In a significant blow to terrorist operations in the North-East, the Nigerian military has confirmed the elimination of a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander known as Julaibib.
The operation, conducted by troops of the Joint Task Force North East under Operation Hadin Kai, took place on Friday around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State following an intense encounter.
Intelligence sources identified Julaibib as a key figure operating within the Gujba axis of the notorious Timbuktu Triangle, an insurgent enclave linking parts of southern Borno and northern Yobe. He was described as central to coordinating insurgent activities, movements, and attacks in that area.
Military authorities stated the operation was intelligence-driven, specifically targeting the terrorist leader as part of sustained efforts to dismantle ISWAP’s command and control structure. Several other ISWAP fighters were reportedly neutralized during the engagement, with others fleeing the scene.
The death of this high-value target has reportedly thrown ISWAP elements in the Gujba–Timbuktu Triangle axis into disarray, significantly weakening their operational cohesion.
In a series of coordinated actions across the region, Operation Hadin Kai troops, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), neutralized three terrorists in an ambush between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in Borno State. Two AK-47 rifles were recovered.
Separately, on January 29, troops in an ambush position at Tsokorok, Gwoza Local Government Area, engaged Boko Haram/ISWAP elements, killing one terrorist and recovering two motorcycles. No casualties were recorded among the troops.
Successes extended to Adamawa State, where a swift military response to a distress call in Barama community, Mubi North, foiled an armed robbery attempt. Two suspects were arrested and handed over to the Nigeria Police.
Furthermore, on January 28, troops and local vigilantes engaged terrorists along the Amtasa–Washim axis in Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa, forcing their retreat, rescuing an abducted woman, and recovering weapons and ammunition.
The military, in a press release, assured that the overall security situation in the North-East theatre remains stable.
“The commitment of Operation Hadin Kai to protect lives and property, dismantle terrorist networks, and work closely with communities and other stakeholders to restore lasting peace and economic stability in the region remains unwavering,” the statement concluded.
