Operation HADIN KAI Hits Hard on BH/ISWAP in Sambisa and Mandara Mountains, Eliminates 12 Terrorists
Maiduguri, January 23, 2026
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have recorded significant operational successes against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in the Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains during combat operations conducted on January 22, 2026.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba. According to the statement, the operations were carried out under Operation DESERT SANITY V and involved coordinated ground offensives by Sector 1 troops.
The statement revealed that troops successfully foiled an attempted terrorist ambush involving the use of roadside Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and heavy gunfire. In the ensuing engagement, 10 terrorists were neutralised, including two senior commanders identified as Basulhu and Ubaida. Following the encounter, troops conducted exploitation of the area and recovered several weapons and assorted logistics belonging to the terrorists.
In a separate operation around Malkube, troops engaged another group of terrorists, killing two additional fighters. Arms, ammunition, and communication equipment were recovered during the encounter, with no casualties recorded on the side of the troops.
The statement further noted that another unit of Operation HADIN KAI intercepted terrorists attempting to infiltrate Nigerian territory from Cameroon near Galakura. The terrorists were forced to retreat under heavy fire, abandoning motorcycles and supplies in the process.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba assured that offensive operations are ongoing across the North East, with troops maintaining high morale and strong combat effectiveness. He reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements until lasting peace is restored to the region.
The military also called on members of the public to continue supporting ongoing operations by providing credible intelligence on the locations and movements of terrorists, noting that such cooperation remains critical to the success of counter-terrorism efforts.
