Troops Neutralise 12 Terrorists in Sambisa, Mandara Mountains, Recover Firearms, Motorcycles
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have recorded a major operational success against Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (BH/ISWAP) terrorists following coordinated engagements along the Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains axis.
The military operation, conducted on January 22, 2026, under Operation DESERT SANITY V, thwarted a planned ambush by insurgents who attempted to attack troops using roadside improvised explosive devices (RSIEDs) and heavy gunfire.
According to a statement by the Headquarters, Joint Task Force (North East), troops of Sector 1 responded with superior firepower, neutralising 10 terrorists, including two senior commanders identified as Basulhu and Ubaida.
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A follow-up pursuit and exploitation of the area led to the recovery of a cache of arms and logistics, including 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-making accessories.
In a separate operation around the Malkube area, Sector 1 troops engaged another group of insurgents, neutralising two terrorists without any casualties on the side of the military. Additional weapons, ammunition, and communication devices were also recovered during the operation.
Earlier in the day, another battle group intercepted BH/ISWAP elements attempting to infiltrate into Nigeria from Cameroon near the Galakura axis. The troops forced the terrorists to retreat in disarray, with subsequent exploitation of the area yielding more insurgent equipment and two motorcycles.
The military high command commended the troops for their gallantry and professionalism, urging them to sustain the operational tempo across the North East region.
Troops’ morale and combat efficiency, the statement noted, remain high as operations continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement and operational space.
The statement was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI.
By PRNigeria
