By Sabiu Abdullahi
Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have achieved notable operational successes across the North-East, following sustained intelligence-led military actions against terrorist groups and criminal elements in the region.
This is contained in a statement signed by Sani Uba, Lieutenant Colonel, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, on January 31, 2026.
According to the statement, intelligence sources confirmed the killing of JULAIBIB, a senior ISWAP commander operating along the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle. The terrorist leader was killed during a clash with troops around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State on January 30, 2026.
Further intelligence reports indicated that the development threw ISWAP fighters in the area into confusion, as several of them were also eliminated during the encounter. The development dealt a significant blow to the group’s command and control structure in the area.
In another operation, OPHK troops, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, neutralised three terrorists during a carefully planned ambush between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in Borno State. The operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of insurgents within the area. Troops positioned themselves along the identified route and engaged the terrorists with effective firepower. Three insurgents were killed, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. Two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the scene. The military said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to restrict terrorist movement and weaken their operational capacity across the theatre.
Similarly, on January 29, 2026, troops deployed on an ambush at Tsokorok in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State encountered Boko Haram and ISWAP elements. The troops engaged the terrorists, which forced them to retreat. One terrorist was neutralised during the encounter, while no casualty was recorded among the troops. Two motorcycles were recovered at the scene.
Troops also recorded several successes in Adamawa State. On January 29, 2026, soldiers responded to a distress call from Barama community in Mubi North Local Government Area, where they foiled an armed robbery attempt. Two suspects who attempted to attack a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, were arrested. One of the suspects sustained a gunshot wound on the thigh while attempting to confront the troops and was taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Mubi, for medical treatment. The suspects were later handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation. Items recovered from them included three cutlasses, two laptops, four mobile phones, and one power bank.
Earlier, on January 28, 2026, troops, in collaboration with local vigilantes, carried out a fighting patrol along the Amtasa–Washim axis in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State. During the patrol, the troops encountered terrorists and engaged them with heavy fire, which forced the attackers to flee in confusion. The troops also rescued a woman who had been abducted by the terrorists. Weapons recovered during the operation included one AK-47 rifle with registration number 2056792, two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one SMG rifle, and 42 rounds of assorted ammunition.
According to the military, the overall security situation across the theatre remains stable. Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, dismantling terrorist networks, and working closely with local communities and relevant security stakeholders to restore lasting peace and economic stability across the North-East.