By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
The Nigerian military has delivered a crushing blow to terrorist leadership and criminal networks in the North-East as troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), intensified intelligence-driven operations across Borno and Adamawa States.
In a landmark battlefield success, troops neutralised JULAIBIB, a high-ranking Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander operating in the Gujba axis of the notorious Timbuktu Triangle.
The terror kingpin was killed during a fierce encounter around the Kimba area of Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State, on January 30, 2026.
Military intelligence confirmed that the elimination of JULAIBIB has thrown ISWAP formations in the area into chaos, disrupting their chain of command and weakening operational cohesion.
Several other fighters were reportedly neutralised during the encounter, marking one of the most decisive blows against ISWAP leadership in recent months.
In another precision strike, troops of OPHK, working alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force, ambushed terrorists moving between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in Borno State.
Acting on credible intelligence, the troops laid a tactical ambush along the terrorists’ route, killing three insurgents on the spot.
Others escaped with gunshot wounds as troops recovered two AK-47 rifles from the scene.
The operation further tightened the military’s grip on terrorist movement corridors across the Theatre.
Sustaining the pressure, troops deployed in ambush positions at Tsokorok in Gwoza Local Government Area on January 29, 2026, made contact with Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters.
Following a brief but intense exchange of fire, the terrorists were forced to retreat.
One insurgent was neutralised, while troops recorded no casualties.
Two motorcycles used by the fleeing terrorists were recovered.
The military offensive extended beyond counter-terrorism into anti-crime operations in Adamawa State.
On January 29, troops swiftly responded to a distress call from Barama community in Mubi North Local Government Area, foiling an armed robbery attempt targeting a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi.
Two suspects were arrested, one of whom sustained a gunshot wound while attempting to confront the troops.
He was evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre, Mubi, for treatment. Recovered items included three cutlasses, two laptops, four mobile phones and a power bank.
The suspects were later handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation.
Earlier, on January 28, troops, in collaboration with local vigilantes, conducted a fighting patrol along the Amtasa–Washim axis in Hong Local Government Area.
The patrol encountered terrorists and engaged them with overwhelming firepower, forcing them to flee in disarray.
During the operation, a woman abducted by the terrorists was rescued.
Troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle with registration number 2056792, two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one submachine gun and 42 rounds of assorted ammunition.
Military authorities say the overall security situation across the North-East Theatre remains stable, assuring that Operation HADIN KAI will sustain offensive momentum against terrorists and criminals.
The force reiterated its resolve to protect lives and property, dismantle terror networks and deepen collaboration with local communities and critical security stakeholders to restore lasting peace and economic stability in the region.
