ISWAP commander killed as Operation HADIN KAI records major successes in Borno and Adamawa, foiling attacks and rescuing a victim

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI have killed a top Islamic State West Africa Province commander during a military encounter in Borno State, the force confirmed on Saturday.

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In a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at Headquarters Joint Task Force, intelligence reports confirmed the death of Julaibib, a senior ISWAP commander operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle.

The encounter occurred around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area on January 30, 2026.

“The elimination of the terrorist leader has thrown ISWAP elements in the area into disarray, with several fighters reportedly neutralised during the operation.

This impressive development represents a major blow to the command and control structure of ISWAP in the region,” the statement said.

Troops working in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force also neutralised three terrorists during an ambush between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in Borno State.

Two AK-47 rifles were recovered, while other insurgents reportedly fled with gunshot injuries.

On January 29, troops laid an ambush at Tsokorok in Gwoza Local Government Area, engaging BH and ISWAP fighters and forcing them to retreat. One insurgent was neutralised, and two motorcycles were recovered, with no casualties recorded among the troops.

The Joint Task Force reported further successes in Adamawa State. Troops responding to a distress call from Barama community in Mubi North Local Government Area foiled an armed robbery attempt involving a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi.

Two suspects were arrested, with one sustaining a gunshot wound. Items recovered included three cutlasses, two laptops, four mobile phones, and a power bank. The suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation.

Earlier, on January 28, troops and local vigilantes conducting patrols along the Amtasa–Washim axis in Hong Local Government Area engaged terrorists and forced them to withdraw.

The patrol team rescued a woman abducted by the group and recovered an AK-47 rifle, a submachine gun, and assorted ammunition.

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The statement noted that the general security situation across the theatre remains stable, with Operation HADIN KAI committed to protecting lives and property, dismantling terrorist networks, and working with local communities and security stakeholders to restore lasting peace and economic stability in the North-East.