Military Operation Kills Top ISWAP Commander in Borno

A senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has been killed in a military operation in Borno State, dealing a significant blow to the terrorist group’s leadership in the region.

The Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, announced the development on Saturday, stating that the commander, known as Julaibib, was eliminated during an engagement around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area on January 30. Julaibib was reportedly a key figure operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle.

Military authorities said his death has disrupted ISWAP’s command structure and caused disarray among fighters in the area, with several other insurgents killed in the same operation.

Related Clashes and Recoveries

In a separate incident also in Borno State, troops aided by the Civilian Joint Task Force ambushed terrorists between the communities of Ngazalgana and Lamusheri. The engagement resulted in three insurgents killed and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, with others reportedly fleeing with injuries.

Another ambush by troops in Gwoza Local Government Area on January 29 forced a group of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists to withdraw. One militant was killed in that clash, and two motorcycles were seized. No casualties were reported among the soldiers.

Success in Adamawa State

The Joint Task Force also reported foiling criminal activities in neighboring Adamawa State. On January 29, troops responded to a distress call in Mubi North LGA, arresting two armed robbery suspects who were allegedly attempting to attack a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi. One suspect was injured during the arrest.

Recovered items included three cutlasses, two laptops, and several mobile phones. The suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police for investigation.

A day earlier, on January 28, a joint patrol with local vigilantes along the Amtasa-Washim axis in Hong LGA engaged terrorists, forcing them to retreat. During this operation, the security forces rescued an abducted woman and recovered an AK-47 rifle, a submachine gun, and a cache of ammunition.

Commitment to Stability

In its statement, the military high command affirmed that the general security situation across the North-East theatre remains stable. It reiterated Operation HADIN KAI’s commitment to protecting civilians, dismantling terrorist networks, and collaborating with communities and stakeholders to restore lasting peace and economic stability to the region.