Top ISWAP Commander Killed as Troops Intensify Offensive in Timbuktu Triangle

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

In a major breakthrough, intelligence has confirmed the killing of JULAIBIB, a top ISWAP commander operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle.

The terrorist leader was neutralised during an encounter around Kimba, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, on 30 January 2026. Further intelligence revealed that his elimination has thrown ISWAP elements in the area into disarray, with several fighters reportedly neutralised during the operation. This development represents a significant blow to the command and control structure of ISWAP in the region.

In a related operation, troops of OPHK, working in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), neutralised three terrorists during a well-coordinated ambush between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in Borno State. Acting on credible intelligence, troops tactically laid an ambush along the identified route and engaged the insurgents with effective firepower. While three terrorists were neutralised, others fled with gunshot injuries. Two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the scene.

Further consolidating these gains, on 29 January 2026, troops deployed in an ambush position at Tsokorok, Gwoza LGA, made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists. The ambush team engaged the insurgents, forcing them to withdraw in disarray. One terrorist was neutralised, with no casualties recorded on the side of the troops. Two motorcycles were recovered.

Meanwhile, troops also recorded notable successes in Adamawa State. On 29 January 2026, troops responded swiftly to a distress call from Barama community, Mubi North LGA, foiling an armed robbery attempt. Two armed robbery suspects attempting to attack a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, were arrested. One suspect sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh while attempting to confront the troops and was evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre, Mubi, for treatment.

The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation. Items recovered include three cutlasses, two laptops, four mobile phones, and one power bank.
Earlier, on 28 January 2026, troops in conjunction with local vigilantes conducted a fighting patrol along the Amtasa–Washim axis in Hong Local Government Area. During the patrol, troops made contact with terrorists and engaged them with heavy firepower, forcing the insurgents to withdraw. The patrol team also rescued a woman abducted by terrorists and recovered one AK-47 rifle (Reg. No. 2056792) with two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one SMG rifle, and 42 rounds of assorted ammunition.

The general security situation across the theatre remains stable as Operation HADIN KAI continues to demonstrate unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, dismantling terrorist networks, and working closely with local communities and critical security stakeholders to restore lasting peace and economic stability across the North-East.