustained, intelligence-driven operations.
This was confirmed in a statement by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force, Lt. Sani Uba, on Saturday.
The statement further disclosed the killing of Julaibib, a top commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), during a military encounter around Kimba, in the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, on 10 January 2026.
Julaibib was a key ISWAP leader operating within the Gujba axis of the notorious Timbuktu Triangle.
Uba said his elimination has thrown ISWAP elements in the area into disarray, with several fighters reportedly neutralised during the operation.
The development is considered a major setback to the group’s command and control structure in the region.
In a related operation, OPHK troops, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, neutralised three terrorists during a well-coordinated ambush between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in Borno State.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops laid an ambush along a known insurgent route and engaged the terrorists with effective firepower.
While three insurgents were killed, others reportedly fled with gunshot wounds, and troops recovered two AK-47 rifles.
Further consolidating these gains, troops deployed at an ambush position in Tsokorok, Gwoza Local Government Area, engaged Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on 29 January 2026.
One terrorist was neutralised during the encounter, while the remaining insurgents were forced to withdraw.
No casualties were recorded on the side of the troops, and two motorcycles were recovered.
In another operation in Adamawa State on 29 January 2026, troops swiftly responded to a distress call from the Barama community, Mubi North LGA, successfully foiling an armed robbery attempt.
Two suspects attempting to attack a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, were arrested.
One of the suspects sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh while attempting to confront the troops and was evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre, Mubi, for treatment.
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The suspects were later handed over to the Nigerian Police for further investigation.
Recovered items included three cutlasses, two laptops, four mobile phones, and a power bank.
Earlier, on 28 January 2026, troops, in collaboration with local vigilantes, conducted a fighting patrol along the Amtasa–Washim axis in Hong Local Government Area.
During the patrol, troops engaged terrorists with a high volume of fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
The patrol team also rescued a woman abducted by the terrorists and recovered **one AK-47 rifle (Reg. No. 2056792), one SMG rifle, two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 42 rounds of assorted ammunition.
Military authorities say the overall security situation across the theatre remains stable, stressing that Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property, dismantling terrorist networks, and working with local communities and key stakeholders to restore lasting peace and economic stability in the North-East.
