Army eliminates ISWAP leader, disrupts terror operations in Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have killed a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander and disrupted several terrorist and criminal operations across Borno and Adamawa states.

The task force disclosed this in a statement on Saturday signed by its Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Sani Uba.

According to the statement, intelligence confirmed that a top ISWAP commander identified as Julaibib was killed during a military encounter around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State on January 30.

The commander, who operated within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle, was reportedly eliminated alongside several fighters.

“The elimination of the terrorist leader has thrown ISWAP elements in the area into disarray, with several fighters neutralised during the operation. This development represents a major blow to the command and control structure of ISWAP in the region,” the statement said.

In a separate operation carried out in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, troops laid an ambush along a route between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in Borno, where three terrorists were killed. Two AK-47 rifles were recovered, while others reportedly fled with injuries.

On January 29, troops deployed at Tsokorok in Gwoza LGA also engaged suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters, forcing them to retreat. One insurgent was killed and two motorcycles were recovered, with no casualties recorded among soldiers.

The task force also reported security gains in Adamawa State. Troops responding to a distress call in Barama community, Mubi North LGA, foiled an armed robbery attempt and arrested two suspects. One of them sustained an injury and was taken for medical treatment. Recovered items included cutlasses, laptops, mobile phones and a power bank. The suspects were later handed over to the police.

Earlier, on January 28, troops and local vigilantes conducting patrols along the Amtasa–Washim axis in Hong LGA encountered terrorists and engaged them, forcing them to withdraw. A kidnapped woman was rescued during the operation, while weapons and ammunition were recovered.

The Joint Task Force said the overall security situation across the theatre remains stable, reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives, dismantling terrorist networks and working with local communities to restore lasting peace and economic stability in the North-East.