Sambisa

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded a major operational success with the killing of a senior Boko Haram commander, Abu Khalid, alongside 10 other terrorists during a night operation in Borno State.

This is contained in a statement signed by Sani Uba, Lieutenant Colonel and Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, and dated February 1, 2026.

Abu Khalid was identified as the second-in-command of Boko Haram in the Sambisa Forest. He was also described as a key figure within the terrorist hierarchy who coordinated operations and logistics across the Sambisa axis.

The development came less than 24 hours after troops neutralised another notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib, who operated within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle.

According to the military, troops of Sector 1, working with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) under Operation DESERT SANITY, engaged the terrorists at the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area at about 11:00 p.m. during a night offensive.

Following the encounter, the troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, magazines, several bicycles, assorted logistics and food supplies, as well as a large quantity of medical consumables.

The military confirmed that no casualty was recorded among the troops during the operation. It added that the morale of personnel remains high as clearance operations continue across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle and other known Boko Haram and ISWAP hideouts in the North East.

The Joint Task Force, North East, reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the tempo of operations until all terrorist elements are neutralised and lasting peace and economic stability are restored to the region.

The Military High Command also commended the troops for their sacrifices and dedication in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities in the North East, while urging them to maintain the current operational momentum.

By Uzair Adam

Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) has called on the military under the Theatre Command, North East ‘Operation Hadin Kai,’ to step up operations to eliminate Boko Haram remnants hiding in the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, and border areas between Gwoza and the Republic of Cameroon.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Ndume expressed concern over recent terrorist attacks, which have negatively impacted farmers resettled in liberated communities such as Ngoshe, Kirawa, Warabe, Wala, Pulka, and Gwoza town.

The insurgents have been looting unmatured crops, further hindering the economic recovery of these areas.

Ndume urged the military and other security agencies to intensify efforts to clear the terrorists still present in the Sambisa Forest and other hideouts near the Cameroon-Nigeria border.

He also praised Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for his significant contributions to the reconstruction of 10 Gwoza communities destroyed by the insurgents.

Additionally, the senator lauded the military for deploying a medical doctor to Ngoshe, providing free medical services to over 10,000 people in the area.

During a visit to his senatorial district, Ndume distributed agricultural inputs, including fertilizers, insecticides, and cash, to farmers.

He also provided solar streetlights and inspected land designated for the construction of 500 housing units to resettle displaced persons in Warabe, part of Governor Zulum’s rebuilding initiative.

Ndume expressed his gratitude to the community and urged for continued development, while acknowledging that Zulum’s efforts have surpassed expectations.

By Anwar Usman

Troops of the Nigerian Army, deployed for a special operation in Sambisa Forest, have eliminated 11 Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists.

The Nigerian Army, in a statement on its official Twitter handle, disclosed this on Saturday.

It said the feat was achieved in coordinated special clearance operations with a hybrid force against a terrorists’ enclave in Jongo Village within the notorious Sambisa Forest.

It stated that the troops targeted the portion and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, killing some while others fled in disarray.

The army stated that its troops conducted further exploitation ahead of the enclave, leading to the capture of some weapons.

According to the post, the arms include 99 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm on a metal link, 19 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm, 3 AK-47 rifle magazines, two 36-hand grenades, and two locally made guns.

“This successful operation showcases the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian army in combating terrorism and securing in the region.

“The neutralisation of ISWAP terrorists and the confiscation of their weapons will undoubtedly contribute to enhancing security and stability in the area.

The post added that, “This further demonstrated the commitment of the Nigerian military to eradicating terrorism and protecting the citizens”.

By Muhammad Sabiu