Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have recorded a major battlefield success against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (BH/ISWAP) terrorists in a coordinated offensive across the Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains axis of Borno State.
The operation, conducted on January 22, 2026 under Operation DESERT SANITY V, foiled what military sources described as a carefully planned terrorist ambush involving roadside improvised explosive devices (RSIEDs) and sustained heavy gunfire targeted at advancing troops.
According to the Nigerian Army, troops of Sector 1 responded swiftly with overwhelming firepower, outmaneuvering the insurgents and neutralising 10 terrorists, including two senior commanders identified as Basulhu and Ubaida, during the intense exchange.
Following the encounter, troops pursued fleeing elements deep into the rugged terrain, leading to the recovery of a significant cache of arms, logistics, and bomb-making materials. Items recovered include three AK-47 rifles, one pump-action rifle, five motorcycles, two hand grenades, two Baofeng radios, 12 AK-47 magazines, a rocket-propelled grenade charger, detonation cords, batteries, bandoliers, camel bags, iron bars, and other IED components.
On a separate offensive axis around the Malkube area, Sector 1 troops again made contact with terrorist elements, neutralising two additional insurgents without any casualty on the side of the Nigerian military. More AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and communication devices were recovered during the operation.
Earlier in the day, another battle group under Sector 1 intercepted BH/ISWAP fighters attempting to infiltrate Nigeria from Cameroon through the Galakura axis. The terrorists were forced to retreat in disarray after a decisive engagement, abandoning equipment and supplies, including two motorcycles, further crippling their mobility.
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Military sources noted that the sustained pressure across multiple fronts has significantly denied the terrorists freedom of movement and disrupted their operational plans within the border communities and forest enclaves.
The Nigerian military confirmed that troop morale and combat efficiency remain high, assuring that offensive operations will continue relentlessly across the entire North East region to dismantle remaining terrorist networks.
Commending the troops for their gallantry, the Military High Command urged them to maintain the current operational tempo until all threats are eliminated.
The update was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, reaffirming the Army’s commitment to restoring peace and security in the region.
