The Nigerian military has recorded a major operational success with the killing of a top Islamic State West Africa Province commander during an intelligence-led operation in Borno State.
The operation was carried out by troops of the Joint Task Force North East under Operation Hadin Kai.
According to a release from the Headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday, said the ISWAP commander, known as Julaibib, was killed on Friday during a fierce encounter around Kimba in Damboa local government area.
Military intelligence identified Julaibib as a senior ISWAP commander operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle, a strategic insurgent enclave linking southern Borno and northern Yobe states.
The military said the operation was aimed at dismantling ISWAP’s command and control structure and disrupting coordinated attacks in the area.
Several ISWAP fighters were neutralized during the encounter, while others fled the location with injuries.
Security sources described Julaibib as a high-value target whose activities centered on coordinating attacks, movements, and logistics around Gujba and neighboring communities.
The source said his elimination has significantly weakened ISWAP’s operational cohesion in the Timbuktu Triangle axis.
In a related operation, troops of Operation Hadin Kai, working with the Civilian Joint Task Force, neutralized three terrorists during an ambush between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in Borno State.
The ambush followed credible intelligence on insurgent movement along the route.
Two AK-47 rifles were recovered, while other terrorists reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.
On January 29, 2026, troops deployed at Tsokorok in Gwoza local government area engaged Boko Haram and ISWAP elements, killing one terrorist and recovering two motorcycles.
No casualties were recorded among the troops during the operation.
Beyond Borno State, troops also recorded success in Adamawa State following a rapid response to a distress call in Barama community, Mubi North local government area.
The operation foiled an armed robbery attempt, leading to the arrest of two suspects who were handed over to the Nigeria Police.
Recovered items included laptops, mobile phones, and cutlasses.
On January 28, 2026, troops working with local vigilantes also engaged terrorists along the Amtasa–Washim axis in Hong local government area.
The terrorists were forced to retreat, and an abducted woman was rescued during the operation.
Weapons and ammunition were recovered during the engagement.
The military said the security situation across the North East theatre remains stable.
It reaffirmed the commitment of Operation Hadin Kai to protect lives and property, dismantle terrorist networks, and work with communities to restore lasting peace and economic stability in the region.
