Troops Record Major Victory Against Boko Haram/ISWAP in Sambisa, Mandara Mountains

January 22 22:25 2026 by The Ajasa News Print This Article

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have recorded a major operational success against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (BH/ISWAP) terrorists following coordinated offensives across the Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains axis.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Defence Headquarters, the operations were conducted under Operation DESERT SANITY V on 22 January 2026. The terrorists reportedly attempted a well-coordinated ambush on military troops using roadside improvised explosive devices (RSIEDs) and heavy gunfire. However, troops of Sector 1 swiftly repelled the attack with superior firepower.
In the encounter, 10 terrorists were neutralised, including two senior commanders identified as Basulhu and Ubaida. A follow-up pursuit and exploitation of the area led to the recovery of a cache of arms, logistics, and communication equipment. Items recovered included 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 improvised explosive device (IED) components.
On a separate axis around the Malkube area, troops of Sector 1 made further contact with fleeing terrorists, neutralising two insurgents without any casualties to military personnel. Additional AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and communication devices were also recovered during the operation.
Earlier in the day, another battle group from Sector 1 intercepted BH/ISWAP elements attempting to infiltrate Nigeria from Cameroon through the Galakura area. The terrorists were forced to retreat in disarray, while subsequent exploitation of the location led to the recovery of more insurgent equipment and two motorcycles, further restricting their operational mobility.
The Defence Headquarters stated that troop morale and combat efficiency remain high, adding that sustained operations will continue across the entire North East region to deny terrorists freedom of action.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their gallantry and professionalism, urging them to maintain the current operational tempo in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
The statement was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI.