Troops kill top ISWAP commander, foil multiple attacks

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have killed a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander and disrupted multiple terrorist and criminal activities across parts of Borno and Adamawa states.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East), Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, confirmed that the ISWAP leader, identified as Julaibib, was eliminated during an encounter in Borno State.

“Intelligence has confirmed the killing of Julaibib, a top ISWAP commander operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle, during an encounter around Kimba, Damboa LGA of Borno State on 30 January 2026,” the statement said.

According to the task force, the operation caused significant disruption within ISWAP ranks, with several fighters also neutralised.

“The elimination of the terrorist leader has thrown ISWAP elements in the area into disarray… representing a major blow to the command and control structure of ISWAP in the region,” it added.

The troops, working alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force, also ambushed terrorists between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities, killing three insurgents and recovering two AK-47 rifles.

“Troops tactically laid an ambush… resulting in the neutralisation of three insurgents, while others fled with gunshot injuries,” the statement said.

Further encounters in Gwoza LGA led to the killing of another terrorist and the recovery of two motorcycles. In Adamawa State, troops foiled an armed robbery attempt in Mubi North, arresting two suspects and recovering weapons and electronic items.

“Two armed robbery suspects attempting to attack a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, were arrested,” the task force disclosed.

Security patrols in Hong LGA also forced terrorists to retreat, while a kidnapped woman was rescued and assorted arms and ammunition recovered.